Wellies, Flat Caps and Farm Smoke: An Afternoon at Ganaby Farm with The Lamb Van

Flat Caps & Wellies is a pop-up farm dining event at Ganaby Farm, just outside Ballymoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Hosted by The Lamb Van and set at 148a Gracehill Rd, Ballymoney BT53 8LY, UK, the event runs on Saturday 3 October 2026 with dining available between 12:30 and 18:30. The formula is simple and disarming: eat outside, get your hands a little muddy, meet the animals, and let the rhythms of a working farm set the pace. Pull on wellies and bring a flat cap if you’ve got one. On arrival you’ll move between grassy pens where spring lambs nuzzle palms and older ewes chew the late-summer grass. The day centers on a sheepdog display—an old-country skill made lively—where handlers send collie dogs weaving through the herd, demonstrating precision, voice commands, and the intimate bond between handler, dog, and flock. Between demos, friendly staff invite visitors to hand-feed lambs and learn basic husbandry notes, a rare chance to see pastoral practices up close. Food comes from The Lamb Van’s mobile kitchen: grills and a generous BBQ menu built around local lamb, charred vegetables, and seasonal sides. Meals are served outdoors—picnic benches, a scattering of hay bales, and stoves or lanterns depending on the weather—so bring layers. The setting is unapologetically rural: open pasture, trimmed hedgerows, and farmland birds calling overhead. It’s a lively mix of food and farming that works for all ages; children often remember the smell of smoke and straw as much as the taste of the lamb. Why go? This pop-up compresses rural life into a convivial afternoon—families learn where food comes from, photographers find warm light and candid animal moments, and anyone who grew up in the countryside will enjoy traditions on display. The Lamb Van’s approach is casual and educational, connecting visitors to local agriculture and seasonal produce without pretense. Practical notes: expect uneven ground and typical farm smells; waterproof footwear is essential. Accessibility details are limited—contact organizers ahead if you have mobility concerns. Book through the provided FareHarbor link to reserve a dining window. For a short, sensory-filled escape from town—complete with live dogs, lambs, and a smoky plate of local lamb—Flat Caps & Wellies offers a memorable slice of the Ballymoney countryside. Arrive prepared to listen to short talks from hosts about flock health and seasonal grazing practices, and to ask questions about animal welfare and provenance; these informal conversations are part of the experience and make the meal taste that much better. Bring a small pack for layers, sun protection or a rain shell, and a reusable cup if you prefer a hot drink—The Lamb Van emphasizes low-waste service where possible. Dogs may be present for the display—check booking rules.