When the July chill rolls into Bathurst, there’s one place that truly warms the heart — the Pig and Whistle Inn, South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed pub. Each year, this historic gem lights up the village with its much-loved Christmas in July celebration, bringing midwinter cheer, hearty food, and holiday spirit to locals and visitors alike.
Nestled among pineapple fields, dairy farms, and rustic pubs, Bathurst is one of the Eastern Cape’s quirkiest rural villages. But there’s another side to this laid-back frontier town — a long, quiet relationship with cannabis that’s deeply rooted in local culture and farming traditions.
That’s a wonderful question — Bathurst is full of dedicated local groups and businesses that keep the village thriving! Here’s a practical guide on how you or anyone can support Bathurst’s non-profit organisations and local economy:
