A recipe for what Capetonian women want

It's ladies night at Knoxville and there's not a man in sight

The name 'Knoxville' conjures up images of truckers in America's Deep South. I'm expecting to find rugby boys in a rustic pub. Tucked away above Ocean Basket on Kloof Street, Brad Morgan and JC Geyer's revamped lounge bar comes as a pleasant surprise. It's ladies night and there's not a man in sight.

We're greeted by a friendly waitress, wearing a black and white dress, who shows us to our reserved table. We sink into rich, velvet couches. The Moroccan green, gold and brown colours, textured fabrics and wrought iron dividers are highlighted by gold-purple light pouring from the oversized lanterns. There’s soft lounge music playing and the scent of fresh flowers pervades the room.

Women want clothing sales

With a glass of wine in hand, we make our way onto a large wooden deck, lit by fairy lights and Cape Town's starry sky. Beautiful women hover at standing tables or sit in large groups, indulging in idle chatter on this warm evening. To the right of the deck is a small room which, to our delight, has been transformed into a clothing boutique.

We join a flock of women, leafing through rails of lace lingerie by French Knickers, of Sea Point. There are also designs by NV Me, which is a local boutique, inspired by high street fashion in Shanghai. My friend is busy admiring a salmon pink jump-suit with Lady Ga Ga-inspired shoulders and matching leather gloves when I fall in love with an LBD. With the added bonus of 20% off, I've formed an inseparable relationship that most women can relate to.

Women want sushi and cocktails

Our waitress takes our drinks order as we return to our table and brings us complimentary sushi. We tuck into delicious and colourful bites of salmon nigiri, crab California rolls and shrimp tempura.

As our ladies night draws to an end, boys in board shorts are allowed to filter back into the bar and the music is cranked up a notch. With a stateside name, North African décor and Asian food, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this lounge bar has a confused identity. On the contrary, when you visit, you'll find a homely venue that appeals to Cape Town’s locals.

Knoxville's ladies night, every Wednesday between 20:00 and 22:00, will soon offer the ladies free cocktails. Read more about our Knoxville sneak preview, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Knoxville
1st Floor | 75 Kloof Street | City Centre | +27 (0)82 871 6471

By Lisa Nevitt