OnTap Magazine

SEE AND DO e Midlands Meander can be a little twee but its ve routes will entertain almost anyone. Art studios abound, whether you’re looking for ceramics, beadwork, basketry or bespoke clothing. History enthusiasts should stop at e Capture Site , where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. An exhibition tells the story, and there’s a small restaurant and gift shop, as well as the striking sculpture of Madiba’s face. If you’re an outdoorsy type, check out the Karkloof Canopy Tour where 10 zip lines sweep you above the forest and past a 20-metre waterfall. One of the most important aspects of planning a beery trip is keeping the kids happy and the best place to do that on the Meander – at least with little ones – is at Piggly Wiggly Farmstall . It’s commercial sure, but popular with very good reason. ere’s chocolate tasting, candle-dipping, a used bookstore, co ee shops, plate-painting and a miniature train that does regular circuits of the whole grassy complex. EAT e Meander is dotted with foodie stops: there are two co ee roasteries, a fudge shop, a variety of cheese producers and restaurants o ering everything from co ee and cake to ai food and hearty portions of traditional Austrian eisbein. An absolute must is the steak house at Netherwood Farm , also home to a still- nding-its-feet microbrewery, Happy Days. Netherwood is an Angus cattle farm and the steaks served at the Fork n’ Cleaver restaurant are the best in the region. Don’t forget your camera when you head to the toilet – you’ll nd out why when you get there… DRINK Now the oldest operating microbrewery in South Africa, Nottingham Road Brewing Co. has been pouring pints at its quaint and cosy pub since 1996. Pray for misty, cold weather as the pub is at its absolute nest when all ve of its replaces are lit. Find a nook, grab a pint of the agship Pickled Pig Porter and settle in for the afternoon, the evening and thanks to the on-site hotel, the night. If you do happen to nd yourself hereabouts on a sunny day, the taproom (adjacent to the pub) has outdoor seating under the trees and the Tipsy Tiger IPA will keep you refreshed. THE MIDLANDS The rustic country setting and excellent German style beers will keep you at Lions River all day Not just KZN's oldest craft brewery, but now the longest running in SA. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave ontapmag.co.za | Autumn 2021 | 37