When I arrived at The Red Windmill Nursery and Farmstall, a group of happy youngsters were embarking on a treasure hunt while the tantalising smell of food from Dave’s Country Kitchen drifted up to my nostrils. With a grumbling tummy, I made myself comfortable at a table outside under an umbrella and started the difficult task of choosing what to have for lunch.
I settled on the sweet potato soup and was delighted to find it served in a teacup. The mini bunny chow with crusty bread and farm-fresh lamb was also a winner, as were the salmon fishcakes.
When you visit, work off your meal with a stroll through the nursery and delight in the hand-written labels explaining how to care for the indigenous plants, succulents and aloes, then take a gander at the country fare and giant pumpkins at the farmstall. In-between the jams, pickles and solar lanterns you’ll find garden ornaments – I was particularly taken with the mini windmills. When the hens are in the mood to co-operate, you may be lucky enough to pick up some free-range eggs as well.
Next visit the vintage shop, with its array of garments from yesteryear. After trying on an old hat or two and marvelling at the antique sewing machines allow yourself a trip back to your childhood in the old-fashioned, pink-striped Cool Beans candy shop. There are jars of sweets and toffees of every kind and colour imaginable, as well as a selection of memorabilia and toys from bygone years to complete the nostalgic experience.
The Red Windmill is worthy of a pitstop on a journey to Napier or Bredasdorp, or pop in if you’re staying nearby. Before you know it half the day will be gone and you’ll be leaving with a handful of gobstoppers, a boot-full of indigenous plants, a pocket of sweet potatoes and a hat from the 1960s.
Open daily from 08h30 to 16h00, Sundays from 08h30 to 15h00 and closed on Tuesdays. Tel 028-423-3576 (farmstall) or 028-423-3843 (restaurant).
Hot tip:
Buy a gift voucher from The Red Windmill, which can be used at the restaurant or any of the shops.
GPS:
S34° 28’ 50”, E19° 56’ 01”
