Craigie's Farm at South Queensferry launches new look cafe

A popular family-friendly cafe close to South Queensferry has gone from plain to colourful.

Those who visited Craigie’s Farm during the summer to get their punnets of strawberries might not recognise parts of the destination now. That’s because the venue has just unveiled a £200,000 makeover to its cafe, which opened back in 2007.

“The redesign and refit is part of our ten-year development plan and we are delighted to have now launched,” says John Sinclair, who owns the South Queensferry business with his wife Kirsteen Sinclair.

“The new layout and design reflects our values and heritage while giving customers an improved modern café and shopping experience."

Craigie's Farm

The extended eating area seats 240 people and is one of the farm’s attractions.

The destination draws in around 300,000 visitors annually. The farm includes a Little Farmers play park and a food shop and deli, where the owners have also invested in a bigger counter and made a few other tweaks.

Then there are all the ‘pick your own’ opportunities, as the poly-tunnel strawberries are still on the go and you can currently cut sunflowers.

From the beginning of September, you’ll also be able to harvest your own apples in their orchards and there will be pumpkins in October. Then you might have worked up an appetite for breakfast or lunch.

Craigie's Farm cafe

Before the refurbishment, the cafe’s eating area was rather nondescript and functional, with grey floors, white walls and wooden furniture. Now it’s plush and colourful, with patterned chairs and striped banquettes, thanks to the designs of Tim Wickens of Arrange Spaces

Mr Wickens says: “We wanted the design to work in harmony with the farm shop, creating a consistent, colourful and organic look. A space was needed that reflected the high-quality of the produce on offer in the café and wider farm.

"Tasteful rustic elements, such as barn doors and sliding window shutters, were incorporated. Normally associated with agricultural buildings, these features contrast nicely against bright and sophisticated fabrics.

“The main objective was to connect the café with the farm and its provenance to create a warm, attractive atmosphere. We reduced the light levels by using darker colours and adding lamp fittings that project warm, atmospheric lighting.

Craigie's Farm cafe

"We want customers to feel they are in a stylish space that is also homely and welcoming. Cosy corners were built in, and division screens used to create individual seating with added privacy.

"Soft wall panelling was specifically designed to lower noise levels whilst adding to the organic feel of the space.”

As far as the menu goes, Craigie’s Farm will continue to offer their favourites, like macaroni cheese, stovies, cakes and eggs Benedict, but there will soon be a few surprise additions.

Mr Sinclair says: “We’re currently working directly with our newly recruited food and beverage manager and other external and in-house experts, to keep menu standards high and introduce some further seasonal dishes that will be finalised very soon.

“We aim to keep some of our most popular and staple dishes, but are certainly looking to refresh, as we transition into the cosier months. All will be revealed.”

www.craigies.co.uk