The Devil’s Peak Brewing Company’s latest venture is the perfect marriage of beer and comfort food, combined with beautiful natural surroundings. Situated at the restored heritage building of De Oude Welgemoed, the complex boasts three different spaces: De Oude Manor House – reviewed here, the Bistro at Devil’s Peak De Oude and Alpha Beer Hall – each offering unique menus.

Fast facts

Cost: R150 avg main meal
Parking: Available outside
Best for: Comforting classics
Star ratings: Food: 4, Ambience: 4, Service: 4

Inside De Oude Manor. Photo supplied.

Food

At De Oude Manor, the menu is focused on smoked meats and comforting classics. Start with a selection of snacks ideal for sharing. The West Coast oysters, topped with a vinaigrette of lardo and scorched lemon, are a refreshing take on the classic. Or opt for the spiced lamb riblets with cumin and lemon-parsley yoghurt. Slow-cooked pork croquettes are golden nuggets of joy served with apple-cider chutney, and are best ordered in a double serving, as you’ll definitely be going back for seconds.

A pork dish at De Oude. Photo supplied.

After snacks, it’s on to the main event. The selection of items from their smoker are real palate pleasers. You’ll find everything from smoked snoek with a braaibroodjie to smoked pork belly with a beer jus and cauliflower puree. The wood-roasted chicken with cabbage slaw and the slow-cooked lamb shank with parsnip puree make for comforting, generous dishes reminiscent of Sunday lunches.

An angelfish dish. Photo supplied.

Vegetarians are not forgotten, with interesting options available like the potato gnocchi with garden pesto and summer squash; or the chive Risotto with goats’ curd and peas. In the sides department, there are ones not to be missed, like the beef-fat mash and the braaibroodjie with beer cheese and smoked tomato with red-onion marmalade.

Kids have a special menu and will not be disappointed with options like crispy chicken with cheese sauce, and pizza from the wood-fired oven.

One of the puddings at De Oude. Photo supplied.

The sweet ending of an old-fashioned milk tart with Amarula and coffee ice cream is a perfect way to finish the meal. Another must-try is the baked cheesecake with pineapple ice cream.

While each restaurant has their own dedicated menu, you are able to order from any of the three menus no matter where you are seated.

Drinks

This is a beer lover’s paradise. Enjoy a selection of Devil’s Peaks brews with 10 rotating craft beers on tap. If you are not sure what to have, opt for the tasting to sample what’s on offer. Also, ask your waiter about the experimental and specialty beers they have on offer that day. Wine drinkers are not forgotten with a well-curated, reasonably priced wine list.

The venue is child-friendly, with a dedicated kiddies menu. Photo supplied.

Service

Friendly, warm and welcoming. On-the-ball servers and management are only too happy to talk you through the menu and, of course, the beer selection.

Ambience

There is an honest warmth and charm to the space despite its slick interior and modern furnishings tucked into this old heritage building. There is a roaring fire for cosy winter days, and high bar tables situated closer to the bar. Summer days will be perfect under the three-hundred-year-old oak trees.

And…

De Oude Manor also offers lazy breakfasts and brunches. Book a spot under the oak trees or in the cosy dining room.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay their own way. Read our full editorial policy here.

In summer, the garden is the place to sit. Photo supplied.