The Belfry Kitchen

The Belfry Kitchen is a culinary venture following in the cordon bleu tradition of cooking. This historic breakfast and lunch caf finds expression in the traditional trading model (and erstwhile premises) of an 1800s small-town store and post office. This establishment grows its own ingredients, accepts barter arrangements and encourages a return to a less consumerist, more reciprocal relationship between store and client. Adhering to its motto, Earths Bounty, this establishment wows guests and visitors with handmade cheeses, sweets and a variety of treats supported by the kitchen gardens and orchards, as well as by the estates dairy, poultry run, piggery and other resources. Located on the rural, parkland campus grounds of The South African Institute for Objects Conservation, The Belfry Kitchen forms part of a larger initiative, able to extend accommodation to the traveller or passing family. The landscaped grounds also offer opportunity to view the campus noteworthy collection of autumn colouring trees. The Belfry Kitchen can be found in the heart of Twee Riviere, located in a restored, stone building (circa 1853) which had formerly served as the towns post office and general dealership – until its closure in 1939. The recent revival of this historic premises – following seventy years of dereliction – is being marked with the adjacent erection of a bell tower (belfry) which now dignifies the campus grounds. Interested visitors are able to view the historic clock mechanism which drives the towers clock faces. The Belfry Kitchen trades from 08h30 – 18h00, Mondays to Fridays and 09h00 – 18h00 on Sundays. The establishment retains professional chefs and culinary staff, who translate and showcase the seasonal, wholesome ingredients and bounty of the campus estate in the form of delectable meals and dainties.