Peregrine Farm Stall in Elgin, Western Cape celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, but it was also a year in which tragedy struck. On the night of 3rd of May 2014 the farm stall’s long-serving restaurant was badly damaged in a fire and had to be closed for extensive renovations.
Out of the ashes, an exciting new restaurant has opened to serve the countless travellers that stop at the road trip institution. Working with architect, Barry Gould (Barry Gould Architects) and master carpenter and joiner, Simon Smith of Overberg Joinery Works, the new Peregrine Café is a bright, fresh and functional space for breakfast & lunch and everything in between.
Says co-owner, Justin Burls; “The fire was a devastating blow to us, but gave us an opportunity to take a good look at where we are, and prepare to take Peregrine into the next 50 years –and as much as it’s a fresh beginning it also feels like a continuation of our journey. We have drawn on the amazing design and craftsmanship talent in the area to completely reinvent the space and we are thrilled with the outcome.”
The new restaurant space echoes the architecture of the area’s many apple barns but uses a structure of Austrian spruce and glass to give it an open, contemporary feel, complete with screed floors, chalkboard menus and vintage Hoi P’loy lighting. The café flows into the original deli and still offers an outdoor seating area.
The restaurant concept has been tweaked to streamline the experience for travellers – who generally want to stop, rest, eat and go. Guests in a hurry can now order and pay for their food at the café counter and will then have their food brought to them by a waiter when it is ready. Alternatively guests can be seated and enjoy excellent service from the waiting staff.
The menu continues to hit the spot with old fashioned favourites like burgers and toasties but also includes a range of fresh and tasty salads with wood roasted vegetables and hearty meals such as the famous Peregrine Venison pie. Origin coffee, freshly squeezed apple juice, Elgin wines and locally made Everson’s Cider are also on offer. The focus is on fresh, local ingredients and homemade recipes, many of which date back decades.
Peregrine began life as a humble fruit vending stall on the side of the road in 1964. The Truter family grew the business and built the main farm stall structure in the 80’s. The Burls family took ownership in the late 90’s and have continued to grow the business which now employs 65 people.
The signature collection of vintage tractors in the parking area has been gathered over the years by the Burls family and many a visitor has posed beside one. A fenced kiddies park is located around the corner from the main restaurant and visitors can browse the nursery, rose nursery and gift and décor store; Sleeping Beauty Traders. Elgin Valley Tourism’s information centre is also located in the complex.
Peregrine is on the N2 highway Grabouw/Elgin, Western Cape.
021 848 9011
