There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat and a leg-stretch along the N2, but if you prefer something more quirky with a slightly dark history, then make a turn off the N2 in Riversdale to the Ou Tronk. Once a jail and now a coffee shop, you are bound to find all sorts of interesting things to snoop through, not to mention a very affordable homemade meal.

Where is it? 
Murant Street, Riversdale. It’s slightly off the N2, but worth the short drive.  

Why stop there? 
Stop in at an old jail where the cells are now crammed full of interesting retro items and enjoy an affordable meal under giant avocado trees in a tranquil courtyard.  Even though you are unlikely to be locked up, you may stay longer than anticipated!  

When is it open? 
Monday to Friday 08h00-16h30 and Saturdays 09h00-13h00. Closed on Sundays.

Contact details 
Telephone  028 713 4300 or visit their Facebook page (Note: hasn’t been updated since 2013!) 

There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat and a leg-stretch along the N2, but if you prefer something more quirky with a slightly dark history, then make a turn off the N2 in Riversdale to the Ou Tronk. Built in 1838, the building was originally a trading store and then became a jail during 1860 with the only execution ever being carried out in Riversdale taking place in the building.   

The story goes that Gilbert Hay from Heidelberg  murdered his mother with a hammer so he could get drinking money and consequently received the death penalty for his terrible deed. As Swellendam was the chief magisterial district at the time, the Gallows had to be transported to Riversdale by ox-wagon and then returned to Swellendam after the execution. I couldn’t help but morbidly ponder exactly where the execution took place while waiting for my chicken pie to arrive!

Dark history aside, since 2009 the building has been operating as a coffee shop, along with with a variety of items for sale to be found in the original jail cells. You’ll find all manner of interesting things to poke through, including old musty books, antique furniture and crockery, vintage clothing, jewellery and a slightly disturbing doll collection.  The courtyards are like a maze, dotted with benches, potted plants and wooden crucifixes on the wall. You never know what you may find as you step through an archway! Aside from antiques and other items for sale in the cells, there is a nursery in the main courtyard with a variety of plants for sale and it makes for a stark contrast against the prison walls.  On Saturdays they also have a market where you can buy homemade goods from the locals.

The coffee shop courtyard is a tranquil spot with a tinkling fountain and huge avocado trees for you to sit under. There’s also a small section with toys and a table with chairs for children. The menu is simple and affordable and I enjoyed my homemade chicken pie served with chips and a small salad (R35).

You’ll also find toasted sandwiches (from R18), roosterbrood with various toppings (from R18), salads (from R20), quiches (R35), soup and sherry with bread (R35), burger and chips (R35), along with muffins and scones (from R20), an assortment of cakes (R25 per slice) and melktart (R15). Breakfast is also available, incuding a Jail Breakfast (R40), Mini Breakfast (R25) and a two-egg omlette with toast and cheese (R25). Drinks range from tea and coffee (from R10) and cappuccino (R15)  to milkshakes (R18), soft drinks (R13) and fruit juices (R13).

I doubt you’ll find a more affordable and interesting spot for a pitstop along the N2 and the Ou Tonk rates as one of my favourite road-tripping finds of 2015. It may not be right on the N2, but it’s easy to find and well worth the stop. Although it’s no longer a jail and you are unlikely to be locked up (or hanged), I can almost guarantee you’ll stay longer than anticipated!

Inside information
According to our waitress, the avocados are available to buy when in season. When I was there in April the trees were laden with semi-ripe fruit – I will have to time it better next time!

Published January 2016 | Own cost