In 1902 the small farming village of Bot River was brought to life by the building of a railway line. Considered a massive engineering feat, this allowed people to travel between Cape Town and Somerset West to Caledon and on to Bredarsdorp. The line prospered for a time, but once the N2 was built and road transport became popular, the line’s usefulness diminished. Today, trains only arrive at Bot River at holiday times and on special occasions. But you don’t need to be in a train to enjoy Bot River’s most popular rail side attraction, The Shuntin’ Shed.

Originally a railway siding where goods from the trains would then be transported off to neighbouring towns on trucks, The Shuntin’ Shed is now a cosy restaurant and pub that is frequently visited by the residents and farmers, tourists and bikers alike. The quirky railway decor including railroad lanterns and the original train seats make for a nostalgic experience of days when the railway was the main lifeline of the town.

 There’s seating for 100 odd people, comfy couches, a fireplace, and a warm and friendly atmosphere. If you sit outside you can see the original railway line and enjoy a lovely view over the mountains and wheat fields and with some luck experience the rumbling of the good train as it rumbles by.

The Shuntin’ Shed has a “local is lekker” policy and use mostly organic ingredients from local farms for the tasty meals on their menu. Continuing with the tradition they stock a wide variety of Bot River wines. Personal relationships are important to us, so you are very likely to bump into one of our farmers who supply our vegetables or a local winemaker at the bar.

We at the Shuntin’ Shed are very proud of our establishment, we take exceptional pride in our wood fired, thin base, hand rolled pizzas. We have a wide menu selection of popular pizza’s, and there are plenty to choose from.

We also include fine diner food with a variety from homemade pie’s to pimped up burgers, served with delicious hand cut and fried to perfection potato wedges. Add some local fresh and organic produce, a glass of Bot River wine and you will soon be driving 80km from Cape Town to Bot River for the “Diner on the Tracks” experience.

Bring your family, your friends, the farmer next door and your dog (yes, they are pet-friendly too) to the best little siding this side of town. It really is lekker.........