Despite its modest name, the Orchard Farm Shop is much more than a typical farm shop. Located just a leisurely 20-minute drive from the airport roundabout towards Chongwe, this hidden gem offers a tranquil retreat with its serene gardens and diverse flora. The peaceful journey is part of the delightful experience, providing a welcome escape from the city’s distractions. The Orchard Farm Shop is perfect for spending a leisurely day, from morning to evening, with a menu showcasing a wide array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Surrounded by verdant fields, The Orchard Farm Shop curates a bounty of quality, fresh produce from neighbouring farms within a 5-kilometre radius. The Orchard Farm Shop delivers an immersive experience, boasting a butchery brimming with succulent cuts and artisanal dried meats such as biltong, alongside a secluded wine cellar, a fragrant bakery, and a restaurant surrounded by rolling green lawns. The aroma of freshly baked cakes, bread, and rolls is a den of temptation, while jars of homemade preserves, luscious strawberry jams, and tantalising chilli preserves line the shelves, promising a taste of homemade goodness.
The rustic wine cellar, a sanctuary for oenophiles, presents an impressive collection of up to 800 wines, each a testament to the connoisseur’s passion. The cellar’s internationally curated selection caters to every discerning palate, from the effervescent sparkle of premium champagnes from France and Italian proseccos to the robust depths of South African reds.
With its al fresco seating, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the meticulously manicured grounds, sprawling lawn, and verdant gardens. The gentle caress of the breeze drew me into a reverie as I awaited my meal.
The Appetiser
I started with the salmon and cream cheese bruschetta, which performed an exquisite dance on my palate. The crisp crunch of the bruschetta yielded to the creamy, smooth cream cheese that presented a slight tang and paired beautifully with the delicate yet unmistakable flavour of the smoked salmon. The hints of zesty dill and freshly squeezed lemon accentuated the meal’s freshness. My appetiser was paired with a glass of crisp South African Sauvignon Blanc, whose vibrant acidity and notes of citrus and green apple complemented the creamy, delicate elements of the appetiser.
The Main Course
For the main course, I indulged in the farm-style smoked ribs. Each succulent mouthful of the generous cut was suffused with the smoky notes of the marinade, a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavours that tantalised the taste buds. Paired with golden, crispy chips and a vibrant salad teeming with crispy lettuce, juicy olives, sharp red onion, and the riotous colours of bell peppers, it was a medley of flavours that lingered on the palate long after my plates were cleared away. The accompanying sumptuous Pink Orchard cocktail, stuffed with succulent strawberries, rum, and lime, presented an unexpected pairing to an unforgettable dining experience.
Dessert
To complete my epicurean journey, I chose a decadent blueberry and vanilla cake, its moist crumb studded with bursts of fresh blueberries and a velvety, frothy latte. Each bite was a delightful combination of sweet vanilla and the tart juiciness of plump, fresh blueberries. The cake’s fluffy texture and the blueberries’ natural sweetness were harmoniously balanced, creating a sense of homemade comfort and indulgence.
As the sun dips below the horizon at The Orchard Farm Shop, amidst the rustle of leaves and the chorus of birdsong, every meal is an ode to nature and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A Home Away From Home
The restaurant operates from 09:00 to 22:00 on weekends and closes an hour earlier on weekdays. The menu includes options for children and breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections.
Holistic Experience
The Orchard Farm Shop provides a holistic experience, from farm-to-table fresh produce to employing local community members. From breakfast with activities for children to live bands in the evening, they offer a full-board experience accompanied by the best food.
A Romantic Haven
The Orchard Farm Shop is preferred for birthday parties, graduations, corporate events, and weddings. The outdoor seating can accommodate up to 4000 people.
Wedding clients are offered a complimentary private two-bedroom house within the property, providing a haven to rest and refresh between wedding events.
All Play and No Work
The Orchard Farm has a designated play area for children with a shallow swimming pool, an upper deck infinity pool and a play area for up to 500 guests. The upper deck pool offers a stunning aerial view of the property and can host up to 150 people.
Images by Teddy Mweemba
