If you love to be pleasantly surprised by a country-style treasure, take a drive out to Granny Mouse Country House in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for a meal at The Eaves.

Food
The menu is varied and imaginative, drawing on contemporary South African tastes with a flair of Europe. Succulent roast beef fillet done to perfection with onion purée, bite-sized Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream, roasted onions and potatoes and a red wine gravy is a shining example of this. The à la carte menu allows diners to choose any dish as a starter or main, and includes beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian options. Much of the seasonal, organic ingredients are sourced locally. Special dietary needs can also be catered for.

Wine
While it’s possibly one of the most excessive wine lists in the area, it includes tasting notes and pairing suggestions as well as information about the wines themselves and the regions they come from, making your selection process informed.

Service
True country hospitality. The reception over the phone and in person from staff and hosts was warm and welcoming. Their attention to detail is worthy of four stars.

Ambience
Décor at the Eaves is colonial-eclectic: the lovely big tables and comfortable chairs make you want to stay for hours. The music selection was a little surprising, ranging from classical instrumental to Hindu traditional and dubstep. Dress code is smart casual, although other diners were in comfortable attire. In cold weather the fireplaces are lit in the various lounge areas.

And…Pick a wing-backed chair and sip a cognac with a friend, or find a cosy spot in the cigar lounge and find a good single malt to share the evening with instead.