The Darling Town of Darling

Darling is a picturesque town approximately an hour’s drive along the West Coast road from Cape Town and worth a day trip if you find yourself in the area.

Don’t be alarmed by the throngs of people and noisy cars and taxis that dominate the main street of the town.  The best spots lie in the side streets that radiate from the bustling centre.  One of these spots is a historic church on a dusty lot sprinkled with colourful flowers.

Another is Darling Sweet, on Lang Street, which is an essential spot for anyone with a sweet tooth.  Here handcrafted toffees that boast preservative free ingredients (including Darling butter) and biodegradable wrappers are made and sold.  You can sample these little nuggets of creamy goodness at the factory and tasting room.  There are too many options available but I opted for Tannie Evita’s Classic  Toffee.  The packaging tells the story of the Darling Creamery, “started in 1899 by two Swedish settlers” which produced “such high quality butter” that it became famous all over South Africa.  Who knew?

The Marmalade Cat is a quaint eatery and shop with a plethora of interesting trinkets for sale, as well as a selection of baked goods and Darling Brew beers.  Darling Brew is a craft brewery with a tasting room, located in Caledon Street.  According  to the brewery’s website, “Each beer in the range has unique characteristics and an inspiring story dedicated to the endangered creature it honours and supports through various conservation programs we donate to”.

The highlight of a visit to Darling is undoubtedly Evita se Perron, once the Darling train station that was converted into a theatre, restaurant and museum by the iconic and brilliant Pieter Dirk Uys, who, along with the equally iconic and much-loved Evita Bezuidenhout, performs at the theatre every weekend.  The museum and shop feature fascinating memorabilia spanning South Africa’s turbulent political history as well as a satirical garden, Boerassic Park, with sculptures of South African politicians.

On my most recent visit I saw Adapt or Fly – a sharp commentary on South African politics then and now, as well as the politicians who have provided the material for Pieter Dirk Uys’ shows over the years.  There is also a lunch option available before the show, comprising a traditional bobotie, yellow rice, sweet potatoes and the most amazing beer bread - definitely worth it.  The show opens with a sing and dance number by the staff (performed more enthusiastically by some more than others) before Pieter takes to the stage for an hour of fantastic satire and insightful commentary on our unique country.

Darling welcomes you with open arms and the resulting warm embrace makes you promise to return.