For any coffee lover it is important to locate a destination’s good coffee shops (if there are any) as soon as you arrive. Luckily in the Karkloof area that is not a problem. There is no shortage of excellent coffee. On our recent visit to the area we visited four amazing coffee shops.
BlueBird Coffee Roastery
The air at The Old Mushroom Farm is thick with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. Following our noses, we eventually found Bluebird Coffee Roastery in one of the converted mushroom tunnels. You immediately get the sense that BlueBird is a full-on passion project turned business. And you only need to take one sip of their coffee to know that is true. I especially love that BlueBird prides themselves on being green coffee buyers that only purchase, roast, and sell speciality coffee. When visiting The Old Mushroom Farm make sure to have at least one Cortado at Bluebird Coffee Roastery.
The Barn Owl
The Barn Owl has to be one of the most beautiful coffee shops I have ever visited. When I think back to our visit four things come to find. The view over the countryside is breath-taking. We literally could have sat there all day. The coffee is amazing. Be sure to order one of their Iced Coffees for dessert. The food is tasty and quirky. It’s worth visiting The Barn Owl over breakfast or lunch time for their breakfast veggie bowl or the Kimcheese Reuben toasty – think toasted ciabatta bread filled with kimchee, local sourced melted cheese, and pastrami. Peet and I were so grateful that Amelie was too preoccupied with the lovely kids play area to eat her chips, because they were also delicious. The Staff were friendly and attentive, and really went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Visiting The Barn Owl almost felt like coming home.
Terbodore Coffee Roastery
The Terbodore brand is synonymous with great coffee and Sultan, their great Dane. But few people know that this household name has its humble beginnings in the picturesque meadows of the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. Several modest relocations, involving a garden shed and a garage, finally led to a renovated barn on a farm in Curry’s Post, which is now their production headquarters.
While in the area we popped in for some of their legendary coffee and couldn’t resist their baked goods. Their newly renovated barn offers breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, as well as an espresso bar and retail shop (so you can take some Terbodore coffee home with you).
La Petite café
Situated just 6km outside Howick is Preston Farm. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Karkloof, this beautiful farm, established in 1972, is home to Le Petite France and the La Petite café. Le Petite France is a family-run dairy and cheesery valuing sustainability and healthy living. Their French style cheeses are hand-made and contain no chemicals or additives. The cultures used are imported from France, as is the micro-permeable packaging paper which allows the cheeses to breathe.
When the weather is good you can enjoy a cheese platter and glass of white wine while enjoying views of the green pastures dotted with Jersey and Swedish Red cattle. Unfortunately, it was cold and miserable when we visited La Petite café. Escaping the weather, we found ourselves a spot in the barn and tucked into a scone (with jersey cream of course) and a Flat white. Both were delicious. To my husband’s initial horror and later delight I left La Petite café with literally a bag full of their produce (read cheeses, butter, yogurt, and fresh milk).
If you are ever in the Karkloof area you have to stop for coffee at least four times. Enjoy!
xxx
