A delightful find

I chanced upon a lucky find today - the Weskus Padstal at the turnoff to Yzerfontein. Who would have thought that an unprepossessing assortment of buildings would yield such a fascinating interior? The most marvellous assortment of goodies awaits the tourist and local alike inside the large shop - locally made clothing, hand-knitted jerseys and things you just don't see in too many other places are there for the picking. The usual homemade preserves and jams are supplemented by olive oils, salad dressings and other delectable delights from the Winelands and vicinity.

 

 
 Once you have browsed and bought, you can then go further into the building and find yourself in the indoor eating area, and then the outdoor area, where everything from old army dixies to glass fishing buoys adorned the walls. Artistic use has been made of the huge wooden cable reels that hold the cables laid along the sides of our roads, and tables, umbrellas, fencing and gates have magically appeared from these rather utilitarian items. Four enormous pink marble lions guard the garden and an old tree stump, very skilfully carved,
dominate the area.
A nursery is accommodated, but the plants are laid out along winding paths in small areas and so it is not immediately apparent until you see the labels. But the piece de resistance is the section with the aviaries, where you can admire everything from a budgie to a macaw. Although I am not enamoured of caged birds, these do have companions and are evidently very well looked after - a hobby of the owner, not for sale.
The coffee was excellent and the meatballs were egte boerekos. There is an extensive menu of light meals and takeaways are available for travellers on their way further afield. An added bonus is the friendly and efficient staff! I consider the drive up from Cape Town to be worth it for a half day outing for something a little different, and there is always the magnificent beach a little further down the road to go walking along should you have overindulged in the cake section!