What started as a joke amongst Facebook friends in Renfrewshire has blossomed into a spirited monthly tradition: the Macaroni Cheese Club, where local lovers of the iconic comfort dish gather to celebrate its many forms.
Speaking with Larder Magazine, Rachael Smith, who created the Macaroni Cheese Club and is a presenter for Paisley Radio, said: “It really started as a bit of a joke. I run a few different Facebook groups, and I jokingly said to my friends, ‘Oh, why isn’t there a macaroni cheese club?’ And then, of course, my friends were like, Why don’t you start one? So I did!”
The club swiftly crossed the 100-member mark, welcoming a diverse crowd – from friends of friends to strangers, with most participants being women but always open to all. “It’s open to all … some members are from my ladies group, but some of them are just strangers.”
Each month, the club meets at a different restaurant in Renfrewshire, where they pre-order macaroni cheese for the group, making the occasion both exclusive and inclusive.
Smith said: “When I phone up to book, I have to say, it’s a table for 18 of us, and we’re all going to have macaroni cheese. It’s amusing.
“We all post recommendations, or people have seen something silly, macaroni post. They’ll say, ‘I was here today and the Macaroni here was really nice!”
Local Businesses Benefit
Far from being a niche social club, the Macaroni Cheese gathering has brought tangible commercial benefits. The club highlights and supports both small local businesses and more established venues.
Smith said: “We want to support a real variety of small local businesses within the area, as well as maybe fancier places. It’s good for the town as well.” Featured venues, such as The Ugly Duck, Trattoria Roma in Johnstone, and The Bank House in Paisley, have seen increased foot traffic through group visits and energetic promotion.
Each venue’s macaroni is judged and scored by the group. The club even jokes about hosting an annual awards ceremony for the restaurants.
Smith said: “We’re joking about having an award ceremony … the last place we went to actually scored the highest, probably at 97% … maybe we’ll have an award ceremony and present a macaroni cup.”
Recipes vary: some top with golden melted cheese, others with creamy sauces, and the sides range from garlic bread to potato tots.
For many, the real draw is as much about people as pasta, as Smith puts it: “For me, it was more the love of macaroni cheese, but also the fact that it just gets people out.
“It gets people chatting and getting people together. That’s the whole idea of most of my groups, just to bring people together.”
Occasionally, ideas for spin-offs like a Steak Pie Society are floated for laughs, but macaroni remains centre stage.
Connecting the Region
Beyond boosting small businesses and local events, the club participates in a broader network of Scottish food appreciation, reflecting Paisley’s vibrant arts and music scene.
The reputation of the club has spread, with venues beyond Renfrewshire taking notice; Sloans in Glasgow has twice invited the group to take part in its “all you can eat” mac and cheese nights.
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Smith said: “Everything I do is about promoting Paisley and bringing people in. If you want to come on and talk about Paisley, you’re more than welcome.”
The Macaroni Cheese Club is far more than a “cheesy” joke: it’s a testament to Scotland’s energetic food scene and the simple joy of connecting over a shared dish.
