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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Power Cuts = Big Chaos at The Gardener’s Cottage
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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A perfect spot in summer
Submitted by Christine Bernard
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A perfect spot in summer
Submitted by Christine Bernard
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A perfect spot in summer
Submitted by Christine Bernard
31 Newlands Avenue, Newlands 7700, South Africa
Cuisine:
Bakery, Bistro, Healthy, Vegetarian
Good for:
Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch
Rating Summary
Food2.5 rating based on 2 ratings Value2.5 rating based on 2 ratings Service2.5 rating based on 2 ratings Atmosphere3.5 rating based on 2 ratings
Expert Review
Well what a cute place! I tried to come here last week but didn’t realise they're closed on Mondays, so...
Well what a cute place! I tried to come here last week but didn’t realise they’re closed on Mondays, so bear that in mind if you want to try it out. Situated on the gorgeous leafy Newlands Avenue, it is the perfect place to go in summer, as you can sit under the trees and enjoy being outside. It’s also very popular, and I was surprised at how many people were sitting around considering I went at a very unusual time. The only tables left were reserved, but they let us take one as we were only planning on staying for a quick cup of coffee. Although I started to regret that decision after seeing plates of brownies being delivered to the table next to me.
The coffee was great — I must say I was quite surprised by it. I had a bad feeling it wasn’t going to be nice at all, but they did it just right. Despite being a hot day the wind was chilly and it was the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup. Although I didn’t have anything to eat I have eaten there twice before. I can definitely recommend having the Gardener’s Style Eggs Benedict which comes with creamed spinach and poached eggs on a herbed croute, topped with Hollandaise sauce. I had mine with bacon too. I have not been for lunch, but I tried one of their snack meals which was a breakfast bagel with scrambled egg, bacon and cream cheese.
It’s just a lovely place. Now that I saw the brownies I have to go back. It’s definitely the type of place you want to linger at for a while. And surrounding it you’ll find lots of very interesting and quirky art shops as well as a nursery.
Expert Review
The Gardener’s Cottage is a scenic restaurant nestled away in the greenery of Newlands. Located at the Montebello Design Centre,...
The Gardener’s Cottage is a scenic restaurant nestled away in the greenery of Newlands. Located at the Montebello Design Centre, the restaurant and coffee shop offers a shady garden seating area and a good menu of breakfasts, light meals and lunches which are served until 4PM. The old rustic restaurant is much like a cottage in the woods and adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
When I visited The Gardener’s Cottage on a Saturday afternoon, unfortunately the area was experiencing a power cut which meant a limited menu. Although the limited menu caused no fuss amongst guests, the restaurant started to turn away customers which left some people very unhappy. Besides that, tables were waiting over an hour to receive a menu or bill. Other shortcomings include finding a hair in my meal and being served whole-wheat bread when I asked for ciabatta. I don’t think I would revisit The Gardener’s Cottage but is it definitely a lovely venue and a great place for a quiet cup of tea and cake, just make sure they aren’t experiencing a power cut before you go!
From the Light Meals menu I ordered the Chicken Mayo Open Toast, but due to a power cut, I had to settle with a choice of whole-wheat, ciabatta or rye bread instead. When my meal arrived they served me whole-wheat bread when I asked for ciabatta, but it looks really good so I decided to tuck in. The chunky ingredients were simple, clean and worked well together. It was a great sandwich with chicken, mayo, avo, gherkin, pepper dews and rocket, but as I started to eat my second slice, I noticed a long, red hair sticking out from the butte on my sandwich. By this time, the restaurant was already quite chaotic with people walking out, having screaming matches with the manager and crowding the restaurant with complaints.
I also ordered the Scones with butter, jam and cream. I was served one XL scone that was soft, flaky and full of buttery goodness. I would definitely recommend their desserts and cakes rather than their main meals, service and ability to work under difficult circumstances.