Veldskoen Padstal, De Doorns

Veldskoen Padstal in De Doorns is one of those farm stalls that has thrown away the training wheels and embraced “institution” status.

If you’re heading into the Karoo from the Worcester side, or if you’re coming from the other direction after many hours of hard driving on the N1, Veldskoen should be a mandatory stop.

If the cheerfully painted façade, shady picnic spots and fragrant rose garden don’t draw you in, the tasty treats and preserves certainly will. Unusual items on the shelves include pickled quail’s eggs (R119,50), fruit rolls of all shapes and sizes (from R36,50), blackberry compote (R79,50), dried apple rings (R24,50) – when last? – and beautiful tubs of Rio Largo olive oil (R189,50). That’s your pantry sorted. Next, you might like to move on to the small antique store that’s attached to the farm stall. It has everything from old coffee tins to silverware and table linen. Even if you aren’t a shopper at heart, the curiosities warrant a nostalgic smile.

If you’re hungry, pull up a chair and choose from an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. The Veldskoen breakfast includes two fried eggs, bacon, boerewors, pan-fried mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, toast and preserves, all for R98. Lunch could range from a home-made beef burger (R95) to an open sandwich or salad.

The ingredients are truly splendid. After all, farm stalls get to tap into fresh, regional produce and Veldskoen exploits this privilege unapologetically. We’re talking buttermilk flapjacks with maple syrup (R75) and cheese and tomato toasties with onion marmalade and basil pesto (R62). It’s a verifiable foodie heaven!

The little ones can stretch their legs in the outdoor area, which also has a trampoline. Contact: veldskoenpadstal.co.za