Elgin in the Western Cape is switching up its track with the latest attraction to tread its grounds.
The Elgin Railway Market is drawing in crowds by both road and rail since it opened on Youth Day – Saturday, June 16, 2018. The market came straight from the brain station of businessman Roger Orpen.
Orpen had converted the old apple warehouse into a bustling steampunk station market that boasts a range of local vendors, vibey live music and, of course, a gateway to the stunning town of Overberg.
The market, inspired by the barn’s idyllic and apt railway-side setting, offered Orpen the opportunity to take his creative cues from the invention of steam and the industrial age – allowing for the birth of a beautiful space that allows art deco to fuse with Victorian styling. The market marks itself unique to any other South African markets.
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Weave through and feel transported by the: sweeping staircases, detailed metal archways, intricate light fittings and wall sconces, exposed brick and stone, black metal framed panes and a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-style fan system of belts and pulleys that result in turning the heads of many who unsuspectingly enter the place.
Explore the unique vibe of the Elgin Railway Market. (Photo: Heinrich Knoetze / Supplied)
“I moved to Elgin a couple of years ago and I started to reimagine this intriguing old barn. It was far from easy to buy the building and unbundle the red tape, but I felt sure there was something special in store,” said Orpen.
Orpen worked along with designer Corban Warrington before eventually setting up his own workshop to complete all the fittings and décor elements that brought the project to life. In Orpen’s studio, only local artisans worked in it as Orpen is committed to resourcing local suppliers wherever possible.
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The next step on his track plan was to bring a steam train to the Market – which Orpen now does a few times a month in partnership with the Ceres Rail Company.
Kids and adults alike can gather at the sound of the whistle to witness the spectacle of the train arriving or even sign up to enjoy the steampunk thrills aboard for a ride.
Watch or partake in the wonder of the steam trail rolling in at the Elgin market. (Photo: Heinrich Knoetze / Supplied)
Food & Beverage:
Food:
Some of the vendors you can expect to indulge in at the market include:
- fragrant curries (The Curry Pot)
- schwarmas (Ardi’s)
- pizza (Elginos Express)
- ribs and burgers from The Station Grill
- sample Mexican dishes from El Sombrero
- pies, tarts and quiches from Pudding and Pie
- Terra Madre’s cheeses, breads, dips, pates and dolmades from Corne’s Deli Delights
Health conscious treats include:
- fresh juices (Splashh smoothies)
- low carb breads with various fillings from Le Food
Local items: Ella’s Elgin Farm Foods offers local items such as:
- jaffels,
- vetkoek,
- pancakes and a soup of the day.
Visitors can also stop in for a snack from biltong stall Sud-Wes.
Sweet treats are also abundant, including:
- home-made cakes from Flour+Love
- ice-cream and waffles-on-a-stick from #Rollin
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Drinks:
A bar serves local wines, beer and cider and L-Gin, an artisanal gin bar serves up local craft gins.
Ground Central Coffee serves home ground brews and roastery Pater Tom offers flavoursome beans whilst the upstairs wine shop, Sovinho stocks excellent Overberg wines.
Shopping:
A variety of retail offerings can be found on the mezzanine and ground floor with:
- jewellery from Ruby Rose and Shelley Taylor Designs
- leather goods from Lotus Leather
- previously loved clothing from Vintage Salvage
- pottery from The Potter at Almenkerk at HandMaiden Crafts
- wooden pieces from JAC Wood Crafts and Valley Woodworms Project
Visitors can also grab fresh cut flowers from Oak Valley on the way out.
Immerse yourself in the throwback energy of the market in Elgin. (Photo: Heinrich Knoetze / Supplied)
Live Music & Live Connections
The market features buzzing live music throughout the weekend. It is also in the process of constructing a children’s play space with climbing walls, ziplines and an area to hire for parties. There are already a string of jungle gyms and roundabouts are currently keeping the little ones happy.
During the week, locals and working visitors can take advantage of the hot-desk zone with free wi-fi, plug points and printer facilities. Ground Central Coffee remains open to fuel Elgin’s workforce.
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Market operating times:
The Elgin Railway Market is open:
- Fridays 16:00 – 20:00,
- Saturdays 09:00 – 20:00,
- Sundays 09:00 – 17:00 and
- the work space is open during the week 09:00 – 17:00.
Free parking is available.
Contact the Elgin Railway Market:
- Phone: 021 204 1158
- Email: info@elginrailwaymarket.co.za
- Website: www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za
- Address: Oak Avenue, Elgin Village, Elgin
Connect with the Elgin Railway Market:
- Facebook: @elginrailwaymarket
- Twitter: @ElginRailwayMkt
- Instagram: @elginrailwaymarket
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Elgin Wine Farms
Those curious about exploring Elgin’s famed wine farms and attractions can check in at the info kiosk for more information, where local tour operators Elgin Leisure Tours operate from.
But plan ahead by calling them on 082 460 6046 to arrange a tour in a vintage car.
Elgin and Grabouw also offer visitors a wide selection of B&B’s, hotels, glamping sites as well as self-catering accommodation to choose from.
Originally published on – www.traveller24.com