BARRYDALE – R62

Barrydale is unique, a special place to be visited all year round. Enclosed in a narrow valley at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, this rural village still retains the timeless countryside charm where the heart of its people will welcome you – old time residents and new comers from over the world give special charm to Barrydale.

Sunny days prevail for most of the year, with a little frost in winter – just enough for an invigorating early morning walk.

For nature lovers, Barrydale offers unsurpassed vistas of mountains and keen walkers have a wide choice of pathways and trails to follow across hills and through farmlands and orchards; for the more adventurous – climbs in the foothills of the Langeberg.

The climate is a winemaker’s dream and excellent wines and brandy are produced. It also encourages the growth of export-quality decidious fruit – apricots, pears, peaches, plums and apples.

In spring the blossems of pink and white and in autumn the vibrant golden leaves against a clear blue sky are a wonderful sight.

Nearby, the scenic Tradouws Pass is a spectacular site: here the majestic geological features, the fascinating fynbos and the abundant birdlife can be admired.

Barrydale village and district is on Route 62, linking Cape Town with Oudtshoorn or through the Tradouws Pass with the Garden Route. The road is quieter and in its own way, compared to the better known N2, just as spectaclar and beautiful.

Almost 4 hours into our road trip to Oudtshoorn, with stomach grumbling, we reach the town of Barrydale.  Long overdue for lunch but we have been told that Diesel and Creme is not to be missed.

So we pull up outside and its pretty unique, not what I expected in the middle of Barrydale.  Somewhat vintage and eclectic would be the best way to explain this restaurant.  You have the option of sitting inside or outside, we opt for outside in the lovely fresh air.  So now what to eat?  Diesel and Creme offers a wide variety of freshly home made food baked and cooked on the premises.  Anything from burgers to boerekos and their specialities:  milkshakes, burgers and waffles.  So I choose the quiche of the day with a fresh garden salad and to drink a kiddies lime milkshake.  It arrives in a jam jar with this big straw…the milkshake delicious!  I get wrapped over the knuckles for not trying the adult milkshakes but my moms favourite was lime…so had to go with it this time.

But they have a huge choice of milkshakes, amongst others, Honey and Crunchie, Chocolate and Chilli, Lady in Red and Vintage Villan!  My food was very very good!  I was then told to try the home baked cheese cake…just could not fit anohter morsel in as the portions of food are quite substantial.  This restaurant is family owned and run and the staff are wonderful and the service great. The decor – think old school, think quirky, think different and interesting…yes…good choice of words.  This is a must stop for breakfast or lunch and they are open from 7.30am until 5.30pm in Summer and from 8am until 5pm in the Winter months.  A good idea to make a reservation over week ends as it gets pretty busy…but on another note..

Nothing misses my eye so I look over and see The Karoo Moon Motel and take a walk over to investigate.  Its a stunning 3 roomed Motel that offers king sized beds with white cotton percale bedding, beautiful decor and a well stocked kitchenette as well as a mini bar. Think old, worn leather chairs, beautiful floors, French curtains, imported doors and soft carpets, think The Karoo Moon Hotel.   It was offered as a further development to Diesel and Creme in 2014..so pretty new but always booked out, so best to book well in advance.  A hearty breakfast can be ordered from Diesel and Creme!