Improvements, continuation for iconic Beavers Pies on the menu

New owners aim to promote family environment

ICONIC business Beavers has been a part of Port Alfred and served as a landmark for many visitors for the past 35 years.

New owners Karen Long and Peter van Ginkel have promised to continue to provide the famous Beavers pies, as well as so much more.

“We want to bring good ol’ traditional Beavers back to form by continuing to offer the delicious pies, roosterkoek, samoosas, and all that one has come to expect from Beavers as a family diner,” Van Ginkel said.

The menu at Beavers has been extended to include items such as curry and rice, spring rolls, vetkoek, and also fish and chips and vegetarian choices to cater to the needs of everyone.

“It’s all about a ‘customer first’ approach,” said Long. The business also offers catering services for events, such as the recently held provincial youth camp with which they were involved, from snack packs to platters.

“We are sprucing the place up with potted plants and new signage. We want to make the shop more welcoming,” said Long.

Long looks after the operations side of the business while Van Ginkel, whose father was the owner of Maxie’s Angling Nook at the wharf and therefore grew up around food, manages the kitchen.

“It’s very different from fishing,” jokes Van Ginkel. “It keeps me on my toes but I am really enjoying the staff and being in the kitchen making lovely stuff.”

The aim is to promote a family environment where people can come and enjoy a coffee or a meal and even watch a sporting event on the TV or simply read the newspaper and “feel at home”.

“We will have a banger of a season menu as well as spit braais and boerewors rolls in season, so keep posted,” said Van Ginkel.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the Wilmot family for the opportunity to carry on their legacy,” said Long.

The owners, who endeavour to always support local wherever possible, welcome B&B’s and hotels to make use of their vouchers which can be offered to clientele and the community.

Picture: BRYAN SMITH MORE THAN A PIE: Staff and owners at Beavers in Port Alfred welcome the community to come and enjoy delicious food and convenience with, from left, Monica Solwandle, Sophia Mhey Tukulu, Peter van Ginkel, Busi Ngqokoqwane, Karen Long, Constance Nelani...