East London’s Country Crafts and Kitchen Crawl
The part of the Eastern Cape that winds its way slightly inland along the Sunshine Coast to the Wild Coast is one of the most spectacular – with a diverse landscape of wild bush to breathtaking beaches, it is a tourism favourite.
Take a trip with us as we travel along the route and visit the many hidden gems that include wonderful farmstalls and delightful country cafés.
FLORADALE NURSERY
Tucked away at the top of the Old Gonubie Road on the left is Floradale Nursery, a charming little area which houses The Craft Gallery and The Country Bumpkin.
The Craft Gallery is quite the treasure trove with anything and everything to do with arts and crafts: from gifts and books to craft supplies and handwork kits, you will spend hours browsing this delightful little shop. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturdays 9am to 4.30pm and Sundays 9am to 12.30pm. Tel: 043 748 2419.
The Country Bumpkin is a relaxed family restaurant situated inside an old farm house with a wonderful quirky interior featuring local art on its walls. Known for its gourmet pizzas and wonderful fresh fayre, The Country Bumpkin is closed on a Monday but open on Tuesdays from 10am to 3pm, Wednesdays to Fridays 10am to 9pm, Saturdays 8am to 9pm and Sundays 8am to 2.30pm.
Tel: 043 748 4840.
LAVENDER BLUE
As you continue along the Old Gonubie Road, you come to Lavender Blue on your right hand side. A truly lovely spot, Lavender Blue has a vibrant interior that puts a smile on your face immediately! As well as serving up delicious snacks and light meals (not to mention some of the best coffee around), there is a farmstall situated inside for all your fresh produce and a lovely little boutique too. On Saturday mornings there is a very popular Farmer’s Market and the generous gardens of this venue make for a firm favourite along this country route. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, Saturdays 7.30am to 12.30pm and Sundays 8am to 12pm. Tel: 043 732 1172.
PINECREEK RESTAURANT
A little further on from Lavender Blue, just before you cross the bridge on the left hand side is PineCreek, a beautiful venue with something for everyone. PineCreek encompasses a restaurant and delightful tea garden behind it, plus a farmstall and large children’s area, complete with a diesel train! This venue will only be opening in a couple of weeks time and will be closed on Mondays but open Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to late, Sundays 8am to 4pm. The children’s area will be open Tuesdays to Sundays 8am to 4pm and the train will run Tuesdays to Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm. Tel: 083 295 6323.
BLUE GOOSE CAFÉ
As the Old Gonubie Road ends, you make a left turn onto the East Coast Resorts Road and then a right onto Schafli Road where you will arrive at Crossways, a bustling country intersection. Here you will find the Blue Goose Café, a delightful coffee and gift shop. This lovely venue overlooks a beautiful lake and is the perfect spot for that cup of tea and sweet treat or a meal! Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, Saturdays 8am to 3pm and Sundays 9am to 2pm. Tel: 043 737 4412.
MURAMBI ROSE CAFÉ
As you leave Crossways Village Centre, take Sunrise Drive that passes in front of the Spar and continue on until you come to Murambi Rose Café on the right hand side, situated on Murambi Rose Farm. Set in a beautiful and tranquil environment with views over the farm dam, countryside and sea, Murambi serves up delicious authentic food in a country setting. Closed on a Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Friday 8.30am to 9pm, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30am to 4pm. Tel: 043 737 4045.
THE MILKING SHED
Shortly before you get to Areena Riverside Resort, you will find the Milking Shed turnoff on your left. This quaint Farm Stall and cafe is open on weekends offering indoor and outdoor seating with the latter providing beautiful views of the country. Here you can enjoy a light meal with your tea and coffee, and browse the local curios and crafts on sale.
TEA IN THE TREES
Continue along Schafli Road and you will come to Tea in the Trees at the turn-off to Cintsa West. This is a wonderful spot for the whole family and you can relax under the trees with fresh coffee and delicious homemade food and take a walk in the delightful forest. This forest is also home to the Forest Theatre, an outdoors theatre which frequently hosts plays and musical events and a monthly market and car boot, held on the first Sunday of the month. Open Friday to Sunday, 9am to 2pm, for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Tel: 072 611 2367.
THE BLUE BARN
As you come to the end of Schafli Road, turn right onto the N2 and continue on. Opposite the Morgan Bay and Kei Mouth turnoff, you will see the turn-off to The Blue Barn on your left. As the name suggests, the venue is a beautiful rustic blue barn which houses a farm stall, country bar and coffee shop. They also hold a farmers market on the second Sunday of the month where you can find the most delicious homemade produce and homemade crafts. Closed on a Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 4pm, Friday 9am till late, Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 2pm.
Tel: 072 359 1164.