OnTap Magazine

ON THE HOP Al fresco pints on the terrace at Black Horse Rather stay over at Mountain Brewing Co. enjoy a Limpopo Lager with a view of the Magoebaskloof Mountains. Zwakala means “come closer”, and after a couple of nights here, you certainly won’t want to leave. MPUMALANGA HOPS HOLLOW BREW PUB LONG TOM PASS Claiming the title of highest brewery in Africa, Hops Hollow sits 2080m above sea level, at the top of the highly scenic Long Tom Pass. Guest rooms are simple but comfy, and there are backpacker options if you want to save a few rands and don’t mind sharing a bathroom. Beers are served by the fireplace in the pub and include an English bitter, Kölsch, witbier and porter. NORTH WEST BLACK HORSE BREWERY MAGALIESBURG The beautiful guestrooms here mostly sleep two people, but if you’re travelling in a group there’s also a ten-sleeper house that comes with its own swimming pool. As well as the brewery, there’s also a distillery serving up a range of gins. On a sunny day, order a burger the size of your head and sip your pint on the pretty terrace. If the weather turns chilly, head for the warmth of the restaurant with its pizza oven. The grounds are leafy, verdant and kid-friendly, and there’s plenty for everyone in the family to do in the surrounding area. WESTERN CAPE BARRINGTON’S PLETTENBERG BAY One of the newest breweries in the country, Barrington’s opened in February of this year, just weeks before the pandemic hit South Africa. It is a magnificent destination, with great thought clearly put into each aspect of the estate. You enter through the beautifully imagined herb and veggie garden and can make a choice: turn left for the restaurant and coffee shop, right for the brewery and bar or head upstairs to check into one of the small but stylish guest rooms. MOUNTAIN BREWING NEAR WORCESTER Another one for outdoorsy types, the deck at Mountain Brewing Co. has a marvellous view over the Brandvlei Dam and the mountains beyond. The rooms are generally only available to conference groups, but on certain weekends they open up to individual travellers, so it’s always worth giving them a call to see if they can accommodate. The farm is best known for its 4x4 trails but it’s also great for hiking and mountain biking, stargazing, taking a dip in the, let’s say, refreshing pool or for simply sitting on the deck and working your way through the beer range. NIEUW BREW CEDERBERG Perhaps boasting the most scenic location of any brewery in the country, Nieuw Brew is based at Kromrivier Farm. Sleeping options include simple, affordable accommodation Where the magic happens Tsitsikamma's adorable tasting room No prizes for guessing how Mountain Brewing got its name Descending the spiral staircase from Barrington's guest rooms to the bar 28 | Winter 2020 | ontapmag.co.za