Elvis Blue’s “lekka” padstal on the Garden Route

Elvis Brew in George has the closest viewing deck for large aircraft in SA

Last updated: Tuesday, 13 September 2022

Elvis Blue loves padstals so much he created his own. It's on the Garden Route, has old-school style with modern twists: It serves an excellent brew, wood-fired pizzas and something special the kids will adore – it's the closest viewing deck for large aircraft in South Africa. I mean, everyone wins at this pitstop.

Another reason he loves padstals, says Elvis, is that they are quintessentially South African. “What makes a padstal special for me is because it’s real.… It has that real South African feeling,” he explains.

Elvis Brew was established in 2019. Image: Elvis Brew

READ HOW IT ALL BEGAN

When Jan Adriaan Hoogendyk – that's Elvis Blue – was little, his dad would take him to the airport in Joburg. "There was a roadhouse close by and you could sit and watch the aircraft. It was one of my favourite things," he says.

So, naturally, when he discovered a little spot in George, right next to the airport with views of the Outeniqua Mountains, “the dream kind of took shape”.

Elvis Blue was first known for his success on South African Idols in 2010. He sometimes performs at Elvis Brew. Image: Elvis Brew

SEE LARGE AIRCRAFTS + THE OUTENIQUA MOUNTAINS

The Garden Route has become popular with travellers wanting to take a scenic drive through some of the Western Cape's most breathtaking landscapes. Close to George, Elvis Brew is a must-stop pit-stop. With its vibrant yellow signage and coffee sculpture of contrasting dark metal sheets, it’s hard to miss. On the outside you’ll find bicycles lined up at the front of the shop and canvas umbrellas providing shade for  a couple of benches and tables.

There is also a jungle gym and plenty of space for kids and pets to run around. Image: Elvis Brew

The wide, flung-open doors create a seamless flow from outside in. Inside the building opens up into a two-storey, modern industrial-style space, with long, wooden chandeliers and plenty of windows that makes the space feel light and airy. The ground floor has a coffee stand and bar with craft beer and pink gin on tap. Walking up the metal steps, you’ll find long wooden tables against the windows, providing the perfect view of the aircraft landing. Or sit downstairs and watch cows grazing in the neighbouring fields.

Browse the spacious first floor. It has aisles filled with local and hand-made goods, and fresh prodcue. Image: Elvis Brew

SUPPORT LEKKER LOCAL PRODUCTS

Apart from lekker, house-blend coffee, Elvis Brew has “local produce from local farmers and coffee roasters”. You can even find Jan’s wife Chireze’s own leather products under her label, Mama Blue. There’s also a selection of old-school cd’s and vinyls on sale.

It stocks beans and ground coffee in normal or decaf. Image: Elvis Brew

Padstals, after all, are also known for stocking a range of souvenirs and trinkets as a road trip memoir. So why not take home Elvis Brew merchandise, like a “Lekker Man” hoodie, flip flops, caps or even a tin of its signature coffee blend.

You can find their full range of merchandise and other goods on the website. Image: Elvis Brew

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

Elvis Brew is open: Monday to Saturday, 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday, 8am - 3pm

Find it: Next to Bargain Nursery | R404, across George Airport | George

Contact it on: 061 548 5155, elvisbrew.co.za, Instagram: @elvisbrewco

By Sarah Jarvis

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EXPLORE FURTHER OUT, AND FOR FREE

Visit this jack-of-all trades family market.

Explore vintage goods and veteran motors at Toeka Stoor.

Treat the kids to a mini adventure (that won’t cost much).

Venture out and explore the Western Cape for the day.

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