Arum Symphony Coffee Shop and Restaurant

 

There is one place in Boksburg where the adjectives charming and tasteful fit like Cinderella’s slipper.  That place is Arum Symphony in Plantation.  The surrounding area is a contrasting blend of rejuvination and decay standing in juxtoposition.  Arum Symphony is a converted old house.  A house born in a time when buildings reflected quality and pride in workmanship.  There is something about solid wooden floors and high ceilings which comfort me like the hug of a fatherly armchair.

You can feel the love which must be lavished on this house by its owners.  It exudes the contentment of a nurtured child.  Walking through the house to our little table under the trees my mother (an artist) pointed out a painting telling me “That’s a Margaret Gradwell, she is one of South Africa’s top artists”.  Every decorating touch is tasteful, warm and gracious.

Outside bantams strut their stuff on the lawn. The scent of jasmine perfumes our thoughts.  Unobtrusive classical music plays in the background.  We exhale the trivia of our day and absorb the moment.

Mum is visiting us from Durban, as always she has busied herself with cooking and caring for us.  It was good to see her take time out and enjoy a lovely brunch.  Our waitress was lovely and the food superb.  A parrot joined us at the table and helped itself to a snack, much to Acacia’s delight.

Over weekends people flock to Arum Symphony from near and far.  Proving the point that there is a hunger for quality in this world of paper thin veneer.