It’s funny how quickly Sheffield melts into countryside. One minute you’re dodging taxis on Ecclesall Road, the next you’re surrounded by fields, chickens and the odd Highland cow. Whirlow Hall Farm is a good example of this paradox – and tucked away in the middle of it all is The Barn Cafe, serving up locally sourced dishes, cracking coffee and the kind of views you normally have to drive another half an hour into the Peaks for.
The cafe itself is part of Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, a vital charity offering practical learning opportunities to children and young people who don’t thrive in mainstream education. The site is also a fully working farm, with everything from chickens and Highland cows to an on-site vineyard – yes, really – and a farm shop stocked with local produce and crafts.
Whirlow Hall Farm has been part of Sheffield’s landscape for centuries, but the biggest transformation came in 1979 with the creation of Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. What was once a tucked-away stable block has since been reimagined as a bright, welcoming cafe – now home to brunches, lunches, bistro evenings and even weddings.
The spot is particularly popular with families and local hikers looking for sustenance, with a menu built around the best of the farm’s own produce. “It’s a breakfast brunch menu,” Isabelle says. “You’ll find classics like eggs benedict, big bacon or sausage butties and full Englishes. We’ve also got lighter deli options – homemade sausage rolls, chips, salads – plus a specials board that changes all the time. You might see things like fish and chips, chicken Caesar salad, beetroot and fennel salads… there’s plenty of choice!”
With a large playground out back, kids are very much part of the picture too. “We’ve got a kids’ menu designed for all ages,” Isabelle adds. “Little plates for picky bits, avocado dippers, small children’s breakfasts… we even have a farm picnic!”
The cafe also plays a key role in the Trust’s educational work. Students from the farm’s on-site education centre help grow produce, handle animals and even run the coffee trailer some days. “It gives the students confidence and the opportunity to develop important life skills. And everything goes back into the Trust – they support the children with equipment they need, and loads of fun activities people can donate to.”
One of the farm’s quirkiest features is the vineyard, which produces a successful crop of grapes each year for Whirlow Hall Farm Wine. You’ll find it served in the cafe, available to buy in the farm shop and taking centre stage at the popular bistro nights – themed evenings with small plates from the chefs, perfectly paired with Whirlow Wine, including sparkling, red, white and rosé. The first vineyard tour is set to take place soon, adding another experience for guests to enjoy.
On that note, the events calendar has continued to grow, from evenings showcasing Sicilian cuisine to hog roasts and plenty of private hires. “Summer’s choc-a-bloc with weddings,” Isabelle says, “but we’re managing it well and have a great team here to keep up with demand.”
The wider farm is open to the public Thursday to Sunday, with plenty to do beyond brunch. Kids can meet rabbits and guinea pigs in the animal handling area, the shop’s stocked with everything from Whirlow Honey to handmade wool gifts, and visitors can see the farm’s resident cows grazing in the fields. The team also runs bigger events throughout the year, including the popular Highland Fling – a family-friendly day packed with activities, stalls, tractor tours and barbecues.
Practical touches make it family-friendly: there’s a large car park, loos even when the cafe’s closed and easy bus links from town. “There are a few buses that stop just around the corner, and it’s only about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Ecclesall Road South,” Isabelle points out. “It feels like the heart of the Peak District, but you don’t have to commit to the full day out.”
With cafe opening hours adjusted to accommodate the after-school crowd – 9am to 4.30pm Wednesday to Sunday – there’s more time to enjoy it all. “It’s a lovely spot. The kids can play, parents can have a coffee or a relaxing drink. It’s a really picturesque place and somewhere we feel more people should discover.”
More than anything, The Barn Cafe proves that you don’t have to trek far for countryside charm – sometimes it’s right here, tucked away on your doorstep.
whirlowhallfarm.org
@thebarnatwhirlow
FIND US
Public transport (city centre): 265, 65, 272, 81, 82 or 88 to Ecclesall Rd South/Whirlow Lane, then 10-15 min walk up Whirlow Lane and left onto Broad Elms Lane. Free parking available.
