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...

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...