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Being active with your best friend and being able to go for lunch or breakfast with them is becoming increasingly the norm. Recently we went to Banhoek Farmstall on the Helshoogte Pass. You can spot the farmstall from miles away with the big “Farmstall “painted on the roof, as we turned into the parking, we saw the signs for roosterkoek and our mouths started towater. We decided to take Cobalt and our foster girl Lola, what better way to teach Lola how to teach how to behave at a coffee shop or restaurant than to let her tag along with Cobalt who already knows the ropes and who is an old hand at sort of “behaving” around people, food and all the delicious smells passing by our table.
We received a warm welcome from the staff, who quickly explained that we needed to place our order inside, so after choosing a shady table on the grass with a beautiful view of the valley Michael went inside to place our order. Don’t think of only the traditional roosterkoek with jam and cheese, Banhoek Farmstall takes it to the next level. There was Karoo lamb, curry mince, braaibroodjie, chicken mayo and bacon egg and cheese. Michael went for his old-time favourite bacon egg and cheese and on recommendation from the staff I went for the Karoo lamb. It was a hot day in Stellenbosch so Michael ordered a coffee milkshake while I went for my new a dirty chai.
While waiting for our drinks Michael looked around inside coming out a few minutes later to tell me about the large variety of freshly baked breads and pastries (We ended up buying a ciabatta and some chocolate croissants to take home) Banhoek Farmstall also has a selection of fresh fruit and veggies, and it goes without saying we stocked up for a few days.
The roosterkoek was fresh and light with generous toppings. The Karoo lamb was mouth- watering and Michael’s bacon and egg was done to perfection. We ate slowly enjoying both the food and the views and believe me you will never leave Banhoek Farmstall hungry, but unfortunately for the dogs no lamb or bacon fell off the table.
Maggies vol oggies toe, glad there was a shot of coffee in my chai tea. We decided to go for a stroll along the Eerste River in Stellenbosch to help our lunch settle before driving home before driving home.
We parked at Coetzenburg at the Danie Craven Statue, and with dogs on lead we crossed the bridge and started
following the trail along the river. The trail is 75% in the shade with multiple spots where the dogs could take a dip in the river. Please note that the trail does get used by runners and cyclists, however because it was such a hot day we only saw 1 runner and 1 cyclist. When we cut down the river we let the dogs off the lead for a while for a splash and a drink, the water was a bit shallow for a real swimming.
We turned around when we hit the end of the trail (fence) and started wondering back. When we started the trail we turned right after the bridge, the trail does go left as well and you can follow it all the way to Auntie Sophy’s coffee shop.
The dogs seemed ready to get back into the car, so we loaded them in and started our journey back Home to the Strand. We had such a big lunch we ended up not having super, well at least until we unpacked the fresh chocolate croissants at which point all temptation crumbled and we ended up having them as an evening snack.
I don’t even know where to start describing the ciabatta it was one of the best we had ever had, the perfect add on for a cheese platter or for school/work sandwiches. Michael works in Stellenbosch, and we have decided to make a weekly trip to Banhoek Farmstall to stock up.
Banhoek Farmstall opens every day at 7.30am, perfect for cyclists to grab a coffee and maybe a breakfast before or after their ride, they also stay open until 5pm for anyone that has been out doing wine-tasting and needs a coffee before driving home. The tables are set far enough apart so that you never feel crowded and your dogs don’t feel the urge to interact with other doggie visitors or customers. Most of the outside tables are on the lawn which is also perfect for the dogs to lie down.
