Lanseria will not normally feature in the top ten destinations for brilliant food, let alone breakfast, in Johannesburg. As we strive to find the best of Johannesburg, Fabulous Woman stumbled upon a gem that is only 10 minutes from the Cradle of Humankind and stone’s throw from Fourways. It is not surprising that The Hertford Country Hotel & Function Venue is one of Gauteng’s best-loved function venues set in a charmingly rustic French inspired farmhouse complete with tractors and other farm implements scattered across the property. Although famous for weddings, our mission was to explore the breakfast service and Saturday morning country ambiance. Good restaurants are rated on the food but excellent ones offer a combination of ambiance, brilliant staff and idyllic setting. The Hertford Country House and Function venue scores handsomely on all aspects that make an excellent restaurant. The country breakfast is worth the short trip out the hustle and bustle of Fourways and offers relaxed atmosphere away from prams and frustrated moms trying to keep an eye on their charges.
The Country House Restaurant is nestled in a beautiful garden with shade provided by beautiful trees. This is the French countryside at its best! The setting is disarmingly chic, rustic and relaxing in an unpretentious way and the food is absolutely fantastic. If you are a fan of alfresco dining and love the greenery that nature provides, then a seat in the secluded, sunny terrace garden under a tree is absolute heaven. Our party chose the Hertford Sunrise which turned out to be one of the best fry-ups in Johannesburg. There are other healthier choices too as the restaurant caters for the healthy types and cyclists. Cyclists get 10% off their hearty breakfast or recovery protein Nutritech Shake if they arrive on a bike. A nice touch is the rubber strips on the gravel road if you are worried about your expensive road bike riding on the gravel. While the breakfast is absolutely spectacular, it is the garden setting and friendly staff takes it up a few notches and set the Hertford apart. We loved the prompt service and the food presentation.
The Hertford Country House is decidedly not a place where you rush in, stuff your face with bacon & eggs at the restaurant and rush off to your next appointment. It is a place where breakfast can easily turn into brunch and lunch as the relaxed garden setting enthrals you to forget time and just get lost in the moment. Absolutely divine after a hectic morning bike ride! If you are a photography enthusiast, there are plenty of places and farms implements scattered around the property that beg for photos. And greet the horses while you are wandering about the farm. For more than just breakfast, the Hertford Country House is a must visit and offers excitement and a stimulating environment for kids too. The Hertford is Fabulous Woman’s top 5 breakfast venue in Johannesburg and for good reason too. It is absolutely brilliant and a must visit!
For Country House Restaurant bookings, call +27 11 023 7080/1 or visit their website on http://www.hertford.co.za.
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