Aj’s in the Park rebranded as 33 Olive Tree
Aj’s (I still think of it as Aj’s) is fabulous at any time, but with the relatively recent refurbishments it is even better. Midweek with kids, early evenings for family suppers, sundowners with the guys, TGIF with friends, and there are even padel courts now. I met a friend for a late relaxed Friday afternoon lunch. This was a great choice for her two young daughters as the venue is really kid orientated with a playground close to an eating area so parents can keep an eye on little ones. Although this isn’t really necessary with the wonderful childminders ready to whip off the littlies to the rocking horses, soft play, slides, jumping castle and craft area.
There’s a great kids’ menu and plenty of delicious choices for adults – pizzas, hamburgers, calamari, salads … and their chips are “to die for, Darl”.
Different spaces to choose from
33 Olive Tree has several different spaces: if the noise is too much in the open air area under the bedouin tent by the playground, the 50 metre long covered deck offers views north and down onto the field where kids play soccer and ride bikes. There are the padel courts and for the cooler winter evenings there is an inside space with a fireplace.
Great Customer Service at AJ’s
I’m quite fussy about my coffee, which is maybe why so many guests say how good Liz at Lancaster’s coffee is … guests have even bought some of our coffee to take back home with them. I warned my friend when we ordered coffee, that I thought AJ’s coffee was quite bitter, which, when it came, proved right. We said something to the waiter (very gently and nicely), just to alert the wonderful owner/manager, Vojkan, of our feedback, and thought no more about it. Next thing Cavan, the barrista, arrived at our table with apologies and offers to make another cup with different coffee. Although it was still a bit bitter, we both commented on what excellent service this was. An example of “It’s not what happens, but how you handle it, that counts’. I am going off today to take a pack of our coffee for Cavan to give his opinion!
For our guests (particularly those with kids) who want an informal outdoor setting and a chilled laid-back atmosphere with good value food, we highly recommend AJ’s/33Olive Tree. And it’s only a few blocks from Liz at Lancaster at 33 Abercorn Drive, Craighall Park 081 234 5797; 074 283 5297