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Secret spots + things to do in the Western Cape

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Secret spots + things to do in the Western Cape

From secret forest cafes to farm stalls in the middle of nowhere

Last updated: Friday, 19 May 2023 

Every city and small town has its best-kept secrets, some hiding in plain sight and just around the corner. From hidden cafes in the forest to coffee shops in the middle of nowhere, here’s our (constantly growing) selection of hidden gems in the Western Cape.

GET WOOD-FIRED SCONES AT THIS FARM

Homemade jams, pecan nut pie and scones are just some of the treats offered at The Scone Shack. Situated near Cape Point Reserve, this rustic outdoor cafe on Lalaphanzi Farm has animals that roam free around the eatery. Meet piggies like Rasher or Bacon, and maybe Rooster the chicken will pop by your table while eating your breakfast. The scones are baked in a one-of-a-kind wood burning oven and jams are made in a potjie, with sweet flavours like black plum, pineapple and apple and cinnamon. 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm; Saturday + Sunday, 8am - 4pm


Lalaphanzi Farm | Plateau Road | Cape Point | @scone_shack | Image: Travelling Gypsy
 

MAKE A PIT STOP AT THIS DESERT GEM

If you’re travelling on the N7, you can’t miss this bright orange padstal just outside Piketberg. Desert Rose Farm Stall is a sweet reminder of days gone by, with its 1950’s diner eatery, old wares and homemade pancakes. There’s an entire wall filled with old number plates and retro petrol pumps line the outside of this quirky padstal. Kids can play on the jumping castle and jungle gym while parents enjoy the no-fuss menu with savoury pancakes, saamies and craft beer. Or just pop into the shop and fill up with fresh fruits, snacks and other goodies. 

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am - 5pm


Corner of N7 & Koringberg turn off | Koringberg | Facebook | Image: Lara van Zyl

EXPLORE LANGA THROUGH COFFEE + ART

Just a few minutes walk from the Guga S’thebe Arts and Culture Centre is a little coffee shop, overlooking a quiet side street lined with churches, a school and the homes of Cape Town’s oldest township. Its best-kept secret, according to its Instagram, is the Oreoccino – an oreo frappuccino. Plus, there’s an art gallery right next door. Find out more about MSquared EspressoLab.

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am - 6pm


17 Lerotholi Avenue | Langa | Cape Town | @msquared_espressolab | Image: MSquared EspressoLab

HAVE COFFEE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

Giant stacks of hay mark the spot at this coffee shop, which is truly situated “tussen niks en nerens” on the R44 between Hermon and Wellington. Morale Coffee To Go has everything from coffee to frozen drinks, breakfast buns and boerie rolls. There are chairs set out where you can enjoy your coffee with a stunning view of the mountains.

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am - 5pm


R44 between Hermon and Wellington | @moralecoffeetogo | Image: Arne van Rendburg

VISIT A SMOKEHOUSE IN A VALLEY

Have you ever tasted traditional Texan barbecue? Tucked away outside the Elgin Valley, just past Paul Cluver Wines, is a hidden smokehouse of any meat-lover’s dreams. Hickville Smokehouse serves everything from tacos and nachos to beef brisket and smoked ribs. Enjoy the scenic view of the valley from the veranda, while kids play on jungle gyms and slides. 

Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 4pm; Saturday + Sunday, 9.30am - 5pm


N2 | Elgin | @hickvillesmokehouse.elgin | Image: Hicksville Smokehouse

TRY UNIQUE AFRICAN ICE CREAM 

Tapi Tapi celebrates food from all over the African continent with their unique ice cream. At this little hole-in-the-wall eatery, customers can try flavours like hibiscus curd, matemba-salted toffee with scotch bonnet chillies, and sorghum porridge and coconut. There are plenty of vegan flavours and the offerings change constantly. Plus, they offer unique cocktails (like the Dawa, with ginger, rooibos and lemonade) and fynbos rosé lollies. 

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm - 7pm 


76 Lower Main Road | Observatory | @_tapi_tapi | Image: Tapi Tapi 

STOP FOR FRESHLY-BAKED ROOSTERKOEK  

This unassuming petrol station just off the R27 in Yzerfontein has a little secret in a bright blue container. Roll down your windows, and the smell of freshly baked roosterkoek will be enough to entice you to make it a pit-stop. Route R27 Roosterkoek, a rustic eatery for hungry travellers, has over 16 filling options, from simple butter to boerewors and relish. Get it with a side of moerkoffie (served in a tin cup) or add some fresh biltong to your padkos.

Hours: Monday to Sunday; 8.30am - 5pm


West Coast Road between Darling and Yzerfontein | Facebook | Image: Sarah Jarvis

DISCOVER A SECRET CAFE IN A FOREST

Half the fun of the Secret Forest Café is finding it. Hidden in Tokai Forest, this family-run coffee stand welcomes joggers, cyclists and families going for a morning stroll (that are lucky enough to find it, at least). Reward yourself with a cup of coffee and freshly baked croissants or gourmet bagels. Plus, some doggie treats for your furry friends

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 7am - 1pm; Saturday + Sunday, 7am - 3pm


Tokai Forest | Sweet Valley | Cape Town | @thesecretforestcafe | Image: Secret Forest Cafe

SEE ANTIQUES FOR FREE

If you love vintage trinkets and old wares, then you can’t miss this museum in Paarl. There’s two huge sheds that house fascinating collections of old wares, from veteran motors and vintage furniture to old petrol pumps and sewing machines from the 1900s. The coffee shop serves farm-style food, like “ouma se kerrie vetkoek” and moerkoffie – plus there’s a kiddies play area and farm animals that roam the grounds at Toeka Stoor.

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am - 4pm


Domaine Brahms Wines | Paarl | 076 914 5714 | @nostalgietoekastoor | Image: Toeka Stoor

FIND THIS CAFE IN A CHURCH

There’s a little coffee shop tucked away inside the entrance of the Central Methodist Mission on Greenmarket Square. Heaven Coffee is something of a haven in the community, with visitors from the CBD, office workers and those who are just curious. There’s one small table located at the foot of the stairs, making for an epic Instagram pic. Grab a coffee and croissant on the go or enjoy the solace of the church on a rainy day.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7.30am - 5pm

 
 
 
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A post shared by Heaven Coffee Shop (@heavencoffeect)

38 Burg Street | Cape Town City Centre | 072 884 2057 | @heavencoffeect | Image: Heaven Coffee

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DISCOVER MORE IN THE WESTERN CAPE

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Discover 7+ things to do this weekend

There’s always something new to discover.

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