Drakensberg Blog

‘Hidden away’ alongside the famous local butchery, in Main Street, Kokstad, Dog on a Leash Art Gallery and Coffee Shop is a gem for any visitor to the little town.

Walk through the bold outside door into the corrugated enclosed passageway and you’re on your slow way to a super surprise. Slow because one cannot but stroll slowly down the walkway, stopping every metre or so to read the inspirational sayings painted on the zinc walls. Add to that wooden picture frame artefacts and rock mealie grinding stones now popularly used as birdbaths in our urban society.

Turn sharply at the end of your entrance and ahead of you is the front door to Dog on a Leash proper. One cannot but stop at the front door to read ‘the’ message of the day scratched on a blackboard in such a way that itself is artful.

Past the door into the gallery, and what a surprise.

The walls are adorned and tastefully decorated with beautiful paintings from local artists. A small coffee table in the centre, as well as settees to relax in while you admire one piece of art to another.

Even the bathroom is tastefully decorated. And the art supplies are just wonderful. Everything one would need from a beginner to professional.

The Coffee Shop is warm and intimate with bric-a-brac all around. The exact spot to purchase that ‘present in a hurry’, or an item to finish that corner at home.

Dog on a Leash is a local secret that just has to be admired by all who find the time to visit.