Cape Town – De Hoop nature reserve near Bredasdorp in the Overberg was dealt an unfortunate blow over the weekend when their super popular Fig Tree Restaurant burned down.
Die Burger reports that the fire was possibly sparked by an ember from the fireplace that escaped through the chimney and landed on the thatched roof.
The restaurant forms part of the Opstal section of the De Hoop Collection and popping in for lunch, dinner or just a snack has become something of an institution for both day and overnight visitors.
The fire broke out in the morning and according to eye witnesses, staff and patrons worked together to save furniture, artworks and kitchen utensils before the building was entirely consumed by flames.
Fans of the restaurant expressed their dismay at the
unfortunate event on social media and congratulated De Hoop on their
resilience, as the restaurant was reopened shortly after the incident in the
nearby Cloete room. On the very first night they served 150 meals!
@DeHoopCollectio restaurant The Fig Tree sadly lost to a fire today. pic.twitter.com/2AuYFFSd0W
— Christine Andrews (@Chrissy_wine) August 9, 2014
Fire at @DeHoopCollectio this weekend has not stopped them from business as usual. Respect guys and good luck! pic.twitter.com/Or7RZ5x0mi
— Odette & Louise (@Renosterveld) August 11, 2014
So hartseer - #TheFigTreeRestaurant http://t.co/OAxSOFLmpw @DeHoopCollectio - sterkte daar! pic.twitter.com/rhPB9ClLhk
— Southern Cape (@SouthernCapeWC) August 11, 2014
De Hoop Collection also shared pictures of the fire on their Facebook pageFortunately the large wild fig tree just outside the restaurant, which happens to be one of the oldest in the country, survived the incident, although it did suffer a scorched leaf or two.
Come join our travel community! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and snap away on Instagram.