PineCreek ~ a country escape on our doorstep
The imminent opening of PineCreek in East London is causing great excitement, and quite understandably so – the new development, situated at Holm Hill on the Old Gonubie Road, encompasses a large children’s playground, a diesel train akin to the old Marina Glen locomotive, a farm stall, crystal shop and last but certainly not least, a beautiful restaurant and tea garden.
The brains behind the project are that of East Londoners Warren Booth and Andre du Plessis, but it was actually Warren’s mother, Denise, who originally came up with the idea. After the closure of Strawberry Fields, the children’s outdoor play area in Beacon Bay, Denise spoke of her idea to build something new for the kids, something new and very exciting…
Warren started the ball rolling with enquiries sent out to his contact in China about the logistics of getting a train shipped to South Africa and the rest, as they say, is (almost!) history…
The project, which has been a year in the making, has slowly developed and evolved into something very special. A wonderfully tranquil spot, PineCreek is located close enough to town to not have to travel far, but at enough of a distance to make you feel as though you’re really out in the countryside.
A wonderful spot for the kids, Warren and Andre have gone all out to ensure that PineCreek will provide the young ones with ultimate fun and enjoyment. In addition to the extensive play area, the train – which seats 24 – will take children on a trip around the beautiful grounds, for a minimal fee of R10 a ride. The train even has a built-in sound system to play themed music for the kids.
A beautiful deck where the children can feed the ducks and fish is an added attraction and a tuck shop selling candy floss, ice cream, cool drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs and all the other delicious food that kids adore will ensure that they won’t go hungry.
The children’s area will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm and the train will run Tuesday to Friday from 1pm to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm.
If you’re looking for a party venue for your child, you’re spoilt for choice with three separate venues to hire: Jungle Beat, Spotted Monkey and Jumping Giraffe, all different in size, catering for the various group or party sizes. You will also be able to choose from different party catering packages or have the option of just hiring the venue with the basic tables and chairs. To make things run even more smoothly, PineCreek’s fully automated website will enable you to book your child’s party online. Once confirmed, you will be able to manage your booking, pay online and make amendments up to one month prior to the party.
PineCreek Restaurant, with its delightful tea garden situated directly behind it, will be open during the day for light meals and beverages but once the children’s area closes in the afternoon, you will be able to enjoy an evening of fine-dining. Live entertainment will also set the mood throughout the week.
The restaurant has a full liquor licence and will have a smart casual dress code in the evenings, a wonderful excuse to get dressed up a little and really enjoy a fabulous night out. Closed on a Monday only, the restaurant will be open from Tuesday to Saturday until late (kitchen closes at 9pm) and until 4pm on Sundays. If visiting during the day, there will also be picnic baskets available with a choice of three different hampers.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, you can also visit PineCreek’s delightful Farmstall, stocking all locally-sourced fresh produce and preservatives. Plans to hold a flea market every second Sunday have also been confirmed, to take place behind the tea garden on the most beautiful grounds from 9am till 3pm.
Parking at the venue is ample and provisions are also in place to assist the elderly with a shuttle from the parking area furthest from the main building. PineCreek is also wheelchair friendly.
This really is a wonderful new development in East London and, although the project has evolved tremendously, Warren emphasises its focus is on being a rather magical venue for the children:
“I am very excited about this new venture and I can’t wait to see the excitement on the faces of all the children!”
Bringing something very special to East London, PineCreek will be opening its doors in early April 2015. ShowMe East London is extremely proud to see a venue of this calibre opening in our city and would like to wish Warren and Andre everything of the best with their new exciting venture.