Ditch your hot-water bottle and slippers and warm your belly at these cosy country kitchens around South Africa.
1. Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, Kamberg
At the foot of the Drakensberg, you’ll find Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, a romantic gourmet Midlands escape cuddled by the Kamberg Valley. Fine dining, a rustic ambience (think Boer memorabilia) and elegant interior – the farmhouse is a little piece of bliss. The food by chef Richard Poynton is presented as art: try the springbok carpaccio, rich parmesan, salmon and lemon soup and to-die-for desserts. www.cleomountain.com
2. Die Kleipot, Colesberg
If you find yourself passing through the backwaters of Colesberg in the Karoo, warm up with a lunch of courgette and rosemary soup at Die Kleipot. Nostalgic furnishings will remind you of your old auntie’s place: paintings of purple flowers hang on the walls, matching the curtains and scatter cushions. Succulent Karoo farm dishes of warthog loin with boiled potato, bush beans, truffle butter and rocket will satisfy your winter gloom. Add some sweetness with koeksisters, apple crumble and milk tart. www.diekleipot.co.za
3. Oliver’s Restaurant and Lodge, White River
Fireplaces, white table cloths, and soft candlelight make for cosy evenings in Oliver’s main restaurant, or book the wine cellar for a fun evening of Swiss raclette (melted cheese served with baby potatoes, baguettes and grilled vegetables) and fondue chinoise (cook your own meat in a broth). It’s a grand space that feels warm and relaxed, and owner Tanya Ruf and family are often about to make guests feel even more at home. www.olivers.co.za
4. Die Opstal, Magaliesberg
Also read: five of the best getaways in the Magaliesberg
Enjoy home-style banqueting in Die Opstal, an early 20th century farmhouse, just a short drive from Pretoria. It’s known for its traditional Sunday buffets laden with roast beef, chicken casserole, creamy green beans, rice and pumpkin. If it’s nippy out, end the meal nestled in front of the fire and tuck into baked pudding with ice cream and custard. www.die-opstal.co.za
5. Black Horse, Magaliesberg
Black Horse is an inviting Magaliesberg property where pleasant pub meals are served with craft brews (the wine list’s not a strength) under pecan trees. Admire the magnificent black Friesians, after which the property is named, as you tuck into the steaks, burgers, snack baskets and pizzas that dominate the menu. The micro-brewery and restaurant, which evolved from a stud horse farm, offers accommodation too, so if the beer goes to your head, stay the night. www.blackhorse.co.za
6. Moggs Country Cookhouse, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Make a day trip through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus, tasting wines at big-name producers, and stop for lunch at Moggs Country Cookhouse. On clear days, kids take to the lawns and jungle gym while parents brave the cold on the nearby stoep with a good view of the surrounding vineyards or sit inside around the fireplace. Don’t miss the slow-cooked lamb shank and the home-baked desserts. www.moggscookhouse.com
This article first appeared in the July issue of Getaway Magazine.
