Get into the car and take a little drive out of the city; the trip is worth it when a hot meal – and a fireplace – awaits. This is our list of top picks for where your day trip should take you this long weekend.
Budmarsh Country Lodge (Magaliesburg)
Best for: the charms of a country-style inn.
Mrs Simpson’s (Dullstroom)
Best for: comforting food and quirky décor – vintage hats, shoes and handbags – inspired by the Duchess of Windsor.
Stef’s Table (Hartebeespoort)
Best for: double-baked brie soufflé, an award-winning wine list and an inviting fireplace.
Clementines Restaurant and Bar ? (Clarens)
Best for: retro classics (snails, anyone?) and quaint, countryside charm.
? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.
Abingdon Wine Estate (Lions River)
Best for: three roaring fireplaces and hearty tapas like the deboned oxtail served with dipping bread.
La Lampara Italian Restaurant (Lidgetton)
Best for: the oozing fondant you can enjoy beside the fireplace.
Creation Tasting Room (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)
Best for: superb wines paired with an award-winning dégustation menu.
Mogg’s Country Cookhouse (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)
Best for: picturesque views of the mountain and family-friendly facilities – and don’t forget the roaring fireplace.
Bosjes? Opstal? in Breedekloof?
Pearl Mountain or Ridgeback in Paarl?
Towerbosch at Knorhoek? And many, many more…
Thanks for the tips, Giles. This was not intended to be an exhaustive list, rather a quick list of ideas. These additions are great – thank you for sharing your recommendations!