The Old Mill Restaurant – where history, character, and Karoo hospitality meet.
The Old Mill Restaurant is a well established and much loved dining destination in the heart of Sutherland. Originally built in the 1920s as a grain mill, this double storey building has been carefully restored with perseverance and a deep love for the Karoo, breathing new life into a treasured heritage site.
The original mill machinery and graffiti remain visible on the upper floor – a tangible reminder of the building’s industrial past. With approved building plans, business zoning, and a liquor license, The Old Mill has grown into a vibrant restaurant that celebrates tradition, character, and hospitality.
Karoo Cuisine with Character
The restaurant quickly earned a reputation for authentic farm style dishes such as dumplings, tripe, and other traditional flavours. What began with a small pizza oven soon required an upgrade to a brand new oven – proof of the popularity of their pizzas and a welcome source of warmth during Sutherland’s cold winters.
Unique Atmosphere and Craftsmanship

Every corner of The Old Mill tells a story:
• A handcrafted bar counter and shelves made from the original wooden floors
• Preserved façade, doors, and windows as a tribute to the building’s history
• Original mill doors from the 1920s still in the loft
• Visible mill machinery and graffiti from decades past, adding character
• A striking 14 foot windmill head mounted on the wall – a distinctive feature reinforcing the restaurant’s identity

Features of The Old Mill
• Fully functional kitchen
• Reception area with gifts and local bakers supplying homemade goods
• Spacious dining and social areas
• Family style atmosphere with table service and take away options
• Neatly restored bathrooms
• Sliding door to a children’s play area – ideal for families
Highlights
• Prime location with high visibility and easy access
• Excellent reputation in the community and strong online presence
• High tourist footfall thanks to Sutherland’s astronomy tourism
• Strong brand identity and loyal customer base

Online Ratings:
• Google Reviews: 4.4 / 5
• TripAdvisor: 4.2 / 5
• Facebook: 5.0 / 5

📖 A Story of Revival
Once a neglected building, The Old Mill stood as a shadow of its former self, caught between time and decay. In 2014, the current owners chose to save it. With tears, doubts, and determination, they began the restoration. The community rallied together, friends lent a hand, and the artist who designed the signage gave the building back its name and identity.
Today, The Old Mill thrives: customers have become family, stories are etched into its walls, and the handcrafted bar – made from original beams – still carries the marks of time and human touch. The Old Mill is more than a restaurant – it is a heartbeat, a heritage, and proof that something nearly lost can rise even stronger.

❤️ A Business with Heart
The Old Mill is deeply cherished by its current owners, who wish for its history and character to endure even as the torch is passed to a new custodian.
The restaurant is being sold as a going concern – fully equipped and ready for the next passionate entrepreneur to build upon this unique legacy. A complete inventory list is available to serious buyers.