Cultivating Curiosity

Nikki Brighton brings a special sparkle to the Midlands. She is a beloved resident of Howick (a place she believes is the centre of the universe), a “locavore”, an “invasivore”, a food activist, a writer, a teacher and the author of her latest book, Wild About Weeds: An Introduction to Uncultivated Food. The book is a product of her deeply-rooted love of and connection to nature, slow food living, foraging and their important interrelations. It...

Beyond the Boundaries of Taste: Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine

The Midlands food scene would not be the same without the renowned Jackie Cameron. From putting Hartford House on the national culinary map to writing international award-winning cookbooks, she has many accolades under her belt that earn her the title of the best of the best. However, one of her most significant contributions to the local area is without a doubt her passion for sharing her talent and skill with aspiring chefs at the Jackie...

Range Rover Sport: Perfectly at Home in the Country

Sporting SUVs have come a long way, but the Range Rover Sport arguably started the trend. We spent the day with the Range Rover Sport D350 from Land Rover Pietermaritzburg and came away with a feeling of pure contentment.   As days in the Midlands go, this was a good one.   We generally never need any excuse to head into the Midlands. As an ex-Pietermaritzburg boy, nearly every weekend was spent meandering the roads...

#FABSTUFF – March/April 2024

We’ve got loads of stuff you’re going to love!   Bruce Jack: Sauvignon Blush After picking the Sauvignon Blanc grapes, they were crushed and the juice was settled at 8°C before being racked and cold fermented at 13°C in stainless steel tanks to retain the wine’s freshness and aromatics. After fermentation, a conservative amount of Shiraz was added to get a nice light salmon colour and a fresh, attractive palate Very few wines will pair...

Date Night: In or Out

With Love Month on our doorstep, some of you may want to celebrate by dining out while others want a cosy night in – either way can be fun and delectably done with the help of these suggestions!   A Romantic Picnic at Home You don’t need to eat out to have a special date night. Why not indulge in a cosy indoor picnic instead? Set the mood and turn your living room into a...

Just Married!

We celebrate several local couples who decided to tie the knot right here in the Midlands – a picture-perfect place! Read more as they share details from their day, from dress to decor.   BRITTNEY & ROAN McCABE (Photos by Laura Jean Harris)   Which venue did you choose and why? I had always dreamed of getting married on the farm I was lucky enough to grow up on. Everdon Estate is an avocado farm...

Education at Its Best

We look at the diverse offerings of a few of our local schools and how they commit to shaping and enhancing the talents, skills and characters of their pupils.   TREVERTON COLLEGE Celebrating 60 Years of Educational Excellence An independent, Christian, co-ed day and boarding school, Treverton College is nestled in the KZN Midlands, providing top-tier education to learners aged three to 18. Founded on strong Christian values, they see the individual as part of...

#FABSTUFF – January/February 2024 Edition

We’ve got loads of stuff you’re going to love!   Enough: Caffeine Range This body scrub, antioxidant serum and tissue oil are all ethically sourced, high-quality, natural and vegan. The scrub is infused with upcycled coffee and gently removes dead skin cells while toning and firming. The lightweight serum is suitable for all skin types, revitalising your skin with a caffeine boost, reducing puffiness, and shielding against free radicals. The tissue oil is a deeply...

The Irresistible Allure of Spiral Blue

For many people, the culture and products of India hold a special place. It is rare to come across a spot that can offer a true escape to the markets of India without leaving the country. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Midlands Meander is Spiral Blue, a hidden gem often described as a “serene space”. With its enchanting ambience and abundant selection, it is undeniably a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an indulgent...

Restaurant Review: Wimpy Howick

Every South African knows and loves their local Wimpy – it’s been a part of our culture since the franchise first opened in Durban in 1967. As we walked into Wimpy Howick, we were invited by a relaxing, friendly atmosphere. We had a cosy table by the window that gave us enough privacy to enjoy ourselves, and we could’ve sat there for hours chatting amidst the other patrons. It’s the perfect space to sit back...