Around the Clock at Cape Quarter

Your 10am – night-time guide to the Mother City’s most fascinating shopping and lifestyle centre 

Cape Town is a city of many flavours – it’s got a touch of the cosmopolitan (a credit to the influx of internationals), it has bursts of bohemia and whimsy thanks to the arts and culture folk, and of course, it’s daubed with generous helpings of luxury and style courtesy of the countless hedonists who call it home. The Cape Quarter is like the mixing bowl where all of this comes together, and the result is a one-stop destination for lifestyle and leisure quite unlike any other.

Situated in the colourful, cool, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood of De Waterkant, the cobblestoned centre gives you the feeling that you’ve somehow travelled to a quintessentially South African corner of Europe, where the romance of alfresco dining and shopping in quaint, charming spaces combines with the familiarity of distinctly local art, crafts, cuisine and people.

A refreshing alternative to sterile malls or the often congested V&A Waterfront, Cape Quarter is the type of place that can keep visitors enchanted for an entire day. So with that in mind, we’ve laid out a ‘round the clock guide to help you maximise your time in the classic space.

But wait, we can hear the doubters worrying about parking and the bajillion rand fees that come with the territory. Well, not many people know this, but the Cape Quarter complex has five levels of undercover parking, and it won’t cost an arm and a leg to leave your car for a while (and the first 20 minutes are free and daily parking is only R10 on Weekends and Public Holidays). So, with that sorted, the only thing left to do is go forth and conquer the day!

10am

Have breakfast at The Fresh

The Fresh is Cape Town’s answer the cold-pressed juices, delicious smoothies and healthy meals. Their breakfast specials are always a great deal and give you that needed kick start to the day. 

+27 (0) 21 418 1155

11:30am

Browse and buy at Baraka

Treat yourself or someone you know to one of the eclectic gifts – think everything from arts and crafts to jewellery and décor – at the mesmerising Baraka. The colourful little corner shop stocks an interesting collection of handmade pieces, like leather notebooks and photo albums, quirky non-curio African goods, vintage posters and hats, handbags and scarves. Not to mention, the boutique even has CapeTownMag’s Molo lighters. A lot of the items are made from recycled goods and sourced from independent craftsmen and women from South Africa and the rest of the continent, making  Baraka not just the perfect store to find a one-of-a kind gift, but also a great place to just appreciate local creations. 

+27 (0) 21 425 8883

1:30pm

Enjoy a freshly-made lunch at Yumcious

Yumcious is a bistro-styled restaurant run by celebrity chef, Jenny Morris. Fill your plate at the KiloTable, which is packed with a variety of freshly-made dishes – from unusual salads and cold meats to succulent butter chicken, duck in an Asian cherry sauce and fragrant Moroccan Tagines. You pay by weight, and the selection changes daily. There’s a regular menu for those who are looking for a good old burger or sandwich. Wash your meal down with a Freezo, gourmet milkshake or a fruity cocktail.

+27 (0)21 418 8000 | info@yumcious.co.za

3pm

Stroll the Cape Quarter and admire the artwork in the galleries and shops

What sets the Cape Quarter apart from the run-of-the-mill shopping centre is the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity guests get to just take in beautiful sights and sounds. Our recommendation? Take a lazy, leisurely afternoon stroll through the galleries and interesting shops for a different kind of retail therapy experience. Chances are you may fall in love with one or two of the striking and fascinating items along the way.

• Lucky Fitsch: A love affair with beauty and design. Lucky Fitsch, curated by owner, Carl Fitschen, houses magnificent work by local artists as well as beautiful interior items. Carl is an interior designer who can change your space into one that reflects you.

  +27 (0) 83 775 7344 | carl@lucky-fitsch.com

• Pallet Fine Art Gallery: The gallery showcases bronze sculptures and paintings of local artists, ranging from abstract art to typical South African landscapes. They have consignment work of various local artists from the Western Cape. From the creative minds of the artists, commissions are undertaken satisfying new homeowners and art lovers alike.

  +27 (0)83 432 2006 | lydia@palettesculpturegallery.co.za

• Martin Osner Fine Art Photography: Multi-award winning photographer Martin Osner’s little studio in the Piazza features his own work alongside pieces by five other local artists who also create with mixed media (although a camera is always involved). Osner also teaches photography – basic, intermediate, advanced landscape and Photoshop lessons – so those inspired to take their own photos can pick up some expert tips.

  +27 (0) 21 790 6494 |martinosnergallery@gmail.com

• Africa Nova: Ancient African history meets contemporary art at this high-end, upmarket retail gallery. Africa Nova stocks a range of ceramics, jewellery, tribal collections and crafts handmade by artists from across the continent, offering unique, interesting pieces to both discerning collectors and first-time buyers.

  +27 (0) 21 425 5123 | africanova@iafrica.com 

Note: If you’re looking for unique gifting items, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Coco Li and Nap Livin.

4:30pm

After-work drinks at Bootlegger

Pop over to Bootlegger for their half-price gin & tonic, beer or wine special, which runs between 4:30pm and 6:30pm every day. Maybe go for the Cape Town G&T (Hope London dry gin, Fitch and Leedes Indian tonic, rosemary, lemon, cucumber), a Paternoster Pilsner or sip on a glass of wine or Spider Pig Bro-Zay (rosé, if you didn’t get it).

+27 (0)21 421 1237 | capequarter@bootlegger.co.za

Bubbly and dinner at Lou Lou’s Bar

In the opposite corner to Bootlegger lies Lou Lou’s, who offers a new-age approach to contemporary cuisine and tapas; offering smaller, lighter tapas and a selection of seasonal dishes. Serving fusion dishes of Asian and Italian meals, Lou Lou’s pairs simple, fresh meals with premium drinks. Main courses include spaghetti vongole (baby clams, white wine, fresh cherry tomatoes, celery, parsley, garlic, chilli and olive oil) and grilled chicken scaloppine (rocket, tomatoes, grilled corn, feta, olives and potatoes). Pair your meal with Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc or Leopard’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon.

+27 21 418 0015 | info@loulous.co.za

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Read more about Cape Quarter Square and check out Cape Quarter's weekly specials.

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