5 creative establishments to visit in Cape Town

Nestled within the tranquil southern suburbs of Cape Town, this visual arts foundation is a key component of the city’s eclectic cultural landscape. Its leafy setting along a natural wetland at the base of Table Mountain National Park, coupled with its eco conscious architecture, ensures that nature is celebrated and appreciated as much as the artworks on display. Two shows to enjoy this month include “On the Mines: David Goldblatt”, a compelling photographic journey through the gold-mining communities of the 1960s and ’70s, as well as “Trade Winds: Yinka Shonibare CBE”, a mixed-media exhibition of various artworks all connected by their use of Dutch wax fabric.

Find this enchanting bar and kitchen just off the buzzing strip that is Kloof Street. The magical cocktails are mixed by Marshall Siavash, a standout barkeep whose position as head bartender at the city’s House of Machines cemented his reputation. Drinks are presented in creative ways and incorporate unexpected ingredients – think charred marshmallows, cotton candy and local botanicals such as buchu (a flowering plant with medicinal properties). Cause Effect’s experiential concoctions – such as the Tree of Life (Absolut Elyx, baobab, pear, pineapple, cardamom and spices) and the Matcha Mashumaro (Monkey 47 gin, melon, coconut, matcha and cinnamon) – will leave you inspired.

While travel is all about new adventures, it’s important to not overlook certain mainstays. After all, there must be a reason they’ve lasted that long. That is certainly the case with this Cape Town fashion stalwart. Since its inception over a decade ago, the store has been at the forefront of the industry. A few of the stellar designers whose brands are available at this Long Street icon include jewellery makers PICHULIK; Good Clothing, whose primary ethos is the promotion of local designs and manufacturing; and FSP handbags.

The city is more than slightly obsessed with its local farmers’ and artisanal markets, evidenced by the sheer number held regularly across the Cape Town peninsula. Arguably the best known is the weekly Neighbourgoods Market, which happens every Saturday at the Old Biscuit Mill, a design and culinary hub in the city’s hip Woodstock neighbourhood. The organisers keep things fresh by regularly bringing in new chefs, traders and designers. Exciting recent additions include Gourmet Grubb (a small-batch insect ice cream manufacturer), Oh My Avo (famed for their signature dish of gourmet smashed avocado on toast) and quirky fashion design brand Mevrou & Co.

Cape Town institution the Roundhouse has recently undergone a grand makeover with the launch of Salsify at the Roundhouse. Helmed by head chef Ryan Cole, it’s a tantalising addition to the city’s dining scene. Current must-try dishes on the menu include pan-seared springbok, served with brussels sprouts, juniper and a liver crumble; as well as fresh local line-caught fi sh with mussels, plated alongside a moreish serving of peas, beans and yeast butter.

Singapore Airlines flies to Cape Town daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com

SEE ALSO: Review: The Silo, Cape Town

This article was originally published in the June 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine