A little something new @ Lavender Blue
Managing to sit both bang in the middle of Beacon Bay and out in the country at the same time, Lavender Blue Market undoubtably has to be one of East London’s finest lifestyle destinations.
Extremely popular and well supported by both locals and visitors alike, Lavender Blue offers what East Londoners love best, a relaxed in and outdoor destination with plenty to do for the whole family. No matter the time of day or whatever day of the week you visit Lavender Blue Market, you are bound to find it filled with a wide cross section of the East London community from ladies getting together for tea, families enjoying a nice breakfast or lunch, to business men and women having informal business meetings in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee. Tourists and visitors to our city inevitably end up there, enjoying some of the best East London has to offer. Bad weather? No fear! With covered seating both inside, on the patio and up on the mezzanine level, there is plenty of indoor seating for those windy and wet weather days.
The menu offering delicious food and yummy goodies for the little ones, and the outdoor kiddies playground make it the perfect destination for young families with children. The recent additional outdoor seating and shading overlooking the dam has further increased the capacity at this popular venue and mom and dad can relax while the little ones enjoy the jungle gym and slides provided for their entertainment. But don’t relax too much – parents are advised to keep an eye on their children as the kiddies area is next to the dam and children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
And for mom and dad? Well we all know that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach … and to a woman’s heart is through her credit card! That being the case, the Lavender Blue Market is most definitely for you. With a weekday menu that includes breakfast, brunch, sandwiches and vegetarian there is plenty of choice to keep dad happy. Lavender Blue has extended their hours until 14h00 on Saturdays and Sundays and offers specials prepared on the day. Look out for their hearty Burger, Potato Wedges + Glass of wine for (and I quote) 69 ront (you have to be South African to understand this colloquialism)! And if food is not enough, dad can check out the wine selection available and stock up on some wines for the cold winter evenings ahead. As the saying goes … winter is coming – so while you there, stock up on some of their wonderful frozen foods and organic broths while you are at it.
And for mom, there is shopping … and lots of it. On market day, fill up your organic, environmentally aware bags with fresh produce and an array of gourmet delights and of course, no self respecting shopper will leave without browsing (and buying) some of the beautiful clothing, jewellery and knickknacks they have on show throughout the Market.
When all is said and done, there is just one last stop to make before leaving. Buy yourself a take-away coffee and take a slow meander around the quaint Michelle’s Garden Nursery. Bright and cheerful, this nursery is the perfect compliment to the Lavender Blue Market, and for those with a green thumb, there is a wonderful array of high quality plants, flowers, herbs and garden accessories scattered in higgledy piggledy rows in a perfect little eclectic green paradise. Don’t leave without your very own red bird eye chilli bush or pot of rocket or basil, and for those who like beautiful things, how about a hanging basket or two of bright and cheerful flowers. The calmness of this gorgeous little garden nursery is the perfect antidote to the stress and pressure of todays ever increasing hectic lifestyle.
There is so much to say about the Lavender Blue Market, about the natural setting, the laid back charm, the wonderful food and the gorgeous goodies, but you will only really known once you have been there yourself. Once you have, you will understand why so many love this destination and keep returning, again and again and again.