Rafters Restaurant

Rafters (called Rafters because of the high ceiling and the exposed beams and rafters!!) began very small when Guests really preferred to have something to eat on the premises rather than go anywhere else after arrival. In 1994/5 there were few places to actually go anyhow. So we began with what we knew best and that was Bobotie, bredies (South African version of stew) fish pie and yummy desserts like Brandy Pudding and Apple Muffin with good homemade custard. Sometimes we also shared our Braai (barbecue) with the Guests and so it evolved.

As the need arose for more rooms and expansion meant that Guests gradually took over our own private suites so Rafters grew and grew. Soon we had 5 rooms and a restaurant where outsiders from other Guest Houses were also arriving looking hungry.

Today we have two cottages and 6 rooms all en suite, and we have moved off the premises; there were no rooms left for us!

Rafters has become a Restaurant of note throughout the world. We have heard stories of people mentioning Rafters in Peru or on top of Table Mountain in Cape Town or in a supermarket in Zurich. Why? Because we have concentrated on simple home cooked South African cuisine with a hint of the Cape Malay spicing so inherent in this type of fare. In 2000 having had heart surgery, the culinary duties were fully handed over to Salome and Phumla. They have become so adept that we are able to bravely introduce such exotic dishes as crocodile, venison, various sea-food dishes and our famous lamb Tagines.

The addition of the Fynbos Terrace by Christmas 2007 with its own log fire means that the Guests have a choice of where they sit; outside under the stars by the log fire, or inside by the other log fire!

The capacity is now 50 people and we are able to also do small functions such as weddings and birthday parties, with the lunch business growing to encompass the small tour bus.

A very dedicated and separate night Staff also makes it easier for us to handle both operations.