About African Relish

African Relish comprises the Langhuis which is the original 19th century building, the contemporary culinary hall built in 2009, the olive grove and vegetable garden.

Sympathetic to the design elements of vernacular Karoo architecture, the school serves as kitchen, classroom, dining area and lounge. An olive orchard, vegetable and herb garden provide a backdrop for the many functions hosted at African Relish and supported by the school staff. The venue has attracted many compliments for its aesthetically pleasing environment where our guests spend the most part of their culinary adventures.

Meet the team

The Foodie Team

Michelle Lottering, a Prince Albert local, has two decades of experience in hospitality and food. She leads our cooking classes and small events.

We have a couple of local chefs that brings different flare to our listed half day cooking classes. The supporting team in the cooking school consist of locally trained staff.

Accommodation Team

Di and Mark Steyn manage bookings and will greet guests at our two cottages.Shamiela Willemse is housekeeper and floral arranger supreme.

Philip, Lisa & Virna

African Relish is the love-child of Cape Town entrepreneurs Philip and Lisa Key. Their love of food and travel found its expression in a Karoo cooking school that explores the culinary and cultural heritage of South Africa.

Virna van der Walt has been with African Relish since the earliest days. The culinary hall had not yet been built when she began working on administering and marketing the school.

PACT - Prince Albert Community Trust

September 2024 was the start date for the venue at 34 Church street to be managed by PACT Melony Moos is the contact person on site who overseas the various teams looking after both PACT and African Relish’s activities.