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...

Building a legacy in business

You’re probably familiar with one of our local coffee shops, Coffeeberry. It is owned and run by father-son duo Con and Mark Malherbe, who are going from strength to strength in building their legacy within the hospitality business. We wanted to know more about their successes, so we picked their brains about business. If you’re a business owner or want to start one, we hope this will inspire you. Our countryside is never short of...

Shake Up Your Christmas Spirit!

Coffee Rum Liqueur Espresso Martini Ingredients 60ml Sugar Baron Coffee Rum Liqueur 1 shot espresso 25ml simple syrup ice coffee beans for garnish Method Shake Coffee Rum Liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup with ice.  Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.   Festive Season Rum Punch Ingredients 1 cup Sugar Baron Single Estate White Rum 1 x Bottle Sparkling Wine or Prosecco of Choice 1 litre Sprite 1 cup each of...

Wedgewood Story, 25 Years On

Starting from humble beginnings in a Midlands family kitchen, Wedgewood Nougat was an unlikely success story. In 1999, Gilly Walters was struggling to find purpose against a backdrop of her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and that was the year she stirred her first pot of soft honey nougat. Ordinarily, Gilly was an exuberant force to be reckoned with, always quick to support others, generous to a fault, and ready to get her hands dirty. In the...

Salt Slab – Texas Charm in Midlands

Alright alright alright! As Matthew McConaughey would say! The Salt Slab is a GREEN LIGHT! All the way! Now having lived in Texas for almost two years on and off, and experienced some of the best authentic BBQ in Dallas and Austen, the Scott clan were super excited to experience Texas BBQ in the Midlands! We arrived on opening day and as expected at any good BBQ joint, stood in line and waited to get...

Exploring Inland – A Traveller’s Guide to uMnambithi(Ladysmith)

uMnambithi (Ladysmith) is just under a two-hour drive from Howick and offers a historical getaway. It was initially named the Republic of Klip River, then Windsor, then Ladysmith – named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife in 1850. Known for being instrumental during The South African War, uMnambithi is a go-to if you want to get a feel for our South African past. A perfect place for an overnight stay or a longer adventure, here...

The Art of Baking

Miche Bakehouse opened its doors here in the Midlands on 1 October 2021, by Dave and Lyndsay Goncalves. Its inception was during the lockdown period when they spent time baking sourdough bread in Lyndsay’s mom’s kitchen all the way in Johannesburg. Little did they know this would end up being something they loved, from the process to the taste, they delved into different recipes and techniques, and a new business was on the rise. They...

Discovering Fordoun – An Oasis of Tranquillity

Fordoun Hotel and Spa is a little (not so little) piece of heaven that is one of the most relaxing spots we’ve ever experienced! After being welcomed by the super efficient and friendly staff, we were quickly shown to room number three. What a view! The rooms are large and comfortable with a full bathroom en-suite, which is ideal for a person who loves to relax in a bath. The hotel comprises 22 luxurious, comfortable,...

Our Countryside Chefs

Discover the maestros behind the delicious dishes at a few of our local restaurants. We chat with these chefs about their career journeys, what inspires them, and their favourite meals to cook.   From cute coffee shops and quaint bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, the Midlands is never short of scrumptious food. There is something for all tastes, but who are the culinary masters that curate our sumptuous plates? We celebrate three of our...

Unapologetically Afro Porto

It’s quite simple – if you have ever gone on holiday to the lovely country of Mozambique, then visiting the local Mozambik restaurants is a no-brainer to help quench the cravings, from the jugs of R&R and the atmosphere to the look and feel of the restaurant and, of course, the food! With its roots firmly set in passion and its flavours unapologetically Afro Porto, the Mozambik restaurant group is fast becoming one of South...