We stopped in here on the way home from a wee afternoon out in Peebles. It is in a funny location in the middle of nowhere and that is coming from Carluke's resident yelper!
The name kinda gives you a clue as what to look for and sure enough there is a big red barn - funny that! But the wee cafe inside said barn is really well done, light and airy in pale blues, natural wood and lots of white. The cake table is very cleverly positioned between the door and the seating meaning you have to peruse the cakeage on your way to sitting down. Another place diets go to die, my favourite!
The staff were quick, pleasant and chatty when we initiated conversation. I prefer it that way, I hate having to endure small talk when the kids are causing havoc and I'm in serious danger of D&T's from caffeine deprivation. They get it just right in here and lots of kudos for that.
Everybody was delighted with their cake and drink, especially smudge who went all out with a hot chocolate and a chocolate brownie. She was particularly fun in the car on the way home with all that sugar coursing through her system. Because of course the very idea of having to share her cake with anyone brought tears to her eyes - I fear she may be far too like her mother!
My flat white was perfection and the date slice was the best I have had since my friends Granny died - no date slice will beat Granny B's but this came close.
If you find yourself on the A702, well you never know you might need to hot foot it from Abington to Edinburgh) it is well worth a pit stop at the Big Red Barn just don't try and bypass the cake table, you'll only regret it! read more