In the charming village of Barrydale, just off Route 62, is a gem of a restaurant called The Blue Cow. Not only is it a wonderful pit stop for those travelling through the Klein Karoo, but also a fantastic spot for kids.
Run by Hannette and Boetie Cooke, The Blue Cow is a place where you can always expect a smile and a warm greeting. It’s the type of place that, when you visit, makes you feel as if you’re returning home.
As you reach the start of the peach-pit driveway, you can’t help but appreciate the setting of this quaint little café. Sitting on the Tradouwshoek family farm at the top of town, The Blue Cow overlooks rolling hills and a valley of green pastures below. The building itself, made of wood and with a corrugated iron roof, stands next to a small shop that sells used books, jewellery and other little trinkets.
The café’s main entrance opens up to a lovely little shop that is filled with baked goods, packets of dried fruit and homemade preserves. Jars of peppers, jams and peaches, each branded with the cheerful Blue Cow label, line the shelves. Large bags of dried peaches, as well as fresh milk and yogurt from the farm, are also on offer.
The eating area is located on a shaded wooden deck, built above a little dam which still provides precious water to the working farm. Weaver bird nests can be spotted hanging from surrounding trees, and kids can feed the ducks and carp that swim in the water below. The wooden tables, painted white and blue, are neatly set and are each adorned with a cute little potted plant on top.
A simple and traditional menu is offered, but it’s everything you would imagine a hearty country meal to be – especially their Farmer’s Breakfast: two eggs, bacon, boerewors, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and juice. Pure comfort!
Children, no matter what age, are always welcome, and are encouraged to explore (even adventurous crawling babies like mine). When Hannette, one of the owners, says to you, “˜You shouldn’t raise your child to be shy!’, it’s comforting to know that you’ve finally found a place where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
At present, the Cookes are expanding. They’ve just added a few picnic tables to the grassy area next to the water, and are currently adding to their back deck to allow for a warm and cosy spot for the winter months. So far, they’ve fitted a fireplace and are setting up a seating area with cushions, where they will serve warm soup to their guests.
The Blue Cow is definitely a place to check out in the future!
Address: Tennant Street, Farm Tradouwshoek, Barrydale
Tel: 082-579-1253
