Colony Restaurant, Oudtshoorn

COLONIAL ELEGANCE IN OUDTSHOORN

If restaurant ambience is as important to you as the quality of the cuisine, then when next in the Klein Karoo – and in Oudtshoorn in particular – plan a meal at the Colony restaurant at the four-star, colonial-style Queen’s Hotel, reputed to be the third-oldest in South Africa. Elegant, tasteful renovations over the years by the owners, the Barrow family, and numerous historical pictures, antique furnishings and family mementoes have ensured a classy and comfortable atmosphere that extends to the restaurant with its friendly country- style service. Here you can dine on the balcony or in the classic, white-linen dining room, first having had a cocktail at the adjacent long, teak bar or in the gracious lounge. On balmy Karoo evenings, with a chilled glass of local white wine, city slickers can only begrudge the gentle lifestyle of country folk. Specialities (obviously!) are rack of Karoo lamb and ostrich steak, while the wine list should really have more local wines to add interest. The hotel also has a trendy coffee shop and bakery on the street-side verandah, Cafe Bruleé which provides light lunches and desserts.

In the centre of Oudtshoorn is an historic, colonial gem of a restaurant that treats diners with delicious local specialities.

 

Colony Restaurant, Baron van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn; tel 044-272 2101