Weekend to the Midlands

The Midlands is a short 90  minute drive from Durban. Perfect for a weekend away or even a daytrip.

My husband and I decided on a whim one Thursday evening to head to the Midlands for the weekend because I had an entire weekend off, which does not happen often.

Early the Saturday morning we jumped in the car, ready to explore. It was a cold and rainy weekend, perfect weather to head inland ! The Midlands is beautiful this time of the year with the orange/brown autumn leaves dominating the scenery. It was awesome to wear a winters coat for the first time in months because you rarely need it in Durban.

"We" (my husband) were on the hunt for craft beers so our first stop was at Bierfassl for "breakfast" aka beer tasting. Bierfassl is an Austrian/German  restaurant and pub established 15 years ago.  They offer over 35 craft beers from all over the world including local brews for Notthingham Road Brewery.

Bierfassl

 

My husband enjoyed the tasting platter of Notthingham Road Brewery. It is six beers for R45.  He usually prefers the largers but the darker ales really impressed him. We were the only people in the restaurant but we were there rather early. It seems like a popular spot as the majority of the tables were reserved for lunch. We had breakfast here. It was fine but nothing exciting. I think to really enjoy their food you must go for the authentic German lunch which is only available from 12:00.



Enjoying the beer tasting

 


A breakfast burger and bacon pancakes topped with a cheese sauce

After enjoying the beers from the Nottingham Road Brewery we wanted to visit the source. About 2 km from Bierfassl  is the Nottingham Road Brewery company at Rawdons Estate. It is a small space with a shop where you can buy the beers, beer bread, beer cheese ect. It was a really cold day so we were not keen to stand on the deck and taste beer but if the weather behaves the deck outside the brewery can be a great place to sip on a few cold ones.



Outside Nottingham Road Brewery

Next to the brewery is the Boars Head pub which was very inviting with its roaring fireplaces. We stopped here for some wine and beer. The husband then also enjoyed some of the rugby that was on. (I was reminded often that it was a big weekend of sport : / )

 

The roaring fireplace was the best!

We were on the road again and passed by a variety of curios shops, deli's ect which is especially present on the Nottingham Road. I've visited the Midlands before and one of my highlights was the Blueberry Café so  naturally this was our next stop. It was after all tea time :)
 
It is a beautiful space surrounded by fields where the majestic nguni cattle roam. Adjacent to the restaurant is a small shop where you can browse and spend on stylish leather and wood items. The last time I visited we purchased beautiful nguni placemats.


Inside the cosy Blueberry Café

 

Just look at that uninterrupted view!

 
So in keeping with them name we wanted to indulge on blueberries so for "tea" we enjoyed blueberry cheesecake and scones served with a blueberry compote. The cheesecake was very sweet and if you know me,I can handle sweet stuff. The scones however were light and fluffy!
 


It was tea time and wine time somewhere in the world :)

 

Delectable treats!

Before you leave remember to visit the bathroom :). The scenery is definitely something special.
 
We headed towards our accommodation for the evening situated near Mooi rivier. I was very excited about where we were heading. Hartford House has been on my radar ever since they were featured on the Eat Out Top 10 list .

Hartford house was established 130 years ago. It situated on a prestige's horse farm. As soon as you enter the gate you will instantly feel relaxed. Pair that was great hospitality and beautiful comfortable rooms one night here will feel as if you spent a week. On arrival we enjoyed some MCC and the rest was history... let the weekend begin :)
 

Beautiful lounge area

 

Outside dining area

 

One of the pool suites

We booked in at one of the pool suites. It's a stand alone suite with a wood burning fire place, massive shower, bathroom and a lovely couch where I spent the entire afternoon lounging in the sun and finished my book. Check out their website for all the accommodation options and tariffs. Option range from rooms in the hotel to lakeside suites perfect for families or a group of friends.
 

Our lounge area

 

Beautiful bedroom

 

Where I spent most of my afternoon

If you can't stay at Hartford house visit them for a 2(R190) or 3(R270) course lunch or afternoon tea served at the Tijnhuis. It is a place you cant miss out on.
 

The Tijnhuis

 

Great to stroll trough the garden and see where they grow their produce they use for meals.

We saved ourselves for the 5 course dinner. When we checked in I saw the menu and this foodie could not contain herself with excitement.
 
We started off dinner with some MCC in the beautiful lounge. Then we were welcomed by Chef Constantijn Hahndiek who explained all the culinary treats that awaited us.

Nothing like a glass of MCC to start off the evevning

I was very intrigued by this menu because there were ingredients on it I have read about multiple times but have not had the opportunity to taste such as pak choi and black pudding. It really was a culinary experience where I learned so much.  Below is the 5 star menu
 
 



Artisanal bread served with butter and chicken liver pate

 

 

 

Butternut and Chicken soup

So as you can see this is not your typical butternut and chicken soup. This was actually a butternut consommé which was so clear and loaded with flavour served with juicy chicken roulade. This was one of my favourites because of the excellent consommé!

 

 

 

 

Scallop served with black pudding, parsnip, barley and sharon fruit

I love watching cooking shows and black pudding is a regular ingredient seen especially on the British cooking shows. For those who don't know what black pudding is, it is  essential blood sausage. I've never had this before so I was excited to taste it especially because it is also commonly paired with scallops. This dish also produced my entertainment of the evening when I explained to my husband what he was eating :) I really enjoyed the combination and would definitely eat it again!

 

 

 

Tuna fresh from the Northcoast served with lemon grass, rice crisp and pak choi

The majority of ingredients used at Hartford House are either grown at Hartford self or imported from local suppliers that are within a certain range of kilometres of the farm. We were spoilt with fresh tuna from the north coast which paired perfectly with a lovely lemon grass broth

 

 

 

Wildebees served with garlic pureé, quince, burnt carrot and cocoa nib

This was the only dish that did not receive a 5/5 because the meat was a bit tough although cooked perfectly medium rare. The cocoa nib was also too bitter for my liking.

 

 

TWG Rooibos

  This homemade rooibos ice cream was out of this world. Really one of the best ice-creams I have ever eaten. This paired perfectly with a smooth and airy chocolate mouse topped with sugary meringue



 

 

After this mind blowing meal we were in for one last treat. Chef Constantijn  used liquid nitrogen to make a  paprika flavoured type of honeycomb. The most entertaining part was watching all the other guest "fuming" at the mouth!

Chef in action

Happy diners :)

Thank goodness after this delicious meal our room was only a few meters away.

The next morning we went for a walk on the estate followed but another delicious meal. There was a breakfast buffet table with fruit, cheeses, meat and pastries. From the menu we indulged on homemade nutella crepes and a full English breakfast.

Some of the beautiful horses in the farm

 

The estate has a few walking paths you can enjoy

 

The jetty near the laskeside suites.

Delicious homemade nutella served in pancakes topped with crispy bacon

Although we only visited for one evening we felt as if we rested for a week which is enough evidence that a visit to Hartford House is one extraordinary experience. We can't wait to go back!

I am heading to the Midlands again in August and can't wait to tell you about the other must visit places!

For now thank goodness it is almost weekend :)

The Oyster Box Hotel

A few weeks ago I was really spoilt by the parentals. After a hectic week of exams my mom and I flew to KZN for a 5 day stay at The Oyster Box Hotel. Our stay can be summarised in one word - LUXURIOUS.




Welcome to The Oyster Box Hotel

The hotel is situated on the Umhlanga beach front that overlooks the iconic light house and Indian ocean. It has a colonial feel and the décor is amazing. Every morning before breakfast we went for an awesome run on the Umhlanga promenade. We were joined by numerous families, furry friends and fitness fanatics. The weather was amazing. A little mini summer holiday from the cold Cape Town.

Tranquil corner

 

Walkway to the spa and pool

So let me tell you what The Oyster Box Hotel offers you...

The Oyster Box has 86 luxurious rooms that range from the presidential suite to  garden facing rooms. If the budget allows it splurge on a sea view room. The view is mesmerising. Every room however has its own character and is decorated beautifully. The following special touches will be available to you everyday:

Complimentary mineral water, tea and coffee making facilities

Fresh fruit and flowers in all rooms, plus a selection of current magazines

Flat Screen Satellite TV with over 25 channels to choose from

In-room CD/DVD players

Deluxe Bath amenities, luxurious bathrobes and slippers

Housekeeping service twice daily

Soap and Pillow menus

Two direct dial telephone lines with voice mail

Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi

Heated towel rails

Well stocked mini-bar

 Let me show you our room...



Loved the pastel colours



Reading corner

Enjoying the sea view



Welcome macaroons

The Oyster Box has a lot to offer. I can honestly say that during the five days we were there we rarely needed to venture outside.

There are two pools where you can work on your tan, sip cocktails and enjoy a swim.  If you want to head to the beach they will arrange towels, beach chairs and sunblock for you. Head over to the beautiful spa for a massage and manicure. A 24 hour gym is available with a power plate, yoga area and state of the art exercising machines  but I preferred a run on the promenade.



The main pool area



One of the tanning spots



There is a direct path from the hotel that gives you access to the promenade 



The lovely Umhlanga Promenade



The beach was full every day



The iconic lighthouse



Enjoying our daily walk on the promenade



Sipping mojitos while admiring the beautiful view



Heaven!

 Visit the in house cinema that has 5 screenings per day. The movie schedule is delivered to your room every morning. Here you can indulge in popcorn, sweets and hot chocolate. You will be treated to every genre from old time classics to cartoons.



24 seater cinema



Waiting for the movie to start

There's also a beautiful library where you can come and find some solace and as everywhere the lighthouse will look over you.



Quite reading corner



Loved this record player

Hello Mr Lighthouse!

 Oh and did I mention they are a pet friendly establishment. This definitely is a 10/10 for me. You will also on a regular basis run into a few monkeys that have made The Oyster Box their home. Also be on the look out for the in house cat. You will usually find him in the foyer.



Monkey busy with monkey business :)



I won't mind being a cat at The Oyster Box :)

One thing you WILL do at They Oyster Box is eat. There are three dining areas...

The Grill Room

This is your fine dining option. We had dinner there the first evening. It's a beautiful restaurant decorated in hews of blue and white. Service is impeccable. You are treated like royalty from the moment you enter the restaurant. Well actually you are treated like royalty your entire stay at The Oyster Box.

Beautiful dining area



Look at that chandelier

Something that really stood out was the portion sizes. Often with fine dining you expect excellent food but in small portions. At The Grill Room you will be served delicious food in generous portions. One of the staff noted that it's a "Cape Town thing" this small portions. In KZN the people want to go big and dine well :) Well we certainly did. I enjoyed  the truffle ravioli served with olives, blue cheese, roasted chickpeas, grilled pears, sage butter and Chardonnay cream. It was rich yet refreshing. No ingredient was masked by the other yet they paired perfectly with each other.



The ravioli

My mother who is known by her friends as the "Porkas Queen" enjoyed the apple poached pork served with pork and sage croquettes, pearl barley, porcini cognac sauce, citrus and sesame oil.. The pork was succulent and the apple flavour really was the star of the dish. Mom gave it a 10/10.

They have an extensive wine list and I enjoyed a glass of Waterford Pecan stream Sauvignon Blanc and mom had the Bouchard Finyalson Rosé.

A very original aspect at The Grill Room that I have never seen before is their Hors D'oeuvres Trolley which is a beautiful vintage carousel with numerous different 'tapas' which you can select of the trolley. You can enjoy this as a starter or a main.

Prices for starters range between R120-R195, mains R160-R320 and for those with the big bucks can enjoy the R1400 seafood platter!

The Palm Court

 The Palm Court lives up to the colonial feel of The Oyster Box. It's here where you will indulge every morning in a breakfast spread like no other. You can indulge with oysters, salmon, pastries, fresh fruit, cooked breakfast, pancakes, waffles and much more. Their breakfast spread is like no other.


Cheese, cheese and more cheese



Unlimited oysters!



So much to choose from...



My favourite sweet and savoury combination!



Fresh fruit!



What I started with every morning...

The legendary afternoon tea is also served here. A classical piano players sets the mood. I am usually mostly into the sweet stuff but the savoury selection at their afternoon tea really impressed me. I indulged in about six chicken mayo sandwiches which was crusted with toasted almonds. Their macaroons are also to die for. Every table receives a hand written note that welcomes you to the afternoon tea. It's these personal touches that really separates The Oyster Box from all the others.



No afternoon tea is completed without freshly baked scones



The macaroons are a must!



The savoury treats really impressed me!



Cheers!



Loved the sugar cubes!



Hand written note welcoming us to a very special afternoon

Something that I LOVED at The Oyster Box is that they serve MCC with almost everything. Lovit!


At The Palm Court you can also order a la carte meals but something that you should not miss is the curry buffet. People flock from all over to come and indulge in this Indian feast. The variety was amazing. We indulged in over 9 different curries with the butter chicken being my favourite.  You can also enjoy all the delicious accompaniments such as naan bread, sambals and a variety of rice dishes. This is a must do even if you don't stay at The Oyster Box. This feast warrants my return!



Not a pretty picture but the food was delish!

The Ocean Terrace

This is just the outside venue where you can also sit and enjoy the breakfast spread, ala carte menu and curry buffet. Here you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view but watch out for the monkeys :) They love visiting during breakfast time!



Mom enjoying breakfast outside

For drinks there are three bars to visit. The Oyster bar is situated near the Ocean Terrace. Here you can sip on a cocktail and enjoy life music every Monday to Friday from 18:30-21:30.  A cool feature here is the glass floor that looks onto the chef's table and wine cellar.

The Chukka bar is the one I did not visit. It's more of a gentleman's space with a range of cigars and whiskeys to enjoy.

My favourite bar  was The Lighthouse Bar. The view is magnificent and the famous lighthouse is visible from every angle. Here you can unwind while enjoying a cocktail and bar snacks. I had a delicious gin cocktail here one evening and the classic mojito is also a winner.

Cheers!

So as you can see The Oyster Box has a lot to offer. Service and attention to detail is impeccable. If you can't come for an overnight visit do pop in for a drink, the afternoon tea or the legendary curry buffet. You won't be disappointed.

For more information visit their website and check out this current special where you stay for four nights and only pay for three.
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