The Venue…
Priscilla suggested that we go out for lunch on either Saturday or Sunday and suggested that I surprise her with the venue.
A while ago Frikkie and Madelyn from downstairs had mentioned that they had been out to a fabulous spot close to Umkomaas. So I got hold of them to remind me of the name of the place.
East Coast Brewery…
is what most people know it as, but their signboard actually just says “The Venue” When looking it up on the web, I found that it was also known as “The Venue Fontana”, so there is no real clarity on the name.
Fortunately we were given directions by Frikkie as they were driving out the gate and without these, I doubt we would have found it so easily.
It is situated this side of Umkomaas and one has to turn off the Old Main Road, cross the railway track, and then keep taking the left hand fork on a very bad untarred road all the way down to the impressive gate and security section.
Just before the gate is a really large warehouse type building on the right hand side of the road, which we guessed must be the brewery itself, but as it turned out, we were mistaken.
From the gate, the sweeping view of perfectly manicured grass is visible going off into the distance. Two paved tracks lead one down towards parking, which by midday, was fairly full already.
We were directed up a grassed bank where we found parking under a lovely low hanging tree. The sun beat down unmercifully and we were really delighted to see huge umbrellas outside the main Venue Building with a few tables scattered around.
I took the top photo off their web site and it is a good one, as it shows the whole of the entrance into the hall. The Vats in the background also add an interesting feel to it all.
To the left of the counter is where one places orders for drinks, and the far right is where the food is ordered and paid for.
The menu does not cater for a huge dietary range, but we decided to try their pizzas, so this was not a problem. Frikkie had mentioned a Buffalo Cheese Pizza with Basil leaves and Parma ham, so that was the first choice.
The second choice was even nicer, being either Brie or Camembert cheese, feta, bacon bits and cranberry sauce which was just too delicious. Thank goodness we only bought 2 – as we were not able to finish them there, but brought the left over home for dinner and lunch tomorrow!
Drinks…
Next came the choice of what to drink. They have a set of 10 small glasses which they sell as tasters of their beer that they make – but, although I was tempted to try them, I settled on a lovely cool glass of Pink Gin with strawberries, blueberries, plenty of ice and a slice of lemon. Priscilla chose the Blue Gin and our other friend settled on a white Wine.
I loved the gin and as I got to the bottom of the glass I was given a little plastic spoon to remove the berries to eat. What a treat!
It is very cleverly laid out with a rustic feel to the inside of the building. A lot of black steel chairs and wooden table tops. They serve the Pizza on a very large board with a handle that you collect from them once the order is ready.
So no plates to wash, knives and forks to be lost – just good food, serviettes to catch the dribbles and to wipe your hands.
Live entertainment…
There was a guy who played a guitar and sang, and although a little loud at times, it was nice to have.
It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I highly recommend that you try this venue out if you haven’t yet.
In Sweden…
My ultra talented daughter in law, Ulrika, spent the weekend at an art exhibition in which she had many of her beautiful works on display.
I took the photo off Facebook to brag! Luke, my grandson, was kind enough to help her set up and what a good job he did.
