Open Tuesday – Sunday | 08:00 - 21:00

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Escape the Rush of Life

Breathe fresh mountain air, enjoy unmatched panoramic views, and relax at Chase Valley's hillside coffee gem.

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Our 10-Year Journey

From Overgrown Land to a Dream Destination

Built with a decade of fierce determination, Hills Coffee Shop is a peaceful local escape hidden away on a hillside in Chase Valley.

Chapter 1 2011

The Roots of Our Dream

Right at the top of our family farm lay a neglected, subdivided 7-acre plot of land. Over years of neglect, invasive Lantana weeds had completely choked the property, leaving it unsellable.

"Do you want it?" my dad asked. My answer was instant: "Of course I do."

Chapter 2 The Vision

Clearing the Way

Over Easter 2011, we started clearing the brush. Because the property has a steep 35-metre elevation difference, cutting back the wilderness suddenly exposed a breathtaking, panoramic view of Pietermaritzburg.

💡 The turning point: Industry mentors told us, "Run with it. Pietermaritzburg is crying out for venues."

Chapter 3 2012 – 2020

A Decade of Perseverance

Coming from our family business, Tromp Plumbers, hospitality was an entirely new world. We faced a mountain of strict municipal zoning rules. From the first cleared weed to our first wedding, it took a week shy of ten years.

🌲 While we waited for approvals, we spent years planting the hill's mature indigenous sanctuary.

Chapter 4 2020 – 2023

The Coffee Shop Seed

We set our grand opening for April 2020—the exact month the global pandemic hit. We used the lockdown to perfect the space. As wedding couples fell in love with our hidden slice of the city, the coffee shop dream took root.

🏗️ In August 2023, we broke ground on a year of exhausting physical café construction.

Chapter 5 Present Day

Where We Are Today

Today, our venue is five years old, and our solar-powered café has been welcoming locals for nearly two years. We have built a versatile, family-friendly haven complete with scenic views and a kids' play area.

☕ A tranquil space where you can escape the rush of life and breathe.

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Plan Your Escape

Find & Contact Us

Whether you're coming through for a weekend family breakfast, an evening pizza, or planning your big day, we'd love to welcome you.

Important Road Notice

Hills Estate is a scenic hidden gem! Please note there is a 2km gravel access road leading up the hillside to our coffee shop entrance. Drive safely.

Hours of Operation
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday – Sunday Daytime Café & Walk-ins
    08:00 – 17:00
  • Evening Dinner & Pizzas Bookings Essential
    17:00 – 21:00
  • Our full kitchen is open by reservation until 9 PM Tuesday to Sunday!

Planning an evening visit? Secure your table below:

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335A Parker Rd, Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg, 3201

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