Plan Your Trip
NEED TO KNOW
Central used to have a dodgy safety reputation, but along with the upgrading of the area come assurances of improving safety. Daytime walking is best.
STAY HERE
Holmeleigh is artist Estelle Marais’ home, part of which is converted into a self-contained flat with kitchenette. Estelle is a delightful raconteur who could be persuaded to give you a unique art tour around Central. R350 pp sharing. 041-582-1737
The Grand Hotel is one of PE’s original hostelries, built in 1867 and recently spruced up. It has a lovely terrace with views and an old-school bar. Stay in a period-piece double room from R396 pp. 041-582-4753
Hallack Manor is stylish and modern. Lots of spaces to relax – bar, deck, two lounges, braai area and a pool. From R425 pp sharing. 041-374-8178, hallockmanor.co.za
EAT HERE
Stage Door at the historic Phoenix Hotel has sawdust and wood shavings on the floor and excellent value on the plates. R80 for a gourmet burger (Double rooms from R200 pp.) 041-5863553 Messer’s Ethiopian Kitchen is an intimate restaurant without a menu. Choose between meat and veg options served with traditional injera (flatbread). Meals R40 pp. 073-938-1812 The Grand Hotel has a food market on the first Saturday of every month, and chicken kebabs are braaied on the back lawn. 041-582-4753 Heritage Cafe has tables outside, from which you can peruse the oxen, made out of hundreds of mechanical components and metal parts, by artist Louwrens Westraad. Breakfast and lunches from R45. 078-683-5274
Vovo Telo in Richmond Hill, a trendy precinct adjacent to Central, is an artisanal bakery and cafe perfect for breakfast or brunch. From R60 for a panini toastie. 041-585-5606
DO THIS
Explore Route 67. Start at the Donkin Reserve – there is an info centre here, where you can pick up a route map and find out about current exhibitions and shows – and work your way down to the Campanile next to PE Station and back up again. 041-585-8884
Get a sense of history. The 5km Donkin Heritage Trail zigzags between 51 places of interest (all but four are national monuments). Buy a guide booklet at Parsonage House, 7 Castle Hill (itself a fascinating domestic museum).
Catch a show at The Little Theatre – home of Pemads (an amateur-dramatic society that’s been around since 1946). Find it on Facebook. To hear the organ, lunch-time recitals are scheduled for 20 September, 15 November and 6 December. 041-503-7854
Mastertons is a tea merchant and coffee roastery founded in 1924. Pop in to this delightful old shop to pick up something deliciously aromatic. 114 Russell Road, 041-585-4044