The Cock House

About The Cock House

One of Grahamstown's best-loved landmarks, The Cock House offers you country home comfort and elegant dining in the historic "City of Saints". Named after the Hon. William Cock, an enterprising 1820’s Settler, the house dates back to 1826. Opened as a guest house and restaurant in 1991, it has been lovingly restored and is a declared National Monument.

Many guests have returned to the convivial atmosphere of The Cock House, including President Nelson Mandela on three occasions. The guest house is centrally located to explore historic Grahamstown, South Africa's festival city and home to Rhodes University and many prominent schools.

Linking the Garden Route and the Wild Coast, a two to three night stay is recommended to enjoy Grahamstown, Frontier Country, the Sunshine Coast and nearby game reserves such as SAN Parks Addo Elephant National Park.

ACCOMMODATION

The warm and welcoming interior features yellowwood floors, fine fabrics and antiques. While away an afternoon browsing through the library in the same room where former resident, South African author André Brink, penned four of his best-selling novels.

Each of the nine double guest rooms is individual and special, whether located in the main house or in the converted stables and cottages. They are named after previous owners of the house - Norden, Atherstone, Webber, Brink and so on. All have bath and/or shower, hairdryer, TV with selected DStv, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. Heating and electric blankets will keep you snug in winter and overhead fans cool the rooms in summer.

Two rooms are family suites sleeping four while the Brink room and Long room boast magnificent four-poster beds.

Self catering accommodation is available in four spacious two-bedroom apartments with kitchen, lounge and dining areas, ideal for longer stays or families.

THE RESTAURANT

The warm and welcoming main house features a cosy pub, lounge/library and Norden's Restaurant. The restaurant is named for Benjamin Norden, an 1820’s Settler who built the house in 1826.

The gracious main dining room, with its unusual barrelled ceiling, is the perfect setting for a memorable meal. Norden's is renowned for its innovative menu offering delicious South African cuisine, complimented by an excellent wine selection.

Opening off the main dining area is a cosy private dining room, complete with the original "Welcome Dover" stove from its former days as the kitchen. Now dubbed the Breakfast Room., you can enjoy the magnificent breakfast spread of freshly baked muffins, homemade muesli, fresh fruit and fruit juices as well as the traditional cooked breakfast.

CONFERENCES AND WEDDINGS

Tailor-made set menus are available for all occasions from 21st birthdays and cocktail parties to wedding receptions and small conferences.

Norden’s restaurant: Dinner open daily; breakfast served for in-house guests; lunch advance bookings for a minimum of 8 guests.