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  • 🥘 From Fine Dining to Everyday Delight: Savoring Hermanus, One Bite at a Time

🥘 From Fine Dining to Everyday Delight: Savoring Hermanus, One Bite at a Time

This week, meet the cheerful team at Hermanus Pantry, where great prices and good vibes make every visit a pleasure. Then venture up the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to Epoché at Hasher Family Wines, a limited summer dining experience led by a Michelin-starred chef. Plus, check out the local weather and upcoming events to plan your perfect Hermanus weekend.

👋 Hello Hermanus – it’s time for another helping of local flavour, good news, and small-town pride!

In this week’s edition, we’re dishing up:

🧀 Business of the Week: Hermanus Pantry – meet Tracey and her team, the friendly faces helping locals stretch their rands a little further. From unbeatable cheese deals to Frankie sausages and singalongs on Pensioners Wednesdays, this store proves that heart and value go hand in hand.

🍷 A Taste of the Extraordinary: Epoché at Hasher Family Wines – a rare, seasonal dining experience in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where a Michelin-star chef crafts 15 unforgettable courses paired with Hasher Family Wines.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus: your guide to markets, live music, and community happenings this weekend.

🌤️ Your Weather: a quick snapshot so you can plan your perfect summer days by the sea.

Here’s to local passion, great food, and the people who make Hermanus feel like home.

The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share The Scoop with a friend at hermanusscoop.co.za - it’s free and it’s lekker.

Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

🏡 Property of the Week: Modern Double-Storey Home With Breathtaking Sea, Lagoon & Mountain Views

This newly built masterpiece offers a rare combination of luxury, style and unforgettable views. Perfectly positioned to capture sweeping panoramas of the sea, lagoon and surrounding mountains, this home delivers an exceptional lifestyle from every angle.

Designed with contemporary elegance in mind, the home features high end modern finishes, clean architectural lines and generous natural light throughout. The open plan living spaces flow effortlessly, creating a sense of freedom and connection to the beautiful scenery outside.

🍯 Business of the Week: Hermanus Pantry

There is something deeply satisfying about discovering a place that feels like it was made with the community in mind. For Tracey and her husband Dion, that place became Hermanus Pantry. Previously known as Mad Foods, Hermanus Pantry is now ready to serve the community, a local gem where good value, great service, and cheerful energy come together under one roof.

Tracey and her husband spent many years in real estate before deciding to swap open houses for open shelves. “We always loved our holidays in Hermanus,” she says. “We knew this was where we wanted to retire one day.” When the opportunity arose to make the move sooner, they took it, determined to build something meaningful for the town they had come to love.

Their idea was simple but powerful. On their visits, they had noticed how expensive daily groceries could be. So they opened Hermanus Pantry with the goal of offering everyday pantry staples at significantly reduced prices. The start was far from glamorous. Delays in securing their shop space meant they began in their garage, fulfilling and delivering orders themselves for three months before finally opening their doors in January 2023.

Today, their shelves are stocked with everything from dry goods and household essentials to treats that delight kids and parents alike. Some of their products have reached their “Best Before” dates, which simply means the manufacturer suggests enjoying them sooner rather than later. They are still perfectly good and safe to eat, and because of this, Hermanus Pantry is able to offer savings of up to 50% compared to regular retail stores.

What really sets the shop apart, though, is its heart. Customers don’t just come for the prices, they come for the people. “We have the most amazing team,” Tracey says proudly. “Our customers often tell us we’re the best store to visit in Hermanus.” The warmth of the staff is as much a part of the experience as the bargains on the shelves. On Pensioners Wednesdays, you might even catch a bit of Elvis or The Beatles playing while regulars sing along or dance between the aisles.

The shop’s contribution to the local community runs deep. Pensioners enjoy a 10% discount on most of their shopping, and the Pantry partners with several charity organisations to help those in need. Local laundromats and Airbnb hosts also rely on the store’s affordable cleaning and detergent supplies, proving that a small business can make a big difference in helping rands stretch further.

And then there are the local favourites. The cheese selection, hailed as the best-priced in town, keeps loyal customers coming back week after week. Their Frankie sausages have a cult following of their own. Add to that an irresistible range of biscuits, chocolates, and sweets, and it’s easy to see why Hermanus Pantry has become such a loved fixture in the community.

Tracey sums it up perfectly. “It’s our customers who make this all worthwhile. The smiles, the chats, the laughter in the shop - that’s what we love most about Hermanus.”

So if you’re looking for a store that’s about more than just saving money, visit Hermanus Pantry. You’ll find great prices, friendly faces, and maybe even a bit of rock ’n’ roll to brighten your day.

📍 Find them at: 23 Mimosa Street, Hermanus Industrial 📞 Call: 072 283 7393 ⏰ Open: Weekdays: 8:30-17:30, Saturdays: 9:00- 13:30, Sundays: closed.

🥘 Epoché at Hasher Family Wines: A Feast for the Present Moment

This summer, the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley will hum with quiet magic. Between December 2025 and February 2026, Hasher Family Wines opens its gates to something rare and fleeting. It is called Epoché, and it is more than a restaurant. It is a season in itself.

Imagine white linen draped tables beside a still farm dam, framed by vineyards that catch the late afternoon sun. The scent of herbs and ocean air drifts across the valley. Conversations soften as plates arrive, each one a small story told through flavour, colour, and texture. For one season only, this tranquil corner of the valley becomes a stage for a remarkable dining experience.

At the heart of Epoché is Michelin-starred chef Edwin Vinke of De Kromme Watergang in the Netherlands. His 15-dish, 6 course menu is a journey through time and place, guided by nature’s rhythm and paired with Hasher Family Wines’ cool-climate creations. Every pairing feels considered, every course an invitation to pause. The name Epoché, drawn from the ancient Greek word meaning “a pause in judgment,” and "a moment in time" captures the spirit perfectly. It is about slowing down and tasting the moment as it unfolds.

Behind this experience is a meeting of worlds. The Hasher family, Céline and Frederik Haspelagh, have poured their care into wines that speak of mineral-rich soils and coastal winds. The Gonggrijp family, beloved Hermanus locals and the creative force behind Ficks, Dutchies, and Daan’s Bakery, are the curators who brought everyone together. Together they have shaped Epoché into something intimate, inspired, and deeply rooted in the valley’s spirit of hospitality.

The kitchen will hum with collaboration. A talented team of Dutch and South African chefs will work side by side, crafting every dish with precision and warmth. In the dining room, Alexandra Brits, a Hermanus local, will lead a service team dedicated to delighting each guest, ensuring every moment feels personal and unhurried.

Epoché opens for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday at 12pm, and for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday at 4pm. Seating is limited, and each service promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime gathering.

For those who love food, wine, and the beauty of shared experience, this is a rare chance to savour something truly seasonal and ephemeral.

Reserve your moment in time at www.epoche.co.za.

🔐 Personal safety tips with HPP

With the festive season around the corner we feature safety tips from HPP to help keep you and your loved ones safe during this period and during the course of the next month will be sharing some advice.

This week we take a look at safety in public spaces:

🌿 This Week in Hermanus 🌿

Super Stoked - Book Launch
📍 8 Kiewiet Crescent, Sandbaai
📅 Thursday, 20 November 2025
⏰ 5:45 pm for 6:00 - 7:30 pm
📚 Meet & greet with Chris Bertish at this warm community launch event. All welcome!
📞 RSVP: Judy - 072 303 4233

Sky Bar - Live Music with Lukin
📍 SkyBar
📅 22 November 2025
⏰ 16:00 - 19:00
🎶 Enjoy the sunset with live music from Lukin.
🎟️ Free entry if you buy two drinks or more.

Live Rugby at The Brewery & Grill - SA 🇿🇦 vs Ireland 🇮🇪
📍 The Brewery & Grill Hermanus
📅 Saturday
⏰ Kick-off at 19:40
🍻 Catch the big game live with full commentary, ice-cold beers, craft brews on tap, and great pizzas to keep the energy high.
📞 Space is limited - call 028 316 4626 to secure your spot.

On the horizon and scoop pick!

The Garden Party - A Summer Day on the Lawn
📍 The Quad, Hermanus (host venue details as per Quicket link)
📅 Saturday, 13 December 2025
⏰ 10:00 – 17:00
🌿 A full day of sunshine, live music, good food, and great company. Expect picnics, oysters, bubbly, and long, lazy lawn vibes.

🍽️ On the menu:
• Mosbolletjie breakfast sandwich
• Picnic boxes with smoked snoek paté, local cheeses & handmade pork rillette
• Sandwich bar with 12-hour roast lamb, charcoal-seared sirloin & buttermilk-fried chicken

🎉 For the kids:
Marimba band, cookie decorating, treasure hunts & frog fishing.

🎟️ R100 per person
🥗 Picnic boxes: R575 (2–4 pax) - pre-booking essential
🔗 Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/340149-the-garden-party-2025/#/

Lagoon Vista Wine Brunch - A Relaxed Sunday Escape
📍 Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, R43 Botrivier Lagoon, Hermanus
📅 7 December 2025
⏰ 10:00 – 14:00
🍷 Slow down and savour a scenic brunch experience overlooking the lagoon, paired with Benguela Cove’s award-winning wines.
🎟️ Book here: https://benguelacove.co.za/products/lagoon-vista-wine-brunch-sunday-at-benguela-cove

🌿 The Usuals

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market
🗓 Every Saturday · 09:00 - 14:00
📍 Hermanus Cricket Club
Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Local Thrift Market 🛍️
🗓 Saturday, 09:00 - 13:00
📍 De Wet Saal / De Wet Hall

Browse a variety of stalls and discover unique pre-loved treasures at the Local Thrift Market. Bring your fur-friend along (on a leash) and enjoy a relaxed, community market day.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃
🗓 Every Saturday · 08:00
📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday · 08:00
📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus Another beautiful 5km trail run (or walk) along the lagoon. Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

🎒 School Update

🎓 Schools Update
A big congratulations to Hermanus Primary and Hermanus High School on announcing their new leaders for 2026!

High School
Head Boy: Leewin Ko
Deputy Head Boy: Joshua Arnoldus
Head Girl: Elke Keulder
Deputy Head Girl: Mia Kotze

Primary School
Head Boy: Richard van Wyk
Head Girl: Lara Bishop
Deputy Head Boy: Lian du Toit
Deputy Head Girl: Anje Joubert

Well done to all the learners stepping into leadership roles - wishing you a year ahead filled with growth, courage, and school pride!

Curro

🆕 New in Town: Sealand Pops Up in Hermanus

Sealand, Cape Town’s proudly sustainable lifestyle brand - has officially opened a pop-up store in Hermanus at Shop 7A, 104 Main Road (next to Seeff Properties). Known for their durable, consciously designed bags and apparel, Sealand transforms upcycled waste and responsibly sourced materials into high-quality gear built for adventure. Founded by surfers and inspired by the natural world, the brand blends functional design with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, community, and creativity. Whether you’re into hiking, surfing, travelling, or simply living lighter on the planet, the new Sealand pop-up brings their signature spirit - and beautifully crafted goods, right into the heart of town.

📸 Here’s a look inside:

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus continues to move with easy grace. Sunlight pools across the valley by day, soft evenings linger, and the sea keeps its steady whisper. It is weather that invites you out of the house and into the light, whether for a stroll through town or a quiet hour by the water.



Thursday 20 November
Mostly sunny with a few drifting clouds. 🌤️ 21°C / 16°C  Winds 9 / 6 m/s.

Friday 21 November
Gentle sunshine and calm air, perfect for a seaside lunch. ☀️ 22°C / 16°C  Winds 8 / 4 m/s.

Saturday 22 November
Warm and golden with a trace of afternoon cloud. 🌤️ 26°C / 18°C  Winds 9 / 4 m/s.

Sunday 23 November
Soft sunshine and a peaceful sea. ☀️ 22°C / 17°C  Winds 8 / 4 m/s.

Monday 24 November
Steady sunshine and mild air throughout the day. ☀️ 23°C / 16°C  Winds 8 / 4 m/s.

Tuesday 25 November
Bright and warm, a fine close to the week. ☀️ 27°C / 16°C  Winds 8 / 4 m/s.

Wednesday 26 November
Clear, calm, and beautifully bright. A perfect midweek pause. ☀️ 26°C / 17°C  Winds 8 / 4 m/s.

The week ahead feels gentle and full of light. Each day brings its own quiet joy, and the town moves at just the right pace.

🍔 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

Sometimes our editorial team can also take pretty picture or two… ;)

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay cool and curious and we’ll catch you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Want to be featured in the Scoop? Drop us a mail at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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