Recently, I was strolling through the streets of Diriyah, and something caught my eye – a group of people standing in front of a giant gate.

Although I had somewhere to be, my curiosity got the best of me and before I knew it, I was walking through the gates to see what lay beyond. That’s how I discovered Sign Farm, a mysteriously magical spot offering a breath of fresh air, a crowd-pleasing menu, and the inviting canopy of palm trees.

Inside the seemingly farm-meets-eatery, trees rose towards the clear afternoon sky and below them were tables filled with patrons. After quickly asking a waiter about the place, I was told it was indeed what I’d perceived it to be – a farm, a restaurant, and a café all in one.

I was also informed that the space opened from 3pm till 1am, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and sit into the cooler hours of night.

When you walk in, to the right of the farm’s gate is the renowned Half Million speciality coffee chain, also known there as Half Million Farm.

The laidback floor seating at this café is something else, standing out amongst other Half Million branches in the Kingdom known for their more modern character. To the left of the gate is Sign Farm’s restaurant, offering a decent selection of burgers and beverages. A glance at the tables around me seemed to suggest top-notch ingredients and skilful plating.

I picked my spot under a tree and ordered from the reasonably priced menu, opting for a burger, fries, and a drink. My burger arrived in a bright pink bag, a delightful splash of colour in the natural setting.

As I bit into my delicious meal, the atmosphere seemed wonderful all at once – a place where you can take pleasure in the calmness around, leaving the hustle and bustle of Riyadh behind. This might explain why its clientele comprised pretty much everyone, from elders to infants, families to young groups of friends, all happily chatting and eating under welcoming palms.

@halfmillion_sa @visitdiriyah diriyah.sa

3533 Prince Abdullah Bin Abdelrahman, Al Diriyah Al Jadidah, Diriyah 13732

Muhammad Al-Ruwais