During this time of the year we in South Africa talk and share our history and it is our pleasure to sharesome information on one of our new members, Pig and Whistle hotel who are situated in a historical building with a rich and interesting history. This is a must visit for antique collectors, historians and everybody who just want to experience something different and away from the corporate and busy lifestyle.

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After settling in Clumber in 1820, Thomas Hartley moved into Bathurst, building a dwelling on Lot 8 next to his forge in 1825. The Inn was built in 1825. The Inn was built next to the Forge, in which Thomas Hartley continued to run his blacksmith business. Bathurst was geographically situated as a stopping place for wagon travellers. There was a smithy, a farrier, provisions and someone to extract a troublesome tooth. This was done by the blacksmith with his pliers!

The Inn, which was in operation by January, still stands substantially intact. The Proprietor had such regard for the quality of his guests that the rooms were described as “Subscription Rooms for Gentlemen” and guests included Lord Charles Somerset, the Governor of the Cape, and Sir Benjamin D’Urban. From 1832 surgeon Ambrose Campbell, riding from Grahamstown, attended consultations on the first Saturday of the month. After Thomas Hartley’s death in 1840 his widow, Sarah, took over the running of the Inn and made its hospitality famous. It was then known as Widow Hartley’s Inn and visiting dignitaries and Government officials sought accommodation at the Inn.

In 1847 the Governor General, Sir Henry Pottinger, stayed at the Inn and entertained the Chaplain, the Magistrate and the Post Commander. In 1848 the Governor General, Sir Harry Smith, stayed at the Inn.

Thomas Baines made an oil painting of the Inn and the Village during his visit in 1849 and this painting is now in the Rhodesian archives. Sarah Hartley died later in the year after making the Inn famous in the colony during her period as proprietor. After a brief term under Thomas Hartley junior, Jeremiah Goldswain, another settler, bought the Inn in 1852.

The original building remains an integral part of the Inn. Part of the kitchen walls include a portion of Thomas Hartley’s original dwelling. The Inn’s name was changed to the Pig ‘ Whistle during WW ll when the Air Force was based at 43 Air School in Port Alfred.

After 170 years it has claim to genuine age which cannot be made by scores of so called ‘Olde Time Inns’ worldwide.



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The idea of opening the Four Oaks Wine club was born out of the fantastic response that we have received on site at our Four Oaks wine shop in Montagu.

Many of our customers like to buy cases of their favourite wine as well as taste some of the many fantastic wines of South Africa but find it simply too daring to buy a case of a wine that they have not tasted. As a result of this the FOWC was created so that we can carefully select wines that meet both quality and value for money no matter what tasting experience or budget is.

Visit Linda & Lorenzo Baleri at www.lando.co.za/fouroaks for excellent service and hospitality when ever you are in Montagu, or if you want to do any wine orders.
They take the wine cellars to you
With over 30 years experience in the food and wine trade, Lorenzo and Linda bring passion and knowledge to their fantastic new concept shop, which offers great choices and brilliant value for money.

The shop features over 200 of the Cape's finest wines and ports in a relaxed and intimate space with an emphasis on a personalised shopping experience. We aim to help you choose that perfect bottle for any occasion!

Four Oaks Fine Wines offers the following services:

* A wine expert on hand to help you with your choices
* Logistics and distribution solutions for both South Africa and internationally
* On-flight polystyrene packaging for 6-bottle cases
* Two-bottle gift packs and imported crystal glasses

Any 6-bottle case or a mixed 6-bottle case benefits from an additional 10% saving

We wish you a house full of guests and a safe month.