Emerald Vale Brewery — Restaurant in Great Kei Local Municipality

I visited the brewery restaurant around 11am and found it to be deserted. My intention was not to eat or drink beer but to buy for home consumption. The brewery sales shop was also not what I had expected. There was a little display fridge on the side of the shop with a relatively small display of beers. I found what I wanted so was not disappointed and the shop assistant was very helpful. There was one beer in the fridge I had not expected to see and if I recall not advertised online... Their CBD lager, a cannabis beer the shop assistant assured me contained a very small amount of cannabis, just enough to relax you. I left carrying a box of the beers I was looking for so my expectations were met. If I had arrived an hour later I would have been on time for a brewery tour, something I will not miss next time. They make some very decent beers here and I am always on the lookout for their beer when in the area. The place was not deserted for long however, a stream of cars entered as I was leaving, the place is rather popular I believe. Well...

Went there for a beers and ordered a Jalapeño burger. Beer was excellent as well as the general atmosphere. Burger left a lot to be desired though. Their menu is on the pricier side and given this establishment is quit a ways from East London, you'd expect some attention to detail. I asked for a medium rare Burger but was told it will be as it comes from the kitchen: burger came well done. The patty is also not well shaped to the bun but the overall mass is decent (230g). In terms of toppings, it included lettuce, onions, cucumber, tomato and of course the Jalapeño with a cheese sauce. Sauce was commendable and lettuce fresh but onion was raw as well as the cucumber. At this price range some caramelized or simply fried onions with a pickled cucumber would be more appropriate. Bun was mediocre. The accompanying chips were great, fresh and had a good balance between crisp and slap. The meal in general was enjoyable, just lacking detail. I'd recommend coming here for the great beer but perhaps look elsewhere if you want really...

If you’re exploring the Wild Coast, a stop at Emerald Vale Brewery is an absolute must. Tucked between the Chintsa and Cefani rivers, this destination captures the very essence of South Africa’s coastal charm.

Local Legend Chris Heaton and his team have crafted a space that’s a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and warm hospitality. The setting here is truly magical. With the rugged beauty of the Wild Coast surrounding you, trails for mountain biking, hiking, or even just a lazy amble invite you to soak up the scenery at your own pace.

The food is proper, hearty South African fare, perfect for refuelling after a trail or to pair with one of the craft beers on offer. Whether you’re here for the views, the vibe, or a taste of something local, Emerald Vale offers a memorable Wild Coast experience that goes far beyond...