Things to do this Heritage Day
Celebrate Heritage this weekend, from Cape Malay to DJ Kent
For Moments of Joy Unwrapping Cape Town with you. Un-clicking the clique-iness | |
![]() | +27(0)72 350 2062 |
![]() | Cape Town & Surrounds |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | excitement@capetownmagazine.com |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
Last updated: 23 August 2022
There's something nostalgic about walking into a dining establishment that looks like it has been around since the 1950s – the golden era of diners. So it’s not hard to fall for Diesel & Crème’s charm with its South African, vintage diner theme visible from the moment you walk in.
Diesel & Crème is child-friendly, bicycle-friendly and motorbike-friendly. Image: Diesel & Crème
Established in 2013, Diesel & Crème, is situated on the scenic Route 62 in Barrydale. It has become legendary for gourmet milkshakes, hospitality and a must-stop pit-stop for road trippers and antique lovers.
From entering, you will see the large brick-faced building with old cars parked in front enticing you in, but as you get closer you will discover what makes this quirky gem so special. The outside area is adorned with vintage signage that you often find hanging in a collectors’ bar, garage parts like a tall Caltex sign and old petrol pumps, wine barrels and vintage motorcycles, all from an era passed by.
There’s different seating areas, inside the large shed or outside under plastic shading. Image: Diesel & Crème
The tall ceilings inside create a sense of grandeur, with old, rusted metal sheets, metal rafters, chandeliers, a bicycle and even a horse statue named Bettie hanging down. Well-worn, light, wooden floors and light grey, face-brick make the interior feel warm.
Much like the decor, the seating area is made up of a miss-match of finds. There’s long wooden tables with bulky white chairs or leather-backs, or even park benches. The kids can play outside, exploring all the retro gadgets like arcade games.
There is a bar area with beer on tap, plus you can watch the chefs cook and bake. Image: Diesel & Crème
Just like the decor, the menu pays homage to an old school diner with classics like chicken pie (served with nachos and cottage cheese) and burgers, which are all made with freshly baked, house-made buns, plus simple lemon-sugar pancakes and maple syrup waffles.
Or if you are looking for something a little different, there’s coconut green lamb curry with aniseed, vetkoek dumplings and frankfurters on a pretzel roll. There’s plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans too, like The Greta Burger or vegan wrap.
All the hamburger buns and sourdough are baked fresh in the shop, and you can watch them bake them. Image: Diesel & Crème
Besides its hearty food menu, what really draws in the crowds is the milkshakes. It’s hard not to indulge in a sweet, creamy shake when they have flavours to please every tooth, in fact, there's over 20 to choose from.
There’s Zoo Biscuit, peppermint crisp, cinnamon macadamia or peanut butter and fresh banana, red velvet cake and more. If you like the classics, they also have bubblegum, vanilla, lime and chocolate. And you can order them from the vintage, Green Monster trailer parked outside.
Diesel & Crème is very popular and reservations should be made to avoid disappointment. Image: Diesel & Crème
If you feel like staying over, the oldest building in Barrydale is right next door to Diesel & Crème The Karoo Moon Motel, originally built as a homestead in 1896, was creatively restored into 2 self-catering units by the same hands in 2019.
At The Karoo Moon Motel you will find a garden, barbecue facilities, bar and a shared fireplace, lounge area and mountain views from the room. With its beautiful repurposed decor and great ambience the Karoo Moon Motel is a true gem.
The motel is a great spot to stay over if you’re on a road trip, or to tick off your bucket list. Image: Diesel & Crème
Diesel & Creme is open: Monday to Sunday, 8am - 5pm
Find it: 2 Tennant Street | Barrydale
Contact on: 028 572 1008, social@dieselandcreme.co.za, Instagram: @dieselandcreme
By Sarah Jarvis
---
Get ice-cream with waffle fries or tacos at Two Scoops of Happiness.
Bring the whole family to this jack-of-all-trade market.
The kids (and parents) will love these fun activities.
Read a book in a nook at the cosy, quirky store.
See antiques for free at this retro store in Paarl.
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Things to do this Heritage Day
Celebrate Heritage this weekend, from Cape Malay to DJ Kent
All you can eat breakfast buffet every ...
A bottomless buffet, free wifi and a vibey shisha lounge
Winter experiences at the V&A ...
Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront
End Your Weekend On A High Note At ...
Share a meal with friends, listen to live reggae + watch the sunset over the sea
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Go for a drive to this apple farm in ...
From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Local craft beer tasting even ...
Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Affordable healthy food at this city ...
Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
At Distiller’s Union you get to also pick the flavour, colour
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get pizza
Get Irie On The Sunset Deck At Strolla ...
Weekend sunsets at Strolla mean live DJs and reggae (Rivertones)
The Festival of Yellow, celebrating the ...
10+ roadtrips to see canola fields. Plus getaway giveaway
Islands on the River is spring’s ...
4-day journey of music and connection at this festival
All the seasons of Cheverells Farm
Apple picking in summer and winter stay special
Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...
Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails