Apron Strings PE Gqeberha is one of the Eastern Cape’s most beloved and characterful country eateries — a family- and pet-friendly restaurant tucked under milkwood trees in the Lovemore Park area at 955 Sardinia Bay Road, just off the road toward Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. With 10,992 Facebook likes and 2,440 check-ins, described by the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism portal as a country-style tea garden and buffet venue, and categorised across review platforms as a “tranquil little haven” and a “hidden gem,” Apron Strings PE combines great coffee, delicious scones, freshly made pasta, a warm garden dining atmosphere, an outdoor children’s play area, pony rides, a trampoline and jungle gym, and the extraordinary detail of the restaurant’s own local dinosaur that visits children during their meal — all at good value-for-money prices. For events and private functions, the venue is “wonderful for functions and the owners are so accommodating — excellent customer service and very friendly.” Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

The Setting: Milkwood Trees and the Sardinia Bay Road

The magic of Apron Strings PE begins before guests sit down. The restaurant is set in a garden, and the milkwood trees — the same ancient, gnarled coastal trees that characterise Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve and the broader southern Cape coastline — provide natural overhead canopy and filtered light that makes the outdoor dining experience feel genuinely immersive in the Eastern Cape countryside. Visitors drive the Sardinia Bay Road out of Lovemore Park toward the coast and find this tucked-away eatery that, as one Wanderlog reviewer noted, “we have driven past so many times and I had always wanted to visit — today we decided to finally go and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The service was so friendly and the scenery is so tranquil.”

One Africa Biz reviewer described it as “a very nice intimate venue out on the Sardinia Bay Road, offering a wide variety of refreshments, catering as well for children, dog-friendly, pony rides for the kids as well as trampoline, jungle Jim, see saw etc.” Another called it “a tranquil little haven — a hidden gem — the food was very delicious.” A third described it as “a beautiful café set in a garden with soft music playing in the background — staff are friendly and give you a warm welcome on entering.”

The Food: Scones, Pasta, Breakfast, and Apple Strudel

The Apron Strings PE kitchen reflects the tea garden and country eatery format — food that is honest, comforting, and made with care. The menu includes:

Scones — the classic country eatery staple, described as “delicious” and a highlight by multiple reviewers. The scone reputation is one of the most consistent elements across the Africa Biz and Wanderlog review profiles.

Coffee — “great coffee” is specifically called out in multiple reviews, with one Africa Biz reviewer describing “a cappuccino and apple strudel with cream which was excellent.”

Apple Strudel — a specifically praised dessert option that, with cream, makes an ideal afternoon treat in the garden setting.

Freshly made pasta — noted in the wheree.com review profile as one of the menu’s highlights alongside scones.

Full breakfast — “lovely atmosphere with delicious breakfasts” noted in Africa Biz reviews.

Kid-friendly meals — the menu specifically caters for younger diners, reflecting the venue’s positioning as a destination for families.

The food is described as “really good, good value for money” by a visiting family who came across the venue online, and “great food” by multiple regulars.

Children’s Activities: Play Area, Pony Rides, and the Dinosaur

Apron Strings PE’s children’s activity offering is one of its most distinctive qualities — and one that makes it genuinely different from a standard tea garden or café:

Jumping castle — specifically mentioned by a visiting family who noted how much their children enjoyed it.

Trampoline, jungle gym, and see-saw — the full outdoor play equipment complement for younger children.

Pony rides — specifically called out in multiple reviews, a memorable detail for children visiting the farm-style setting.

The dinosaur walk — the most remarkable and whimsical element of the Apron Strings experience: the restaurant has a local dinosaur that visits children during their meal. An Africa Biz reviewer described: “My boys loved playing with the local dogs, going on the dinosaur walk, and they absolutely love the visit from the restaurant’s local dinosaur.” This detail — whatever form it takes in practice — is uniquely memorable and specifically mentioned in reviews as a highlight for families.

Local dogs — the pet-friendly character of Apron Strings extends to dogs being present at the venue, creating an informal, relaxed farm atmosphere.

Functions and Venue Hire

Apron Strings PE is described by its FoodFinder listing as offering “venue hire and accommodation,” and the venue’s character — the milkwood garden, the warm service, and the established community following — makes it a natural choice for intimate private functions, birthday celebrations, baby showers, and small events in the Lovemore Park and Sardinia Bay Road area. One reviewer specifically praised it: “Apron Strings is wonderful for functions and the owners are so accommodating — excellent customer service and very friendly. They come highly recommended.”

Named staff member Lize is specifically praised by the wheree.com reviewer for going “above and beyond to enhance the dining experience” — a reflection of the personal service culture the venue cultivates.

Under New Management — Refreshed and Improving

Africa Biz reviewers note that Apron Strings PE has been under new management and has undergone a positive transformation: “Under new management. Rustic and beautiful al fresco dining under the trees. Plenty of play areas for kids. The coffee is great, delicious scones, good menu and personable service. Relaxing, comfortable and recommended.” Another reviewer noted that the venue “is getting better and better — keeping an eye on this place.”

Operating Hours

Apron Strings PE is open three days a week only — plan visits accordingly:

• Friday: 09:00–15:30
• Saturday: 09:00–16:30
• Sunday: 09:00–16:30
• Monday–Thursday: Closed

Guests typically spend around 2.5 hours at the venue.

Location and Getting There

Apron Strings PE is at 955 Sardinia Bay Road, Lovemore Park, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, 6070 — on the Sardinia Bay Road heading toward Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. Nearby attractions include Sardinia Bay Beach and Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve.

Tel: 083 958 2204

For menu information, function bookings, and operating hours, follow Apron Strings PE on Facebook.

Explore more restaurants and event venues in Gqeberha through our Gqeberha event venues directory, or browse all Eastern Cape event venue listings for venues across the province.