Social media has been abuzz this week with talk of the opening of The Chocolate Garden on the North Coast. I was lucky enough to be one of the journalists/influencers invited to the official opening of The Chocolate Garden this week Wednesday to get a feel for the place and enjoy a few of their tasty offerings.

I did a couple of Instagram posts and have been flooded with direct messages asking me where is this place! You asked and here it is – everything you need to know about the first of its kind in Africa, The Chocolate Garden…

Situated on the de Charmoy Estate in Canelands, just five minutes north of Mount Edgecombe off the M41 (see map below), the Chocolate Garden is a garden inspired by chocolate from taste to aroma or colour and includes chocolate coloured plants, chocolate scented flowers, chocolate mint, chocolate sunflowers and vines. Expect to see chocolate coloured Orchids, Anthiriums and Arum Lillies, Roses and chocolate succulents with pops of beautiful purples and apricots in between to bring the garden to life. All perfectly positioned in between paths and individual pod’s of seating areas for the coffee garden restaurant under massive trees.

Founded and owned by Lauren (de Charmoy) Machanick, The Chocolate Garden’s menu was designed by Beetroot and Bear and will boast chocolate versions of tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, herbs and the like, with a focus on freshness combining chocolate and botanicals. There will even be chocolate toasties on the menu and trust me when I say that they are delicious!

Most importantly – it is a child-friendly venue with animals and an awesome shaded play area where kiddies can enjoy some climbing swinging, sliding, and sand play.  And I just know Maddie will enjoy their funky wendy house the most! It will be stocked with cool sensory and interesting toys. So expect a place where children can play safely to their hearts content while you enjoy good food and coffee!

Another favourite of mine is their animals which include three giant tortoises; Esio, Cocoa and Shelly as well as ducks, geese, guinea pigs and rabbits. Maddie is going to die with excitement!

For moms with tots looking to unwind, there is a library of books for adults and kids, colouring books and adult colouring books too! Another awesome addition is the Fairy Garden to engage the kids’ imaginations – how novel!

For moms with little ones – there are two private feeding and bonding rooms equipped with a changing station, nursing chair and microwave.

The parking is a stone throw away from the entrance so no need to walk miles with prams, babies in arms or heavy nappy bags plus there is a permanent car guard on duty.

And I’ve saved the best for last – they open at 6am! Yes 6am for those with kids who don’t like to sleep in. Finally there is somewhere to take them at the crack of dawn!

Trust me when I say The Chocolate Garden is going to be a popular hotspot for families to meet for breakfast and lunch, for playdates and for moms to take a well deserved break under a tree to read a book or book a massage at the de Charmoy spa. This is the kid friendly hangout we have been waiting for in Umhlanga and I for sure cannot wait to meet my group of mom friends for a coffee and play session with the babes.

MARK YOUR DIARIES! 
The official opening date is Tuesday, the 17th October but save the date cause we are hosting an INSTAMAMA MEET on Sunday, the 22nd October at 10am at The Chocolate Garden and your first hot drink is on the house! We are limiting RSVPS to 40 moms/dads with babes so head over to our Instagram page @instamamameet and DM us your RSVP.

We cannot wait to see you there!

CONTACT DETAILS: 
#thechocolategarden
http://www.decharmoy.co.za
1 Robert Armstrong Road, Canelands, Durban

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