One of the pleasures of staying at The Nest Hotel is that some of the best experiences in the Champagne Valley are not a long drive away. They are right on our doorstep. Scrumpy Jacks is one of those rare places that feels instantly familiar, whether you are calling in for a coffee after a morning hike, browsing for local treats to take home, or simply slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere. It is conveniently located on the R600 in the Central Drakensberg, making it an easy outing for guests who want something relaxed and genuinely local.
A Farmstall and Cafe That Feels Like Part of the Valley
Scrumpy Jacks is best known as a welcoming farmstall and restaurant where the pace is unhurried and the tables invite you to linger. You can expect light meals and a warm, family-friendly setting, with indoor and outdoor seating that suits the Drakensberg way of doing things.
It is also worth mentioning how perfectly placed it is for Nest guests. More than one local listing describes Scrumpy Jacks as being only 4 km from The Nest Hotel, which is exactly why it has become such a popular stop for visitors staying in our corner of the Berg
.(Please note as Scrumpy Jacks is sadly no longer next door)
Honey, Propolis, and Local Goodies worth Browsing
If you enjoy bringing a little piece of the Drakensberg home with you, you will appreciate the shelves at Scrumpy Jacks. Their in-store selection includes honey-based items such as raw honey, propolis, and honey-related skincare products, along with a variety of other farmstall favourites.
For guests who like learning as much as tasting, Scrumpy Jacks is also associated with bee-focused experiences such as hive tours and educational insights into bee products, which adds a distinctive Drakensberg touch to a simple visit.
Indulge Yourself: Massage in the Berg, Then Cheesecake
There is something wonderfully traditional about the idea of a day that includes both wellness and a proper treat afterwards. Visitors to the area can book a pressure point massage aimed at easing stress and tension, and the same wellness page encourages guests to follow it with a cappuccino and the honey-baked cheesecake at Scrumpy Jacks.
It is an easy combination to recommend because it matches what many people come to the Drakensberg for in the first place: time outdoors, time to reset, and simple pleasures done well.
Marelize’s Honey Cheesecake: A Local Favourite With a Nest Connection
Ask around the valley and you will quickly hear about the honey-baked cheesecake at Scrumpy Jacks. It is frequently highlighted by local tourism listings and visitors as one of the signature treats to try, often paired with a good cappuccino.
For us at The Nest, there is an added layer of meaning. Marelize, who bakes this much-loved honey cheesecake, worked at The Nest Hotel for many years before we came here. It is always special when our guests discover that a favourite Drakensberg taste also has a history connected to the hotel and the people who helped shape its story.
If you have been to The Nest before, you will know that we value continuity, familiar faces, and the quiet pride that comes from work done properly over time. Marelize’s cheesecake feels like part of that same tradition.
Make It Part of Your Stay
If you are staying with us and looking for an outing that is easy, enjoyable, and unmistakably Champagne Valley, Scrumpy Jacks is an excellent choice. Go after a morning walk, on your way back from an adventure, or when you simply feel like a change of scene without turning it into a major expedition.
And if you do go, do yourself a favour and try the honey cheesecake. It has earned its reputation for a reason, and it is the sort of small holiday moment that guests remember long after the drive home. You might even buy a Honey Cheesecake to take home with you!