Reviews

Explore The Chocolate Garden on the de Charmoy Estate in Durban

The Chocolate Garden is as intriguing as the name suggests. Located on the de Charmoy Estate in Durban, this new coffee shop will be Africa’s first Chocolate Inspired Garden when it opens on the 17th of October.

So, what exactly is a Chocolate Garden? I had a sneak peek at the garden at the launch yesterday, and I can’t wait to bring my kiddies with me next time to enjoy what I’m sure is going to be an exciting new place for many families to visit.

A Chocolate Garden is inspired by chocolate, this includes chocolate coloured plants, chocolate scented flowers, chocolate mint, and chocolate sunflowers and vines. The garden was planted in early August so many of the plants are still growing, but already you can enjoy the sensory experience and the tranquility that the garden offers.

The Chocolate Garden was the dream of Lauren (de Charmoy) Machanick, who together with Garden Design expert Lindsay Gray have been working hard for months with her team of gardeners from the Estate to bring her vision to life. The result is a beautiful garden that features a variety of different chocolate coloured plants that will grow and change with the seasons.

Lauren is the mom of two young boys, and has been mindful to create a space that is safe for children to explore. There is nothing poisonous in the garden, there is no water to be worried about, the soft bark is gentle to little feet, and the play areas are well shaded. The concrete paths lead you to want to explore, and if you do you’ll find there is lots to discover!

Three giant tortoises named Esio, Coco and Shelly are waiting to meet you, along with bunnies, guinea pigs, a duck, a goose and even a cheeky turkey. You can’t pet the animals, but the kiddies are bound to enjoy saying hello before heading off to explore the fairy garden. Of course, exploring makes you hungry, and you can look forward to a special kiddies menu to keep tummies full and happy. Moms can also relax with a feeding room as well as baby changing facilities all on site.

We had a taste of what the menu will include, and the food was delicious. You’ll be able to indulge in a variety of cakes and the savoury food will include chocolate versions of tomatoes, peppers, lettuces and herbs, with a focus on freshness combining chocolate and botanicals.  The chocolate toasties I sampled were a special treat!

The Chocolate Garden will open on the 17th of October, and you’ll be able to enjoy this new coffee garden from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:30am to 4pm.  The new spa, Sugar & Spice, will also be opening on the 5th of October. Situated 15 minutes inland from Gateway and 5 minutes from the King Shaka International airport in Durban, The Chocolate Garden is a child friendly venue that’s definitely worth checking out!

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4 Comments

  • Reply Veruska September 21, 2017 at 10:25 am

    Looks wonderful! Will be keen to take the kids there. thank you for sharing.

    • Reply Lisa Trollip September 21, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      It really is a fun new venue to visit with the kiddies, definitely a great place to check out in the holidays!

  • Reply Deeniese Naicker September 21, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    WoW Great review …this place looks and sounds amazing … so well thought of.
    I know my kids would love it there.
    I will definitely visit when im in Durban in November.
    Looking forward of it.

    • Reply Lisa Trollip September 26, 2017 at 8:26 am

      Awesome, it’s a fun place for the kiddies to explore. Have fun in Durbs in November! 🙂

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