STEAM TRAIN
The train arrives in Elgin at about 11.30am, to much cheering and fanfare from the spectators at the market, which is alongside the platform.
The market opened in June and is the brainchild of businessman Roger Orpen, who took his creative cues from the invention of steam and the industrial age and converted the old apple warehouse into a bustling steampunk station market. Inside are live music, lots and lots of food and drink, art, jewellery, clothing and more.
I was immediately whisked off to the bar for a refreshing and restorative beverage. Sue Harper and her friends love drinking gin and she says they could never understand why there was no “apple infused” gin on the market, that they knew of.
“We approached a local gin maker for some help and guidance and they were amazingly kind and patient with us,” she says.
“We not only wanted to make a nice gin, but also wanted to use products from the local valley to infuse our gin, hoping to promote Elgin too. We decided on the name L-Gin long before the actual gin was made as we loved the play of words, and also thought the name was fun.”
I agree with her about the clever name and the drink was delectable (and pink, my favourite colour).
After a bite to eat and a spot of shopping for some exquisite and unusual clothes, it was time to head home. The train departs for the return leg to Cape Town shortly after 2pm, but if you’re self-driving to Elgin perhaps you’d like to explore the wine farms and other attractions in the area. Find out more about these from the Elgin Leisure Tours kiosk at the market.
The Elgin Railway Market is open Fridays from 4pm until 8pm, Saturdays 9am until 8pm, Sundays 9am until 5pm, and the work space is open during the week from 9am until 5pm. There is free parkinge. CONTACT DETAILS Address: Oak Avenue, Elgin Village, Elgin Telephone: 021 204 1158 Email: info@elginrailwaymarket.co.za
Website:
Ceres Rail Company: www.ceresrail.co.za www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za