Hoekwil Country Café, better known to locals as “Koekwil,” is located in the old Olifantshoek Forest Town, now known as Hoekwil, which forms part of the Wilderness section of George.
It’s one of those little country cafés that precedes its reputation. You simply arrive, find a spot under the trees, and before long you’re happily settled in with a coffee, something delicious to eat and probably a slice of cake you didn’t really plan on ordering.
But there is a story behind all that cake.
Richard, the owner, has a few loves in his life, and one of them is getting things right. There are no half measures when it comes to Richard. If something is worth doing, he wants to do it properly.
So when he started selling cake at the café, simply having cake on the counter wasn’t enough. He wanted the best.
The same goes for the coffee. Richard roasts and blends his own coffee with care, and getting it right has been a process of its own. The cheesecakes have had their share of hits and misses with suppliers, too, but these days, every single slice is homemade by the Hoekwil Country Café team.
And they have certainly given cake lovers plenty to choose from.
Hoekwil is known as the cheesecake capital, and the Country Café takes that title seriously, with no fewer than eight flavours of baked cheesecake.
There’s blueberry, salted caramel, chocolate, Turkish delight, strawberry, lemon, coffee, and even sugar-free.
Then there is the rich, moist carrot cake, the fluffy lemon meringue, and the dreamy chocolate cake.
Honestly, if you can’t find something here to tempt you, I’m not sure what will.
But cake isn’t the only reason to visit.
There is nothing fancy about this little country café, and that’s exactly what makes it work. It’s relaxed, outdoorsy, and welcoming, with plenty of space to sit beneath the trees, enjoy a meal, and let the kids run around.
And breakfast? Well, breakfast doesn’t believe in keeping office hours here. It’s served all day, which means you can arrive long after the traditional breakfast hour and still order exactly what you’re craving.
Hoekwil Country Café has also become a favourite stop for hikers and cyclists. After a long, hot workout, there is something particularly satisfying about cooling down beneath the trees with a tall, cold milkshake and a light lunch.
You’ll find muddy boots, cycling gear and hungry travellers all fitting comfortably into the scene.
Inside the café, you’ll also find a selection of local products and a few everyday necessities. It’s the sort of place where you can pop in for coffee and somehow leave with a couple of extra things tucked into your bag.
And perhaps that’s what makes Koekwil special.
It isn’t trying to be something it isn’t. It’s a country café in a country town, with good coffee, homemade cake, all-day breakfasts, light lunches, and a lovely outdoor space.
So, next time you find yourself in Hoekwil, head for the Hoek.
Have a coffee. Try a cheesecake. Stay for breakfast.
And don’t be surprised if you leave already planning your next visit. ☕️🍰🌿
Coffee with love
GoTravelbug 