Hello, Maremoto

Standing on the corner of Long Street is definitely in good taste since this Hispanic moved to town.

New life has been breathed into Long Street, and we're not talking about the Cape Doctor.

230 Long Street was, until recently, the home of the Overseas Visitors Club (OVC) - many a gap year student's 'get out of jail free' card to working and travelling in the UK. Then it went into hibernation, and has emerged restored and renovated under the Ross Family Trust's care.

It's now a small, stylish hotel with big rooms, a studio/event space with a beautiful balcony and a daytime restaurant that makes an art of attention to aesthetic.

It's modern with memory. Whilst doused in huge helpings of white and light surfaces, the building has hung onto its golden Oregon Oak floors, its very first safe and keys from 1923. Its makeover has mixed Spanish and Cape style decor and detail. Expansive ceilings, clean and comfortable seating, an open fireplace, a piano and even a shared table in the middle of the main room make for an unfussy, tasteful daytime eating experience.

The cuisine is simple, tasty and healthy, with no airs and graces, but no sour faces, either. Try a Poached Pear salad with walnut and brie for starters (R50), a traditional Ploughman's Sandwich (R68) for a modest appetite, or a cracked black pepper fillet (R110). Chef's Specials will be announced in due course. Excuse the pun.

Signature cocktails showcase the imagination and care that is core to the establishment. The Maremoto Blush Martini is drowned in Skyy vodka passion fruit, with an orchard of other lovely liquids as well as a secret ingredient. The Blackberry & Litchi Daiquiri is an unusual twist to the well loved, light rum theme.  The Maremo'ito is muddled with freshly orange wedges and an infusion of mint and coconut. Exotic.

It is, really. The decor, ambience and work ethic are inspired by the work of the late Chilean poet, politician and award winning writer, Pablo Neruda, an epic portrait of whom keeps an eye on the goings on in the main room. 

The Hispanic and Cape touch are felt in a mix of colonial and modern seating and actual vine stalks around some inside window frames. The spirit of adventure is even present in the restrooms. Not only do you pass the baby grand piano on the way, but you'll find fresh palms and lemon boughs growing out of the wall. Who would've thought going to the toilet could be a pleasant surprise?

Currently open during the day and early evening, this incredible welcoming and personal restaurant, coffee bar and bar promises to be a discerning lunch lover's hotspot in the upper Long street/Loop Street/Companies Gardens area.

Maremoto Restaurant, Coffee Bar and Bar
230 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 58 77 | +27 (0)83 326 7036

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm, Friday and Saturday 9am – 8pm

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