THE TASTE OF TIME

A restaurant on an estate just outside a bustling South African town asked me to write the content for the OUR STORY page on their website. They wanted the text to capture the sense of history of the venue – it had been in their family for generations – and to evoke the timeless charm of the establishment: a great place to recharge batteries on the long drive between two cities. I asked them to send me details, memories and photos: I love working with rich imagery. I did some research into the town and its background, and composed concise copy in a warm, nostalgic tone. (I have changed the name of the restaurant here.)

Way back at the end of the 19th century, when horse carts and ox wagons trundled up the dust road running from XXXXXX on their way to the interior, weary travellers broke their journey in the peaceful mountain village of XXXXXXXX.

There, on the outskirts, our enterprising Maclean ancestors, fresh off the ship from Glasgow, settled in a sprawling Victorian homestead at the end of an avenue of young gum trees.

In an old stone barn, they established The Beaten Track, a sanctuary for wayfarers to rest their limbs, quench their thirst on the local brew, and rejuvenate themselves on hearty produce from the nearby farms.

Over the decades, well, times have changed… our quiet village has become a thriving agricultural hub, the dirt track is a busy national road, and towering gum trees now line the avenue.

But The Beaten Track, passed down through generations of the Maclean family, has maintained its tranquil, rustic charm. And our tradition of nourishing our guests with wholesome meals, choice beers from the neighbouring craft breweries, and smiling hospitality, is unchanged.

Accept our invitation to break your journey, and a step out of Time. We’ve laid a table with a spectacular view just for you.