Pinecreek Farmstall – hitting all the right notes!

Pinecreek must be one of East London’s most beautiful and unique destinations however until recently it might have been said that it was lacking a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’…. something?

There is no doubt that the kiddies play area is world class and the outdoor patio and courtyard is a one-of-a-kind, unique and beautiful alfresco cafe.  The indoor dining area never really shone despite it’s beautiful bar and lovely finishings, and the Farmstall while quaint, was never really a drawcard… that is until now!

Making the most of their beautiful country venue (so close to Beacon Bay), Pinecreek has changed focus and has beefed up the Farmstall to such a degree that it has had to move into the main indoor restaurant area, creating an inviting, warm Farmstall crammed to the hilt with locally grown and raised produce, local crafts, clothing, jewellery and all minds of wonderful, locally produced goodies.

The vegetables are grown by local farmers (only where local is unavailable are others brought in), are fresh and are without a doubt, the best value in town. They have wonderful veggie combo offers, an example off which was one for R99 that included 3 Kg Potatoes, 3 Kg Onions, 1 Kg Carrots, 1 kg Gem Squash, 1 Broccoli, 1 Cauliflower, 1 Cabbage and 1 Bunch Spinach (seriously WOW!).  The specials change regularly depending on the available produce so keep an eye out on their Facebook Page for the latest specials as they are extremely popular and are only available while stocks last… so don’t miss out.

The Farmstall also sells locally raised chicken and meat (Pork fillet, boerewors, bacon and some venison) at great prices.  If you are looking for locally produced dairy products, you need look no further.  Farm milk and butter, cheddar cheese and local eggs are all available at the Farmstall. When it comes to good, fresh, healthy food with little or no preservatives, you will battle to find a better deal anywhere in East London.

If you have growing boys and men in your home, you will know how much it costs to feed those bottomless appetites.  A great way to keep them both happy and sated, is to spoil them with one of the huge loaves of farm style bread, a slab of farm fresh homemade butter and a jar of freshly made Pinecreek blueberry jam –  your ‘boys’ hunger pains will be a thing of the past.

Want something a bit more nutritious?  You just must try their famous homemade pies, stuffed full with chunks of meat the size of your thumb, 1 large pie easily feeding a hungry family of 4.  They also make yummy quiches… always a hit with the family… and gents, guess what?  They sell locally made craft beer in a bottle, chilled… because we know waiting is not an option.

For the ladies, it is always about something sweet so check out their wonderful range of homemade cookies, pastries and cakes, some baked by local suppliers, others baked by Pinecreek themselves. Forget the diet, farm food is healthy… and healthy is the new thin…!

And of course… there is always the shopping!  Yes, the Farmstall has everything from locally made clothing and shoes, jewellery and decor items to kiddies toys, beauty and grooming products, and everything in-between.  It has never been easier to shop all in one place… and the great thing is that by doing so, you are supporting our local suppliers and artisans, which in turn is supporting our local economy.

The Pinecreek Farmstall is no longer a quaint little ‘store’ to pop your nose into when going out for lunch or when taking the kids to the playground… it is a destination store crammed full with healthy, locally produced food, clothing, craft and gift items, and those in the know are already visiting regularly and are harvesting the benefits.

Taking the ‘supporting local’ theme to every other aspect of the business, they are now looking for local talent to provide the live entertainment that can be heard in the courtyard. Now the quintessential Farmstall focussing on everything local, they are not only supporting the 30+ local vendors and artisans who’s produce and products they sell, but also hope to support local singers and musicians who’s talent needs a local platform in order for them to gain much needed exposure in a notoriously tough industry and even tougher economy.

The changes at the Pinecreek Farmstall are not only delightful, but have changed it from a ‘nice to visit’ every now and then destination, to a weekly shopping destination for those who love great food and artisan products.  It is constantly evolving with new produce and artisan products being introduced as the market changes, but most of all it is warm and charming.

A perfect example of this warmth and charm being their new salvaged piano, which has been re-invented and which invites anyone with skills to sit for a moment and play some tunes.  If you have some ‘skills’, give it a try next time you are there… and don’t be surprised if you are brought a free cappuccino for your efforts.  It is this type of focus and attention to detail that is seeing Pinecreek Farmstall and Restaurant finally coming into it’s own, and it’s new direction is definitely ‘hitting all the right notes’!

If you are a local producer, artisan, singer or musician and would like to find out more about becoming a supplier or entertainer at Pinecreek, contact admin@pinecreek.co.za for more information.

Article & Photos:  Sandy Loppnow