To take in Cape Town nightlife I'd suggest starting off with a glass or two of wine at Publik, then grab some great food from Clarkes. Move on to Outrage of Modesty and try an artisan cocktail before watching some live music next door at House of Machines. End the night at either Village Idiot or Aces ‘n Spades” - Brett Webb, senior art director, Ogilvy & Mather.
“As cheesy as it sounds, one of my favourite things to do as a local is watch the sunset with a picnic and a glass of wine on Signal Hill. It’s an escape from the city and a perfect end to a long day” - Sarah Gregg-Macdonald, graphic designer, The Jupiter Drawing Room.
“The Tap Room has hands down the best burger in Cape Town. Don't listen to anything anyone says otherwise, they're lying and they know it. Keep it really simple and tasty with the classic cheese, and if you haven't eaten all day: make it a double. Compliment this dish with one of my other favourites: Woodhead Amber Ale. The best of Asia is also one of my favourites - a small sushi joint that never seems overcrowded. If you like good, unpretentious sushi and have spent most of your money on your ticket to the Design Indaba, then the two-for-one special is definitely for you” - Rowan Foxcroft, art director, Y&R.
''Head to P&G at the top of Kloof Nek Road for a post-Indaba pint, followed by many tiny tacos at Taqueria over the road” - Mathew Nielsen, founder and designer, Mat Blac.
“The gin bar behind Honest Chocolate is always a winner with me. Then Arcade has been decent recently. The Palms market is an unpretentious, top-quality little market. Vascos is an absolute winner if you’re a dive bar fan - and if you like your dive bars to have proper authenticity. There is another bar on Bree called 204 or something like that. Next to Mother’s Rune. It’s a cracking little late-night spot. Although, it’s one of those names I can never remember. Latitude 33 is perfect for an incredible brekkie away from the Jason’s crowd. And the food is waaaay better. Oh, don’t forget Loading Bay for killer burgers with double-fried truffle chips. Hell, yea” - Mike Beukes, creative director, Saatchi & Saatchi.
“My Saturday routine is an excursion to Beta beach (the best hidden gem in Cape Town) followed by French toast with bacon and maple syrup at Baked bistro - truly a spot not to be missed! Then if you manage to make it before the city farm closes, I usually get all my fresh fruit and veg en route to a cheeky breakfast Moro ice cream - if you don't get one at the market they have a tiny shop in Salt River. Complete gem! Another fashion gem is Keith's store on Kloof Street called AKJP search for Drotsky the brand. Beautiful woman's wear. Unique one-off pieces!” - Tammy Tinker, style director, Superbalist.com
“Buy lots of art. Now is the time to get your hands on up-and-coming artists while you still have a chance. Luckily for you, the ‘That Art Fair’ is on during the Design Indaba. While you are in Woodstock, visit some of the best galleries in South Africa - Whatiftheworld, Stevenson, Blank and Southern Guild. On a budget? Check out 50ty50ty’s launch at ‘That Art Fair’ - Wim Legrand is a master printmaker and he is collaborating with some of the best SA artists to create screenprinted works at an incredibly reasonable price. This is where it gets tricky! There are so many excellent places to eat. I've brutally narrowed it down to the following: for lunch and breakfast, Hemelhuijs is superb, so is Culture Club Cheese and the smoked trout sandwich is particularly good at Dapper Coffee Co (if sitting amongst beautiful vintage cars is your thing).After lunch, be sure to visit some of my favourite shops: Loading Bay, Maison Mara, Pezula, Chandler House and Missibaba.For the perfect sunset, head to the Three Anchor Bay branch of The Creamery. This is the best ice cream shop in the country. Some of my favourite flavours are macadamia, Rosetta Coffee and nectarine. Take said ice cream, walk across the road, in the direction of the lighthouse, and take a long beautiful sunset stroll along the promenade towards Sea Point. For dinner, my favourite spot in town is Chefs Warehouse & Canteen. It prepares a board of tapas for two of the most delicious treats that change daily. After dinner, enjoy some local gin at the Honest Gin Bar - and if you feel yourself getting peckish after your long day, head to The Power and the Glory for a beer and pie” - Richard James Myburgh, senior designer, Radar Advertising.
“Pop into Maria's for the most Incredible Greek food. Perfect for lunch or dinner but be sure to book! Go check out the V&A Watershed for some inspiring local design - definitely check out Purely Porcelain for its beautiful hand-made porcelain jewellery. Lastly, head out of the CBD for a break from the hustle and bustle - why not go to Muizenberg Beach for swim followed by an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine at the original Tigers Milk” - Megan Grills, art director and co-owner, Purely Porcelain.
“If you’ve spent all day in conferences and just want to unwind with a refreshing drink, two of the best places to go are either Mother’s Ruin in Bree Street or The Secret Gin Bar behind Honest Chocolate in Wale Street. The perfect way to cool off after enduring the Cape Town summer heat!” - Justin Williams, social media strategist, Platinum Seed.
