By Gugulethu Tshabalala
About halfway between Pretoria and Bronkhorstspruit lies Cullinan, a small town with big charm and even bigger stories to tell. Known for its historic diamond mine and tranquil streets, Cullinan is the kind of place where you can stroll the main street in just 15 minutes yet still discover enough boutiques and cafes to keep you lingering for hours.
Food, Flavour & a Dash of Quirk
Cullinan is a food lover’s little treasure chest. Almost every restaurant and café in town offers something unique, whether it’s homemade goodness, surprising flavour combinations, or a warm, homespun atmosphere. Lemon Tree Tea Garden Restaurant
may look modest from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find pretty mosaic tables, a charming garden, and a lemon meringue pie made from scratch that will have you plotting your next visit.
For something heartier, As Greek As It Gets is one of Cullinan’s most famous
restaurants. The vegetarian meze platter for two could easily feed three, featuring
perfect melitzanosalata and tzatziki, fresh pita, delicately spiced dolmades, and golden, flaky spanakopita. The cocktails are solid, the service is good, and if you can, snag a table on the sidewalk for the best people-watching in town, bonus points for spotting tourists still wearing their diamond mine tour hard hats.
Pancake Perfection
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a plate of pancakes done right—and Harrie’s Pancakes in Cullinan has turned it into an art form. Whether you’re sinking your fork into a pillowy cinnamon sugar and lemon creation or savouring the rich flavour of creamy chicken livers wrapped in golden folds, each bite feels like a small celebration. This cosy spot invites you to slow down, linger a little longer, and let the simple pleasure of good pancakes brighten your day.
Sip, Relax, Repeat
From spas to bars, Cullinan delivers on leisure. The Cockpit Brewhouse, a favourite among locals and visitors alike, serves craft beer that could rival anything from the more famous Clarens scene, so much so that it becomes fully booked every night during the week.
If it’s deep relaxation you’re after, book into Little Eden, a collection of wooden chalets perched along the edge of a ravine. The setting offers sweeping sunrise and sunset views, with gentle and more challenging hikes nearby. For the ultimate treat, order a massage right to your chalet and let skilled hands work out every knot. It’s relaxation at its purest.
Why Visit Cullinan?
It’s quaint, it’s quirky, and it’s packed with personality. Cullinan may not have the glitz of bigger tourist towns, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a place where you can slow down, savour homemade flavours, discover forgotten sweets, sip craft beer, and watch the sunset from a private chalet. If you’re looking for a weekend escape that blends charm, history, and a taste of indulgence, Cullinan is calling.
