Millstone Farmstall & Cafe

A farm in Cape Town at the Oude Molen Eco Village

You might not believe me when I tell you there's a farm in the city but it's true. The Millstone Farm Stall & Cafe at the Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands is located just 12 minutes from Cape Town's city centre and, affectionately known as 'Millstone', this family restaurant is for children with children.

The magic word is 'friendly'

It's  nice to sit outside and drink coffee, eat a healthy lunch or just watch your kids play in the spacious tree house or on the swing. The kitchen is located in a 17th century house and the village was part of the Falkenberg hospital for mentally ill people before Apartheid. Fast forward to the present and the area is full to the brim with interesting characters.

You'll also find a guest house, a man who teaches gardening to children and young people, playhouses (with supervision), a Waldorf school, horse riding, activities for disabled children, a backpackers hostel and more.

"We encourage children to feed the horses and pigs," says Jochi. Sebastian is the little black pig whilst the fat potbellied pig is called Miss Milly May. The Horse stables are right next door and dogs can be seen strolling in the sunshine.

On Saturdays and Sundays a musician plays his guitar and sings like a star which is simply wonderful!

Millstone is the ideal place for a child's birthday party but I wouldn't mind celebrating my birthday here, too.

Honest, organic and local food

"I like good food," says amiable chef Jochi. He and Linda Malone manage the Millstone and it's clear that they know what they are doing. Chef Julia from Zimbabwe is as much of a whizz in the kitchen as Jochi. The affordable menu offers meals to suit a variety of appetites so you can easily buy just a slice of pizza for your kids or a cookie if you fancy a nibble.

The ciabatta which forms part of my country breakfast is baked fresh every morning in a woodfired  oven situated in the delightful garden. The meals are fresh, healthy and I highly recommend the freshly squeezed juice 'Deluxe' with carrots, apples, ginger, beetroot .

Jochi hails from a business background but decided he quite fancied a career move to the countryside. Millstone has the country feel he was looking for but its still close enough to the city. "Eating is a passion," says Jochi.

If possible Jochi buys produce from the eco village. Linda continues, "We pay attention to packaging that can be recycled and we support small businesses. Everything here is fresh, organic, seasonal and if its not organic then its certainly local. "

In the small (almost nostalgic) farm store you can buy the good stuff including olive, jams and freshly baked bread.

The Oude Molen Eco Village has an interesting story which begins with the Khoisan, a tale which Jochi will enthusiastically recount.

Millstone is about community, ethics, a healthy life and better environmental (but not excessive) principles. Vegetarians will love the Millstone whilst meatlovers will find their homemade sausage heavenly. Millstone is easy and, of course, this cafe is the real thing.

by Antonia Heil

Millstone Farm Stall & Cafe

At the Oude Molen Eco Village; Exit Pinelands, Raapenberg, first exit left, Oude Molen Eco Village is signposted entrance opposite Pinelands Station | +27 (0)21 447 8226

Opening times: Between 08:00 and 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.

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