One of Grahamstown's best-loved landmarks, The Cock House offers you country home comfort and elegant dining in the historic "City of Saints". Named after the Hon. William Cock, an enterprising 1820 Settler, the house dates back to 1826. Today a National monument, it has been lovingly restored by lovingly restored by Belinda Tudge and her late husband Peter to offer nine charming ensuite guest rooms, self-catering accommodation and fully-licenced restaurant and pub.
Cuisine
The gracious dining room is the perfect setting for a memorable meal. Cooking at The Cock House follows traditional lines with the emphasis on good presentation and flavour. The innovative menu, prepared by Belinda and her experienced team, makes full use of seasonal ingredients and local produce and is superbly complimented by the excellent wine selection.
Specialities include delicious home-baked wholemeal bread (loaves are often bought by guests!), Hake and Mussel Soup with Anchovy French Bread, Goat’s Milk Feta Cheese Souffle with Mixed Salad Leaves and Pepperdews, Roast Lamb Shank on the Bone with Thyme and Rosemary Gravy, Hazelnut Meringues with Lemon Curd Ice Cream and coffee with Chocolate Rum Truffles.
The restaurant was featured in “Reflections of the South African Table” by Lannice Snyman and appears in several restaurant guides such as “Eat Out”. Tailor-made set menus are available for all occasions from 21st birthdays and cocktail parties to wedding receptions and small conferences. Light lunches can be arranged for tour groups on a day tour of Grahamstown.
In the former kitchen, now the Breakfast Room, which still boasts the original “Welcome Dover” stove, you can enjoy the magnificent breakfast spread of freshly baked muffins, homemade muesli, fresh fruit and fruit juices as well as the traditional cooked breakfast. This room doubles as a private dining room for up to 10 guests.
Open for breakfast, lunch (a la carte) and
dinner (set menu) daily except closed Sunday lunch
Accommodation
The warm and welcoming interior features yellowwood floors, fine fabrics and antiques. While away an afternoon browsing through the library in the same room where former resident, South African author Andre Brink, penned four of his best-selling novels.
Two rooms are family suites sleeping four while the Brink room and Long room boast magnificent four-poster beds. Self-catering accommodation is available with one fully-equipped flat comprising two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and lounge.
The Cock House is featured in numerous international travel guides including The Greenwood Guide, Lonely Planet, Cadogan Guide, EyeWitness, Vista Point (German, Dutch and French editions) and Le Petit Fute. In South Africa, publications include Portfolio (The Retreats Collection) and the AA Travel Guide.
Facilities
• bath and/or shower
• hairdrier
• TV with selected DSTV
• telephone
• tea/coffee facilities
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