Floradale – East London’s perfect Lifestyle destination
I was lucky enough to be born in East London (too many years ago to mention) but sadly moved away with my immediate family just before entering my teens, only to return annually to holiday and visit with our relatives still living in the city.
My immediate family returned +- 25 years ago but as I was climbing the corporate ladder in Johannesburg, I could not return with them but ensured that I made 2-3 trips back to East London every year. Three years ago my need to come home to be near my family and my roots won out over the corporate ladder and I chucked it all in to come back home where I started ShowMe East London.
Why my life history you may ask? Well it is simple. In the years from my childhood, my many holidays and visits back to the city … and to date, there has always been a constant in my and my families lives, Floradale, East London. This little ‘place of magic’ has always been our go to escape and has and still is often our first choice when looking for a lovely day out.
Today Floradale has become the perfect lifestyle destination for families and individuals looking to avoid the madding crowds. As a destination it has something for everyone and this handpicked selection of laid-back lifestyle venues makes sure that no-one in the family is left out.
Floradale Nursery
Owned and run by the Muller family, the Floradale Nursery is a gardeners ultimate delight. Offering every type of plant you could hope for, a wide range of herbs, garden accessories and the best gardening advice you could hope for, it is not a surprise that plants from Floradale Nursery have been exported all over the world and spotted internationally (by my own family) as far as Hawaii. If you love gardening, we recommend you hitch a very large trailer to the back of your very large bakkie because once you see the beautiful plants they have on offer, there will be no stopping you.
Cafe Du Jardin
Shopping in the nursery can be very thirsty work and admittedly it is not necessarily the kiddies first choice of activity so we recommend you head to Cafe Du Jardin where, on a hot summers day, you can sit under the vines and enjoy natures air-conditioning while you listen to the gentle sounds of the birds and watch the kiddies play in the generous kiddies playground. Don’t rush, order a cappuccino or latte, read the newspaper and enjoy your coffee and forget you are in the city. You cannot help but think you are in the countryside and this is truly one of the ultimate places to relax in East London.
Salut
Just because you are relaxing at Cafe du Jardin does not mean you cannot multi-task (uhmm … shop)! The newest lifestyle offering at Floradale is Salut, a truly ‘horribly nice’ little foodie nook that will gobble up all your hard earned cash if you don’t have the self control to deny yourself all their tantalising little goodies and treats. With an easy garden access entrance from Cafe du Jardin (hardly seems fair, does it?), it is understandable if your Jamie Oliver wannabe genes take over while you browse through their yummy ‘foodie’ offerings, all while your kiddies are still happily entertained, playing in the playground.
The Craft Gallery
If you like hand made items or are into crafts yourself, meander through from Salut into the beautiful Craft Gallery, uniquely situated in a beautiful old historical building harking back to yesteryear. Filled to the brim with the most beautiful and unique hand-made craft items, the Craft Gallery is a feast for everyones eyes … but keep an eye on the kiddies, this is a place where they are bound to want to shop too.
The Country Bumpkin
Shopping and playing is hungry ‘work’ so why not take the family to Country Bumpkin for a wonderful meal. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this restaurant is perfect no matter the weather with a charming colourful interior and a lovely outdoor seating area where the kiddies can play. Indulge in a pizza made in their beautiful mosaic pizza oven and enjoy a refreshing ‘cold one’ or a chilled glass of wine while the kids entertain themselves on the push bikes provided or in the beautiful gardens.
Floradale Fine Art
Before you leave this wonderful venue, you simply must pop in to the Floradale Fine Art Gallery to feast your eyes on some of the beautifully locally made art on display. Featuring paintings, hand-made jewellery, ceramics as well as a wide range of other art from photography to pottery, the Floradale Art Gallery is a feast for the eyes and a must see for all art lovers.
Floradale truly is one of East London’s top destinations. Give it a visit – you will be so glad you did!