Spectacular panoramas of the indigenous forest and foothills of the Amatola Mountains are the views that will captivate you from this lovely little family restaurant and tea room. Situated at the edge of Stutterheim, this venue is open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am. till late. The Birds Nest serves a delicious range of home cooked quality food for lunches as well as dinners. A full children’s menu is also available and cool drinks, milk shakes and snacks are available all day.

On the first Sunday of every month, Sharon and Raymond prepare a delicious 3 course lunch including a spit braai for only R80 per person. Due to the popularity of this event, bookings must be made by 10.00am on the Saturday morning as the establishment can seat a maximum of 36 diners.

Being invited to a restaurant along a blue gum lined avenue at the edge of the Stutterheim forest, at the foot of the Amatola Mountains, has to be a first for anyone! With trepidation and a measure of rapidly increasing hunger, we arrived at Avalon, the distinctive ‘French-country’ feel home and eatery belonging to the Breedt family.

Now it’s the first impression that always count when you embark on an adventure. So let’s start with the welcoming dogs, fat geese, clucking hens, orphaned horses, and lovely let-nature-take-its’s-course-garden. As you round the corner, the ambience of the home and dining area assail you and just make you feel so very welcome. There was a black sausage dog that just had to lead you to the “what to do menu” chalked on the wall and the beaming smiles of the chef, Connie, who hastily wiped down the outside tables as it had been raining and we wanted to enjoy the garden.

The Ramble Restaurant at Old Thomas River boasts wholesome home-made food just the way granny would make it. They offer dinner on Friday and Saturday evening and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. The first Sunday of every month they have a buffet lunch, which is really something not to be missed! The Ramble Restaurant is also available to be hired out for weddings, parties and other private functions.

The Ramble Restaurant also has a welcoming and cosy pub. This is a great place from which to watch that all important match from or just have a few early evening drinks and meet some friendly locals.