Tan’ Malie se Winkel, Hartbeestpoort

Just before the Hartbeespoort Dam tunnel, Tan’ Malie se Winkel has all the feel of an old-fashioned trading store and boasts the self-proclaimed title of historical, cultural venue, which is confirmed when you step inside.

The front room of the shop is jam-packed with delicious sweets of yesteryear, from succulent strings of liquorice and brightly coloured lollipops to Chappies and candy canes. An adjacent room stocks fat slabs of freshly baked breads and home-made jams, begging to be bought.

Another room, the restaurant, boasts rows of old tins and memorabilia, setting the scene for divine home-style meals from farm-fresh breakfasts to milkshakes and treats. Try the iced coffee for a decadent caffeine kick; it’s thick with ice-cream and real coffee.

Downstairs you’ll find Tan’ Malie se Braai Restaurant, a buy-and-braai experience with a twist. Choose from juicy steaks, sosaties and wors for the braai and take your pick of salads and fresh bread and home-made butter. The braais are stoked and tended for you, so all you really have to do as a braai master is delegate and eat, then enjoy your feast on the terrace overlooking a country setting.

Wash it all down with a cup of moerkoffie and if possible try to squeeze in a slice of malvalekker tert (marshmallow tart). If you really have no space left for dessert, be sure to pick up a milk tart or some farm rusks (made from a recipe handed down through the generations) to take away and enjoy at home.