Featured image: Southall
Tucked into the rolling hills of Franklin, Tennessee, Southall Farm & Inn is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s a place to feed your soul. And trust me, I’ve done plenty of that at their two incredible restaurants: January and Sojourner. This is especially good news for area locals hoping to spend some time onsite, taking in the nourishing power of the property without committing to an overnight.
Whether you’re craving an indulgent brunch, a refined dinner, or a casual bite with a bucolic view, Southall delivers in spades with two dynamic options.
January: A Showstopper of a Dining Experience
If I had to pick one restaurant that makes me feel like I’m starring in a dream sequence about the perfect meal, January is it—I even spent my 30th birthday dinner in their care. This place is stunning…the dining room alone might be the most beautiful in all of Middle Tennessee, with a fireplace crackling in the background and a long communal table made from a tree that once stood on the property. And with an open kitchen, you get dinner and a show as the chefs work their magic.
January’s menu changes constantly, shifting with whatever is freshest from the farm. When available, my failproof go-tos are the melt-in-your-mouth short rib, the Greener Roots Salad packed with farm-fresh produce (even the seeds are harvested onsite!), and don’t get me started on the dinner roll-meets-biscuit phenomenon—fluffy, buttery perfection, especially when slathered with their house-made jams from Southall’s own jammery.
If you love high tea, January’s periodic tea service is an absolute must—set that alert and jump on it next time it’s offered. My fella, Peter, called it “life-affirming,” and I couldn’t agree more. As someone who spent time living in London and has sampled some of the world’s best teas (including the famed Connaught), I can confidently say that January’s tea holds its own. The finger sandwiches, the pastries, the expertly brewed teas—every detail was flawless. I could’ve sat there sipping and snacking for hours (whoops, I did).
While tea service is paused, January recently launched a Saturday and Sunday brunch ($85 per person), and it’s an all-out feast. It kicks off with a wellness shot before diving into an incredible spread: house-made biscuits with whipped honey, butter, and jam; yogurt, Greener Roots Salad, and delicate quiche; ham, candied bacon, potato latkes, and chicken sausage with apple butter and crème fraîche; and desserts that will ruin all other desserts for you: s’mores cinnamon rolls swimming in hot fudge, banana crème beignets with “foster sauce,” and mini mixed berry pop tarts
If you leave brunch anything less than blissfully full and already planning your next visit, you did it wrong.
Sojourner: Cozy, Casual, and Just as Delicious
While January is a refined, high-touch experience, Sojourner is the heart of Southall—a welcoming, all-day café that’s equal parts elegant and cozy. It’s got ornate wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous views, and a dining room that flows into a charming bar and lounge. It may be a touch more relaxed than January, but trust me, the food is every bit as special.
Sojourner does breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I’ve yet to have a meal here that didn’t leave me grinning. For breakfast, think fluffy omelets made with just-laid eggs, golden pancake stacks, and handcrafted juices, coffees, and even morning cocktails if you’re feeling fancy. For lunch & dinner, expect the same farm-to-table focus as January, but with a more laid-back vibe. When I stopped in for dinner, I had an impeccable Icelandic char, a fresh salad, and a reposado cocktail that hit all the right notes.
Overseeing both January and Sojourner is Executive Chef Andrew Klamar. Reservations are needed for access to the property. Book here.
Are you visiting Franklin, Tennessee? Check out our full, locally-curated guide here.
