It’s been twenty years since the first tashas opened in Johannesburg, and in the decades since, this much-loved café concept has expanded across the country and the world, with outlets as far afield as London and Dubai. And now tashas has put down roots in the Southern Suburbs, with a new tashas opening at Cavendish Square in Claremont.
“This marks a significant milestone for our South African footprint,” says CEO and Founder of Tashas Group, Natasha Sideris. “It’s great to be able to bring our signature warmth and refinement to one of Cape Town’s most vibrant retail and lifestyle destinations.”
‘Cavvies’ is the most popular shopping centre in this corner of the Southern Suburbs and is sure to buzz with festive shoppers as Christmas approaches. But, in truth, tashas isn’t just about festive fuel-ups… it’s a classic brand with a sense of timeless, effortless style, and that certainly shines through in the new space.
Step inside and you’ll find a sophisticated dining room that doesn’t try too hard: think mosaic flooring, high-gloss stucco walls, and rich timber offset by brass accents that will remind loyal regulars of the original tashas café in Atholl, Johannesburg. But also take a moment to admire the hand-embossed paper installation by artist Elonah O’Neil, an ethereal creation floating in the heart of the space, suspended by gold wire and designed to move gently with the breeze.
Bronze details by city foundry Bronze Age add yet more subtle textures, while works by contemporary South African artists – something of a tashas hallmark – lend yet more local flair.
“Marble, timber and brass have been used extensively throughout the space - from the intricate mosaic tiles on the floor to the delicious chocolate-coloured timber on the walls,” says Nicky Greig, Head Stylist for Tashas Group. “The result is a dining room that feels both elevated and effortless.”
Happily, there’s both indoor and outdoor seating here too, with a dining terrace seating 45 guests.
Just as the décor is an evolution of the tashas brand, so the menu at tashas Cavendish is rooted in nostalgia and neighbourhood charm, with its own offering yet an undeniable tashas thread.
“Our menu is designed to celebrate familiar favourites with a healthier touch, and it captures the essence of neighbourhood dining: unfussy, generous, and rooted in nostalgia,” explains Jill Okkers, Culinary Director for Tashas Group.
That could mean Protein Pancakes – maple bacon, yoghurt, caramelised banana and tahini dressing – in the morning, moving onto a Crispy Rice Salad packed with Asian flavours for lunch. Come evening, look no further than the Prawn Curry or Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Whatever you go for, this is sure to be a tasty new addition to the southern suburbs.
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