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Lisa Martus

SPRING IN MAGOEBASKLOOF & HAENERTSBURG: WHERE TO EAT

Zwakala Brewery, the northern-most Craft Brewery in the scenic Magoebaskloof Mountains is a favourite place to hang out, slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery, farmy atmosphere and Tooley family hospitality. Join the whole festive crew from Zwakala Brewery. Kids and dogs can play on the lawns on a sunny winter’s day, while you enjoy a great vibe, award-winning beer and your gourmet burger or short rib with Maggie’s chips. Zwakala Brewery 073 874 8651 | L10, Cheerio Road, Magoebaskloof | Open Friday to Sunday & Public Holidays: 11am - 5pm


Cheerio Gardens is the place to be this Spring with lovely walking trails meandering through the famous azalea and cherry blossoms. Cheerio Café, a tranquil open-air coffee shop & pizzeria set on the edge of a scenic dam offers breakfast or a light lunch with a glass of vino - try their pizzas and the best pecan pie this side of the equator. AfriCamps’ Glampers can also order meals here. Cheerio Café 071 771 5152 | L4.2, Cheerio Road, Magoebaskloof | Open Thursday to Sunday 9am - 5pm.


Head to Haenertsburg for a great selection of restaurants. Stella's Farm Deli and The Pancake House are both found at the distinctive Alpine log building as you turn-off into Haenertsburg Village. Make Stella’s your first stop to stock up on local foodie treats and start the holiday vibes with a lovely lunch looking out to Haenertsburg from indoors or on the deck. A great place for all-day breakfast burgers, pizzas or the best Bunny Chow. More than just a Deli! Stella's Farm Deli 071 736 6424 | R71, Haenertsburg | Open Saturday: 8am - 5pm | Sunday and Public Holidays: 8am - 4pm / Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm | Closed Tuesdays.


The Pancake House has delicious sweet and savoury pancakes, waffles and breakfasts served on the 'deck with a view' or inside the cosy log cabin next to the fire on a misty day. Treat yourself to their amazing speciality coffees. The Pancake House 083 444 5835 | R71, Haenertsburg | Open Tuesday to Saturday: 8am - 5pm | Sunday and Public Holidays: 8am - 4pm | Closed Mondays.

The High Street in Haenertsburg is the place for the best pub grub and a festive atmosphere at The Iron Crown Pub & Bistro. Pull up a stool at the bar for their ‘Jam Jar’ cocktails or Zwakala beer on tap and a chat with the locals at one of the favourite meeting places in town. You will find a great vibe; welcoming faces and excellent pub grub like ribs, traditional chicken pie or the famous Haenertsburger made from all local produce. The Iron Crown Pub & Bistro 083 254 6679 | Rissik Street, Haenertsburg | Open: Weekends: 9am - late | Sunday; 9am - 3pm | Tuesday to Friday: 11am - 8pm | Closed Mondays


The Eatery on Rissik is a fully-licensed coffee shop with a great breakfast and lunch menu. Their bakery makes fresh bread and pastries and you can pick up deli treats, local veggies and other staples here. The Eatery 083 326 583 | Rissik Street, Haenertsburg | Open Wednesday to Sunday 8am - 4pm.


Come hungry! Get a taste of the high street in Haenertsburg at The Red Plate, a friendly, vibey restaurant, in the heart of town. Enjoy their scrumptious meals outside on the deck or inside next to the cosy fireplace on a cooler day. The Chicken Schnitzel or Grilled Trout are firm favourites or try the beef fillet with jalapeno & cheese sauce. Before you go, grab some brownies for the road or delicious frozen meals for later. The Red Plate 083 305 2851 | Rissik St, Haenertsburg | Open Saturday 8am - 8pm | Sunday: 8am - 4pm | Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am - 10pm | Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 6pm.


Stop in for coffee and cake at Inneberg on the stoep of the Memory Hold the Door Bookshop. Inneberg Coffee Shop 061 403 5814 | Pennefather Complex, Rissik Street, Haenertsburg | Open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am - 5pm.


Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of meals, great coffee and their signature blueberry desserts at Blueberry Farm Café where a wooden deck looks out onto Stanford Lake. The indoor play area is great for kids or they can romp around outside. Their weekly 5km Farm Run starts at 8am each Saturday Blueberry Farm Café 071 540 3800 | A24 off R71, Magoebaskloof | Open Wednesday to Sunday, 8am - 4pm.

Known since 1998 for their delicious pizzas and local vibes, the newly-refurbished Pot ‘n Plow Pub has a fresh new look with a lovely ambiance. The Harty family have created an open and inviting indoor space with a variety of seating and patrons can now see the action in the kitchen around the central pizza oven. The impressive height of the roof over the outdoor area makes the most of the garden and families will enjoy the creative play area for the kids. Pot ‘n Plow Pub 082 691 5790 | R71, Magoebaskloof | Open daily from 10am - 10pm.

The Phoenix & Fireman Bar at the Magoebaskloof Hotel serves traditional pub lunches or evening snacks in front of the large fireplace and is open from 10am - 12pm. Enjoy a light snack or freshly baked cakes indoors or on the enormous wrap-around balcony of the Coffee Bean Café and Tlou Restaurant, overlooking the majestic Magoebaskloof Valley. Open from 6:30am - 10pm. There is a Carvery lunch every Sunday and Happy Hour is daily from 6pm - 7pm. Tlou Restaurant at Magoebaskloof Hotel 015 590 9910 | R71 Magoebaskloof | Open every day |evening


The Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge has a licensed a-la-carte restaurant with beautiful views over the Magoebaskloof gorge. Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge 015 305 7906 | 082 571 2555 / R71, Magoebaskloof | Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.


Tucked into the bend of the R71, you will find the Magoebaskloof Farmstall, a lovely stop for a cappuccino and delicious wood-fired pizza, or a hearty Farmstall breakfast with all the trimmings. If your children want to try the kid’s zipline, choose a burger, chicken curry or vegan dish from the varied menu and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the sun or indoors if it is chilly. Magoebaskloof Farmstall 083 353 4478 | 072 274 5520 | R71, Magoebaskloof | Open every day from 7am - 5pm. Dinner by bookings only.


Krabbefontein Café is a delightful shabby-chic building on a working coffee farm at the bottom of the Magoebaskloof Pass. This small but charming Café offers Roosterkoek with delicious fillings as well as Coffee, Beer & Gin tasting. They even have a doggie-menu! The Restaurant is open on Thursday & Friday nights for a mouthwatering 3-course dinner prepared by Chef Rémi. Krabbefontein Cafe: 076 968 0483 | R71, Magoebaskloof | Tzaneen. Open daily from 9am - 6pm, Weekends and Public Holidays: 7am - 6pm. Thursday & Friday dinner @ 6pm, by bookings only.


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