So, is The Belfry Kitchen truly open to the public? (Short answer: yes!) But wait, not so fast...

There is an undeniable and deliberately public element to the campus cafeteria - one which (for a canteen at least) lends it a welcoming outward view. This outward view has a short focal range though and is largely locally minded: Local, as in "Twee Riviere"...

Accordingly, no attempt is made by the cafeteria to entice the tourist or to draw visitors - not even from closely neighbouring towns. Is the traveler welcome then? Well, in the event that the passing tourist should stumble upon our quiet nook, the campus is honoured and content to welcome the visitor, and to share the campus' bounty - providing that they'll guard the secret. (Tell nobody, right?)

After all, The Belfry Kitchen's primary interest lies with the campus residents and with the townsfolk of Twee Riviere - a focus which also explains its striking value offering. The cafeteria's fuller context is of course the campus grounds of The South African Institute for Heritage Science, the institution of postgraduate, higher learning which the Belfry serves as hospitality provider. This simultaneously introduces a number of restraints (sprouting from campus policies) and which the daytime grounds visitor may find unusual. For example, the campus grounds' terms of entry include some unexpected provisions, such as "no play on campus, no toys, no bare feet, no pets, no earphones, no audible electronic media", and exacts compliance with long-standing campus rules which restrict the freedom of movement of visitors under the age of twelve.

One recognizes of course that a section of the public has become accustomed to hurry-up service, play areas in restaurants, and the often manic culture inspired by fast food eateries. With bemusement, the campus also notes the occasional, disoriented visitor who finds the concept of a rural campus entirely too much of a stretch, and defaults instead to a "farm" perspective. (No petting the livestock, please. Let's not play with our food, folks!) In summary, it is fair to say that visitors with a predominantly "consumer oriented" outlook and appetite will probably find a better match elsewhere - the campus perhaps being too confidently ordered for their tastes.

The Belfry Kitchen, at the end of the day, ranks relationship above commerce.

If this suits, you'll probably fit right in...