Think of a street food hotspot and you might conjure up images of a trendy London neighbourhood with converted shipping containers.
But you don’t have to travel to Shoreditch, Brixton or Camden to taste cuisines from around the world al fresco – just head to Farnham Park.
Hidden up Folly Hill is Birdies Coffee House & Bar, a charming community space and one of the town’s most perfect meeting places.
In addition to selling coffee, sandwiches and wraps, it’s also a great spot for live music and comedy with recent events including an evening with Masterchef winner Chariya Khatttyot and comedy duo Luke & Elliott.
But one of the biggest draws is arguably the range of street food on offer, with different cuisines most nights to entice customers back for more.
The space is often a go-to spot for dog walkers or those enjoying a leisurely stroll around the wide green spaces of Farnham Park.
Its proximity to the golf course makes it an ideal place to stop before or after a long day on the green.
It’s open from 8am to dusk in the summer, with the space having a very homely and comfortable atmosphere thanks to its rustic and natural feel.
Birdies is great for a coffee outside the town centre and its plethora of chains, while its menu is simple and unfussy. Sandwiches and wraps are available – a Herald colleague can recommend the salt beef, pickle, cheese, mustard and salad offering – along with toasties and treats.
But summer evenings are when Birdies shines most with live events and street food coming together in fading light. Conversation and drinks flow as people let their hair down after a long day of work and treat themselves to a night off cooking.
You’ll find a different street food provider at Birdies most nights of the week with Top Nosh, Mexicali, Susan’s Cruisin’ Cuisine, Mamma Lourdes, Spinkle of Saffron and Crumpy’s Smoke Shack BBQ being recent visitors. And all top-notch they are, too.
Recent providers have also included Smokey and the Bandit, with their delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and Braai Club, who delighted and tantalised with their authentic South African BBQ experience.
The story began in October 2022 when John Quin and friend, Jack Symons, took over the lease at Farnham Park Café and Golf Club with the aim of transforming it into a community space in the heart of Farnham Park.
The rename from the Park Cafe to “Birdies” is a nod to the many birds that can be heard in Farnham Park and the adjacent golf course.
John and his wife, Amanda, have worked together to connect with local businesses, artists and charities to create events which showcase the best the Farnham area has to offer.
The addition of manager, Ben, with his years of experience and deep understanding of the catering industry and managing golf clubs, has boosted business further, with his menu of simple homely dishes matching the comfort and atmosphere of the venue.
For more look for Birdies Farnham on Facebook, Instragram or www.birdiesfarnham.co.uk