In recent months, one thing has become quite clear to us: South African travellers go bonkers for farm stalls. It’s only right, then, that we try to visit as many as possible on our journeys. In support of local tourism, we’ve chosen one that stands out each month.
READ: July Farm Stall of the Month: Nostalgia
You know what to do – visit, shop, eat and do your bit for small businesses too.
The August Farm Stall of the Month: Plaasmol on the West Coast.
We spoke to owner Fransie Rossouw, who started out with a pet shop years ago before it was the bustling destination it is now. ‘There was absolutely nothing except sand. I had a small bar fridge and a sixpack of Coke, three tables and lots of guts,’ she says. ‘Eventually, the people became more and the animals fewer.’
Today, there is still a petting zoo but not a pet shop. There is, however now a pub and function area, a nursery, a coffee shop, a jewellery shop and a deli.
When asked about how they endured the lockdowns during Covid, Fransie says it was no picnic. ‘Because we sell essentials like bread, milk and vegetables we were allowed to be open during Covid. So it was hard on us all, but we tried to keep everybody’s hopes up. We did fun Facebook videos with the staff and animals. But financially it was really hard.’
A big drawcard nowadays is the Beeskrip Biertuin (‘cattle feeder beer garden’), where those visitors who are lucky enough not to be driving afterwards can enjoy craft beer and gin on tap, as well as sports on the big screen (even during load shedding).
They also host events, so be sure not to miss the Platteland Beer Festival on 22 October. Get tickets here.
Find Plaasmol about 5 km outside of Hopefield, on the R45 in the Western Cape.
Pictures: Supplied
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