During my “tour”, I peek into the kitchen where I am greeted by friendly smiles while the head chef, Queen, presents a plate of opulently stacked pancakes drizzled with chocolate sauce. A large jug of minty and lemon iced tea is placed next to a tray of cups. Queen tells me that this sweet, refreshing snack is all set to be taken outside to the group of children relaxing beneath the shade. Each Farm Round is topped off with this enjoyable finale.

“I never wanted Hooves and Gardens to be exclusively profit- driven with a sterile-like atmosphere. Rather, I wanted a place reminding us of our shared human values. I want people to feel noticed,” says Christiane. This personal philosophy translates to the pragmatic as staff affectionately call her “Ouma” (grandmother). Since its inception, Hooves and Gardens continues to prioritise training and equipping of its staff members. “We are passionate about empowering our staff so that they can develop professionally and maybe even go on to build their own sustainable endeavours!”

As we sit down for breakfast inside the restaurant, Daniel, our waiter, serves me a complimentary sampler: homemade tomato and eggplant sauce dipped in freshly baked mini buns. I gobble it all down even before my cappuccino arrives. These sauces are the latest culinary creations from the kitchen, where the chef is always at play and has free pickings from the poultry, piggery and home-grown vegetables.

This intentional “food-to-table approach” reaches beyond simply the menu. A holistic, sustainable ethos is what undergirds the whole business. Christiane and her team of staff and volunteers hope that this will continue for many years to come. With her sprightly sense of humour and characteristic German candour, she is always buzzing with ideas!

The arts are also looked after here: Hooves and Gardens aims to create regular platforms for emerging artists and local stories. At present, the Goethe-Institut is exhibiting a collection of thought-provoking photographs in a beautifully curated room especially designed for this purpose. Christiane hopes more artists and authors will be showcased in the future. As with organically sourced meals, art and imagination plays an equally crucial role in cultivating our wellbeing.