Restaurants Along Eastern Bypass: Thorntree Gardens/Thorntree Restaurant
Thorn Tree Gardens is a bar and restaurant off the Eastern Bypass in Mihango, Nairobi.
It serves grilled fare as well as cocktails. It has a lot of outdoor space as well as a pool table.
Thorntree Gardens Photos
Table of Contents
Thorn Tree Nairobi/Thorntree Menu
Thorn Tree Restaurant Nairobi
Thorn Tree Cafe Nairobi
The Thorn Tree Cafe in Nairobi, Kenya, holds historical significance and is a well-known establishment in the city.
Here’s some information about it:
- History: The Thorn Tree Cafe has a rich history dating back to 1902 when it was established. It is located in the heart of Nairobi and has been a popular meeting place for travelers, adventurers, and locals for many decades.
- Iconic Thorn Tree: The cafe is named after a large acacia tree with a thorn-covered trunk that stands in the center of the cafe. Historically, this tree served as a well-known landmark and meeting point for travelers in Nairobi. People would leave messages, notes, and messages for fellow travelers on the tree’s bark, creating a primitive bulletin board.
- Message Board: The Thorn Tree Cafe became famous for its message board, where travelers would pin notes, advertisements, and inquiries about travel-related matters. Before the digital age, this was a valuable source of information for travelers seeking advice, recommendations, and companionship on their journeys.
- Transformation: Over the years, the cafe has undergone various renovations and changes, and the original acacia tree was replanted two times: in 1959 and in 1998. Despite these changes, the Thorn Tree Cafe has retained its historical charm and significance.
The Food Disappoints
My disappointment began as early as when the waiter placed the plate in front of me.
Next to two puny little pita pockets was a huge serving of fries.
For something that is obviously a healthful choice, I couldn’t understand why Sarova Hotels would choose to serve a huge portion of fries as an accompaniment.
It felt to me that whoever had put together the dish or menu had not thought it through very well.
Anyhow, I did my best to ignore the french fries and decided instead to dig into my (puny) pita pockets.
That too was disappointing.
The pockets barely had any hummus. Hummus was the main reason for my selection in the first place!
Suffice it to say, I didn’t enjoy my meal at all that day.
I wonder if this is what the rest of the menu at The Thorn Tree Café is like.
Have any of you, my readers, had more experience there that you would like to share?
If you do, I would like to hear all about it.
Should I give the Sarova Hotels’ Thorn Tree Café another chance, or was my experience there typical?
Gardens Along Eastern Bypass: Afro Sayari
Afro Sayari is a popular recreational and entertainment park located along Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass. Known for its distinct design inspired by African aesthetics, the venue spans a large area and offers a range of activities for both adults and families. The park features unique elements like a water-based amusement area, a large outdoor swimming pool, and various themed facilities aimed at creating a comprehensive leisure experience. One of Afro Sayari’s standout features is its unusually long bar counter, reportedly stretching over 145 feet, which is said to be the longest in Kenya.
This counter, adorned with wooden accents to highlight African decor, is staffed by several waiters who cater to guests along its impressive length.
Beyond its bar and recreational amenities, Afro Sayari has become a destination for those looking to relax, enjoy themed interiors, and participate in water activities near Nairobi.
Restaurants With Gardens
Here are some popular restaurants in Nairobi with beautiful garden settings:
- The River Café: Nestled within Karura Forest, The River Café offers a serene escape surrounded by lush greenery. The outdoor seating provides a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal while listening to the sounds of nature. The menu features a mix of international and local dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, organic ingredients.
- Talisman Restaurant: Located in Karen, Talisman is known for its charming garden setting and eclectic menu. The outdoor seating is surrounded by vibrant flowers and trees, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance. The restaurant serves a fusion of European, Pan-Asian, and African cuisines, with signature dishes like feta and coriander samosas.
- Zen Garden: Situated in Spring Valley, Zen Garden is a popular spot for those looking for a peaceful dining experience. The restaurant features a beautiful garden with well-manicured lawns and water features. Zen Garden offers a variety of Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai, with dishes like sushi, dim sum, and stir-fries.
- Matbronze Café & Art Gallery: Located in Langata, Matbronze offers a unique blend of art and nature. The café is set within a beautiful garden filled with bronze sculptures and indigenous plants. The menu includes light meals, snacks, and refreshments, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
- About Thyme: Found in Westlands, About Thyme offers a lovely garden setting with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling fairy lights in the evening. The restaurant serves a diverse menu, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
These restaurants provide a perfect setting for a peaceful meal amidst nature, right in the heart of Nairobi.
Local Guide Program
The Local Guides program is a Google crowdsourcing program which allows Google users to share information with others about the world around them.
Local Guides is a global community of explorers who write reviews, share photos, answer questions, add or edit places, and check facts on Google Maps.
Millions of people rely on contributions from Local Guides to decide where to go and what to do.
These guides are then given certified levels to reflect how much they have contributed to the Local Guides program. I, myself, am currently a Level 6 local guide.
Photos Credits: Moovit, The Kenyan Wall Street, Dine with Jemutai, Girl in Blue Jeans, Samuel Waweru, Samuel Mutai, About That