Goblin’s Cove
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountain range about an hour’s drive from Pretoria, lies a make-believe restaurant, fairy shop and fantasy guest lodge from a land far away.
The three venues, collectively called Goblin’s Cove, are the brainchild of sculptor Charles Gotthard – a renowned South African artist and sculptor whose work appears in the Arena Studio of the National State Theatre, the Rustenburg Civic Centre and the Krugersdorp City Hall.
Decor at Goblin's Cove. Photo courtesy Paul Jacobson
Goblin’s Cove restaurant is the first of the three fantasylands. It offers visitors a unique dining experience based on extraordinary taste and an out of the ordinary setting. Diners can enjoy the restaurant’s signature dishes – the chocolate chilli fillet, for example – while overlooking the fairy forest that surrounds the restaurant enclave. Goblins and quirky sculptures pop out of the trees, while wild birds flit around in the aviary.
Murals, sculptures and fairies poke out of every nook and cranny, making this venue an exciting place to explore between servings. The restaurant is in a cove shape, and each of its rooms boasts a unique magical quality and atmosphere. The Golden Pixie and Blue Bell are intimate two-seater rooms, while Merlin’s Loft can accommodate up to 40 people.
The delicious menu is just as enticing as the Fairywinkle shop. The dishes are different and exciting, masterfully put together by head Goblin chef Thomas Grove and his staff. For groups, and on Sundays and public holidays, the restaurant offers a set menu.
For those who wish to spend the night, a vintage train coach with three cosy, en-suite cabins is available for overnight bookings. For more luxurious accommodation, the Out of Africa guest lodge, which lies just across the road, offers visitors five double-storey thatched units for tranquil sleepovers in the Magaliesberg.
The Goblin’s Cove Fairee Market is held on the restaurant premises on Sundays.
Visiting hours
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, and for lunch on Sundays and public holidays. Booking is essential.
Directions
Take the M47 towards Krugersdorp. At the T-junction, turn right onto the R563/Hekpoort Road. Take the right fork and drive for 19km, passing Greensleeves Restaurant and the Sterkfontein Caves. Turn left onto the R24 Magaliesburg/Hekpoort Road. Goblin’s Cove is about 600m (0.4mi) along the road, on your right.