Through the Decades – Coffeeberry with Con Malherbe 

We are proud to celebrate a few milestones achieved by our local businesses this year. Learn more about what the decades have taught them and continue to shape them to serve our community. The Beginning The inspiration behind Coffeeberry was born when I applied to the then-Cascades landlords, Old Mutual, to take over the premises of Icy Cool, a longstanding ice cream parlour and coffee shop that had closed down. Old Mutual required a business...

Out of Town

This season, swap misty mornings for salty air and make time to explore the charm, flavour and fun of Ballito and Umhlanga. Winter is the perfect excuse for a quick coastal escape—think warm sunshine, fresh seafood by the sea, and charming towns ready to be explored. Sure, the beaches are beautiful (and yes, you will want to kick off your shoes), but there’s so much more to discover beyond the sand. I’ve curated the ultimate...

Seasonal Wellness

While winter brings its splendours, it can also leave us susceptible to illness. Caring for ourselves during the colder and drier months is essential, so we consulted a few local health and fitness professionals for their recommendations on staying healthy from the inside out. Keeping the Blood Flowing Blood is life, and keeping it flowing is crucial, especially during winter. What better way than through exercise! While you don’t have to run a marathon or...

A Taste of Miche Magic

Indulge in two delicious recipes from the one and only Miche Bakehouse.  Focaccia Bread Poolish/Preferment  85g lukewarm water  85g white bread flour  5g instant yeast  Mix water, flour, and yeast together. Rest at room temperature for 1 hour and then place in the fridge overnight (8-12 hours).  Ingredients: 220g cold water  320g white bread Flour  11g olive oil  11g salt  175g poolish  Method: Add cold water, olive oil, and salt in a bowl and mix...

Brunch O’ Clock

From cosy corners to garden escapes, we’ve rounded up the ultimate brunch destinations where good food meets great atmosphere. Ready to discover your next favourite spot? Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop Located in the heart of the Midlands, is your go-to spot for great coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere. Guests at Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop can savour fresh salads, enjoy a leisurely brunch and indulge in sweet treats. Coffee lovers can relish expertly...

The Roast Masters

One of the best parts about the Midlands, apart from the majestic views and tight-knit community, is the exceptional coffee. We would love to celebrate three specific cafés that were selected as the regional winners of the Battle of the Beans competition recently: Lineage Coffee in Nottingham Road, Home Slice Café at The Old Mushroom Farm in Karkloof, and Next Coffee in Pietermaritzburg.  Organised by the Coffee Colab (Coffee Collaboration), a collective of coffee experts...

A Mom in Agriculture

Meet the Malawian mom who built a thriving local agriculture business. This is her inspiring story of family, farming, and the power of seeds.  From the moment Chisomo Bean was born, agriculture was sown into her life. Growing up in a small village in Malawi, she spent her earliest years strapped to her mother’s back while they worked the land. Every harvest season, her family carefully selected the best seeds for the next planting—pumpkin seeds,...

Horse Shoe Bend – A Retail Experience Like No Other

In the heart of the Midlands Meander, Horse Shoe Bend is a charming retail haven offering artisanal goods, bespoke shopping, and gourmet delights. Unwind, connect and indulge in the region’s creativity in this unique boutique hub. Horse Shoe Bend Restaurant celebrates community spirit, flavour, and small-town hospitality. Their menu showcases the best of Midlands cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy live music, the custom-built fireplaces, and unforgettable meals. They also host monthly Dinner &...

Meet the Chef + Easter Recipes!

This Easter, indulge in a culinary adventure with our local chef JJ Pretorius! He shares two delectable dishes to make at home, and don’t worry, there is something sweet in the mix too! You’re probably familiar with the esteemed Fordoun Farm in Nottingham Road. It had humble beginnings as a dairy farm in the mid-1800s and was converted into a hotel and spa, successfully run and managed by the Bates family for over 20 years....

Much to do about Love

This year, we want to show some love by showing you a few local spots where you can indulge in Valentine’s celebrations. This holiday can be somewhat one-sided and only focus on love between romantic couples, but love comes in all forms, so we also made sure to include options for those who might be flying solo right now and would want to gift themselves or those who would love to celebrate the love between...