The tiny town of Darling on the Cape West Coast is synonymous with flowers and Pieter-Dirk Uys’ Evita. But now, a brand new restaurant is bound to bring in a whole new set of visitors to the quaint Western Cape countryside.
Opening a restaurant that was more than just an eating place, but a gathering spot for friends, both old and new, was Nina and Derek’s dream since they first moved to Darling some years ago. And after two fruitless years of searching and waiting, when this intrepid saw an old abandoned barn on prime property just off the main street, she knew she had to have it. It would take a few more years of restoring the 100-year old barn and hard work before the restaurant finally opened earlier this year. And the result of all that hard work is 1910 The Old Forge.
The inside is a chock-a-block with a range of beautiful antiques that Nina has found over the years and the walls, floors and staircase all bear the handcrafted touches of Derek. But its this dynamic duo that really make the place come alive and you’ll catch them behind the bar, in the kitchen and dreaming up new menu ideas as they sit around the fireplace having a drink with you. On warm days, their laughter can even be heard out in the garden where more miss-matched tables and chairs add an authentic charm to the garden.
With live music and events ongoing affairs, it is quickly establishing itself as the place to be, and be seen, in Darling!