WATCH | Hops Hollow hosts the ultimate Long Tom potjiekos showdown
The Long Tom Pass came alive as the Hops Hollow Brewery hosted its much-anticipated Long Tom Potjiekos Competition on Saturday.
This sixth edition of the annual event brought together foodies and families for a day filled with good eating, community spirit and entertainment, all at the highest-situated craft brewery in Africa.
The organiser of the event, Willem Botha, said what began as a simple effort to reunite the community after Covid, has now grown into an unforgettable highlight on the Long Tom Pass calendar.
This year, the entries nearly doubled, with 24 potjiekos boffins cooking up a storm compared to last year’s 13.
“The atmosphere and vibe were stoked with the fires. Entrants came from Mbombela, White River and other surrounding areas to join the competition,” Botha said.
The competition showcased some truly unique culinary approaches. The most innovative entry saw a team smoking their fish before adding it to the potjie.
@lowvelder Lowvelder is at the Hops Hollow Potjiekos Festival at Hops Hollow Country House and Craft Beer Brewery in Lydenburg. Bring your friends and family to endulge in the delicious food. #potjiekosfestival #lydenburg
Another group daringly used tripe as the main ingredient, while the Resident Cowboys’ music kept the energy and fun going throughout the day.
The judges faced a difficult task in selecting a winner from the diverse and high-quality entries. Botha said that while there wasn’t a people’s choice award this year, that is about to change. “Next year we are going bigger and changing certain rules to involve the public even more. We definitely need a people’s choice award,” Botha said.
@lowvelder The Hops Hollow Potjiekos Festival just keeps getting better! It features a Hops Hollow Craft Beer competition open to everyone. The atmosphere is incredible, so don’t stay at home – pop in for some fun and join the excitement! #hopshollow #craftbeer #lydenburg
“Despite all the plans for growing the competition, our core mission remains the same: To create an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the day with us.” Hops Hollow is renowned for its exceptional craft beer – brewed on the highest point of the Long Tom Pass.
However, the brewery is also celebrated for its outstanding food, including highly popular items such as their seasonal venison and lamb curry potjies – each crafted with the brewery’s own beer. The bond between food and drink was further cemented during an auction held at the event, where a special brew – created specially for this year’s competition – was up for grabs to the highest bidder.
This growing potjiekos competition is truly a unique experience. Make sure you don’t miss out next year.
