Richard Holmes

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. If ever there was a man woven into the fabric of Cape Town, it’s John Dobson. Born and raised in the Mother City as part of a passionate rugby family – his father, the late Paul Dobson, was a much-loved referee, journalist, and historian of the game – Dobbo (as nearly everyone calls him) has spent decades immersed in the rhythms of local rugby, from club fixtures and varsity coaching to nail-biting clashes at DHL Stadium. As head coach of the DHL Stormers, he led the team to victory in the 2022 United Rugby Championship and is signed on to helm the XV until at least 2027. But beyond the pitch, Dobson is a man who loves the Mother City. He’s a proud Ikey (an alumnus of the University of Cape Town) and enjoys exploring Cape Town’s many lesser-known corners. And did you know he has degrees in law and business administration from the University of Cape Town, as well as an MA in Creative Writing? Time Out caught up with Dobbo to find out where he goes for a cold one, his favourite wild corners of the peninsula, and why a dusty sports club in Elsies River means just as much to him as a packed Cape Town stadium. MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS Musician Mandisi Dyantyis on finding inspiration in the city Designer Paul van der Spuy on the best fashion and

Welcome to Mother Sippy, where we shine a light on the talented winemakers, brewers, distillers and mixologists that make sure the Mother City never goes thirsty! From new wine releases to taprooms pouring perfect pints, Mother Sippy is your guide to all that’s good and great in Cape Town’s world of drinks. There is no shortage of craft breweries and taprooms in Cape Town, and from Woodstock to Noordhoek, you are never far from a pint of Pale Ale. Wine? Urban cellars are dotted about, with Duncan Savage perhaps being the most notable, and there are even a handful of gin distilleries to visit if you look closely enough. But whiskey? Nope, there’s only one place in the city distilling and ageing uisge beatha in the heart of Cape Town. You’ll find Pienaar & Son in Maker’s Landing, the incubator hub in the V&A Waterfront, close to Time Out Market Cape Town. And it’s not hard to miss, with its gleaming column still and racks of oak barrels hinting at the creativity within. Pienaar & Son first made a name for itself when the craft gin revolution was kicking off, and their duo of signature gins – Empire, all lemon and cucumber, and Orient, a nod to the spice trade around the Cape of Good Hope – remain hugely popular with gin aficionados and mixologists alike. But it’s whiskey where Pienaar & Son truly stands out, as the Mother City’s sole whiskey distillery. Their Tiny Batch whiskies blend hand-crafted creativity with a touch of cheeky street sass. Time Out Cape Town sat down wit

Winter in Cape Town means it’s often more tempting to pull on your woollen slippers than your dancing shoes, but with the cold and wet weather comes plenty of great opportunities for locals to get out and discover Cape Town and the Winelands. With fewer tourists around to book rooms, and restaurants looking to entice diners to often-empty tables, now’s the time to seek out bargain deals at some of the city’s best and brightest hotspots. So, whether you fancy a weekend away in the Winelands or a glam night out in the city, here’s how to make your Randelas go further this winter. Just don’t forget the brolly. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town  

Let’s be honest. As much as we love the modern set-up of DHL Cape Town Stadium, the food at large events is, well, kind of forgettable. Apart from the long queues that mean you’re likely to miss that crucial try or your favourite song, the food is never going to be a highlight. And to drink? Sigh. The selection behind the bar isn’t going to have you cheering from your seat, will it?  Our advice? Rather, make the most of what Cape Town has to offer outside the stadium gates. Fortunately, Green Point and the surrounding neighbourhoods near the DHL Cape Town Stadium are brimming with superb pre- and post-match venues that offer far more than soggy chips and boring-brand beers. So, whether you're in the mood for a quick burger, arrive early to indulge in a classic Italian or are looking for a craft brew with a view, there’s something within walking distance to satisfy both your palate and your pocket. Somerset Road is packed with lively bistros and local favourites, as well as a few late-night hangouts to keep the party going after the final whistle. Of course, don’t forget the V&A Waterfront either, which is just a short walk from the stadium gates.  Whether you're donning green and gold for the Bokke, following your favourite artist on tour, or just want to soak up the stadium vibes, here’s your essential guide to the best places to eat and drink near Cape Town Stadium. Time for just one more tip? Don’t forget to book a table well ahead of game day... RECOMMENDED: 😋 The bes

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to finding a bed in Cape Town, and that perfect trinity of comfort, charm and location can be dialled up or down according to the depth of your pockets. If you’re watching your budget, you’ll want to start with our guide to the Best Affordable Hotels in Cape Town, which is filled with pocket-friendly picks. But if you’re splurging a little? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. From glorious urban hideaways that could have been plucked from the streets of Paris or Amsterdam, to seaside escapes with the most unforgettable views, you’ll be spoilt for choice for luxury hotels in Cape Town. There are historic charmers and contemporary creations, and if you’ve been dreaming of a room with a view, you’ve come to the right city. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏄‍♀️ The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🖼 The best museums and galleries in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay and relax in Johannesburg, visitors are spoiled for choice. However, it can be a tricky decision. To make your life a little easier, we've highlighted the best hotels in Johannesburg in this convenient list. From high-end luxury stays to spending a night surrounded by nature, here are Johannesburg's best places to rest your head and set up base to explore the wonders of the City of Gold. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

While socks and chocolates are a good start (forget the supermarket bars; rather head for one of these boutique chocolate stores in Cape Town), what most dads really want (trust us on this one) is to spend a little quality time with their loved ones. To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of the best Father’s Day events, menus, and activities taking place across the city and surrounding Winelands.  South Africa - along with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany - will be celebrating Dad on 15th June, some countries like to buck the trend. Down Under it’s on the first Sunday of September. In countries with a strong Catholic population, Father's Day is observed on Saint Joseph's Day, 19th March. Thailand goes completely off on a tangent, celebrating fathers on 5th December, coinciding with the birthday of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Now that you’ve sorted your next pub quiz category, it’s time to start planning. Whether your father figure enjoys whisky and Wagyu or woodwork and wine farms, Cape Town has something for everyone this Father’s Day, catering to every budget. So why not skip the socks and treat Dad to a memorable day out. 

For travellers with a savvy sense of style — and very deep pockets — Elite Traveler’s global compendium of ‘Elite Suites’ is the ultimate starting point when booking a holiday abroad. Billed as “a definitive index of the most opulent, extravagant, and decadent accommodations on the planet,” the suites that make the grade are chosen for their “exceptional amenities, stunning design, and attention to detail.  With wellness travel now more than just a buzzword — in fact, it's an industry worth almost $1-trillion each year! — it’s no surprise that the Elite list has now zeroed in on the world’s best Wellness Suites. “For this year’s wellness edit, we took that refined selection of suites and elevated those that truly excel in the art of wellbeing,” says Elite Traveler. “That includes everything from a holistic approach to wellness, thoughtful design that encourages reconnection, restorative multi-day treatment programs, nourishing cuisine and serene surroundings.” Of the 140 suites worldwide that made this year’s list, four remarkable destinations are right here in Cape Town. So if you’ve got a credit card burning a hole in your pocket — or a tax refund waiting to be spent — how about a night in one of these gorgeous escapes?

From corner stores to high-end members-only lounges, Cape Town’s cannabis scene has flourished over the last five years. With evolving legislation and shifting public attitudes, both locals and visitors have embraced a growing culture of cannabis consumption in the Mother City.  What was once sold furtively under the counter or on a street corner has gone thoroughly mainstream, with elegant members' lounges offering upmarket destinations for lighting up. Across the Mother City, buying marijuana in Cape Town is now possible (if not strictly legal) at dozens of outlets, with retailers offering everything from flower and edibles to concentrates and pre-rolls. Much of this transformation stems from a pivotal 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that decriminalised private cannabis use. That legal shift laid the groundwork for the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, gazetted in 2024. However, while the Act outlines a legal framework for private use and cultivation, it has yet to be fully operationalised. In practice, there is still a lack of clarity around key aspects such as possession limits, transport allowances, and enforcement. For now, the law permits adults to grow and use cannabis in private, but public consumption, buying and selling remain explicitly illegal. Let's say it once more, to be clear: buying and selling are illegal. Even with limited ‘Section 21’ medical exemptions allowing for medical use, these rules are often murky and inconsistently applied. The law may say sa

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. Lester Kiewit is the voice that helps Cape Town wake up and make sense of the day. As the host of Good Morning Cape Town on CapeTalk, Lester brings curiosity, courage, and a deep love for storytelling to the airwaves. From radio to TV, he’s done it all: from grilling politicians and diving into community issues, Lester has built a solid reputation as a journalist who asks the hard questions while keeping it human.  Born and bred in Cape Town, he’s proudly local. When he’s off-air, you’ll probably find him wandering the city’s backstreets, exploring old buildings, or brushing up on indigenous Cape history. Lester doesn’t just report on Cape Town, he lives it, which makes him the perfect fit for Local Intel. MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS Comedian Alan Committie on his favourite breakfast spot Where designer Sindiso Khumalo shops for gifts Where Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis heads for coffee The GoodLuck guide to Cape Town!

Despite no shortage of golden arches or promises of a whopping great meal, the best burgers in Cape Town are not to be found in your well-known global takeaway chains. In fact, steer well clear of those – this city is scattered with countless vibrant burger bars and laid-back eateries that leave ’em all for dust. South Africans love a good braai (aka barbecue) and the allure of a juicy flame-grilled patty – served on a great bun, with an inventive array of toppings – means burger restaurants have flourished across the city. Happily, the menus typically tap into South Africa’s burgeoning craft-beer scene too. So with a beer in one hand and a brew in the other, you’re all set. Not sure where to start? From the best Deep South taprooms to stylish inner-city eateries and local gems that offer no ordinary burger, local writer Richard Holmes has done us a solid and set out in search of new spots to add to our list of the best burgers in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

South Africa’s love affair with meat means you'll find a steak featured on almost any restaurant menu across the city, from fast-food to fine-dining. But as any committed carnivore will tell you, a single option buried deep on a long menu doesn’t really count. Instead, if you’re after a fine steak and likely a good glass of red to match, you’d do well to head straight to one of the Mother City’s celebrated steakhouses. Many of Cape Town’s best steakhouses have been in business for decades; a testament to their quality and, often, personality. In recent years many have also honed in on what really matters: serving the best cuts sourced from local farmers, and grilled to perfection. Rump or sirloin, T-bone or hangar... whichever you prefer, these are the best steakhouses in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. 📍 For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Cape Town, visit our homepage.   

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. 📍 For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Cape Town, visit our homepage.   

While her eponymous restaurant in the V&A Waterfront is already hugely popular for its elevated take on South African cuisine, The Siba Deli dishes up a more relaxed culinary experience, all while retaining Siba’s focus on freshness. Look out for a subtle infusion of local flavours in everything from her wholesome salads and delicious dips, to traditional sticky wings and spicy chakalaka sauce.   THE SIBA DELI MENU Starters Sticky chicken winglets and salsa mayo R135 Charred corn ribs in creamy coconut sauce R80 Siba’s famous chakalaka with a chimichurri dressing R80 (a side for mains and starters)  Siba’s signature quiche R95  Mains Our Salads Tuscan artichoke, chickpea, sundried tomato, crispy capers, parmesan salad with a tangy vinaigrette R165 Maple glazed baby rainbow carrots, roasted beetroot, wild rocket feta salad on a bed of hummus with a chimichurri dressing R130 Miso-glazed roasted sweet potato bowl with sautéed courgetti spirals, mixed cabbage, tahini-dressed broccoli R175 Spicy and zesty Asian pickled spiral cucumbers with edamame, sugar snap peas, salad on a bed of baby spinach leaves R110 Roasted butternut, couscous, red pepper and feta salad with pickled red onion and creamy dressing R165 Our toppers Lemon, garlic and parmesan chicken kebabs R60 Teriyaki trout R70 Braised beef short rib R80 Roasted miso mushrooms and aubergine kebab R60 Soy and chimichurri tofu kebab R50 Dessert Granadilla and lemon curd baked cheesecake R95  (vegan option available)  Water

Want the scoop on the most creative ice cream in the Mother City? You’ll find it at Unframed, thanks to the innovative flavour creations dreamt up by founder Yann Rey. Ever wondered what lemon-infused olive oil and white chocolate ice cream might taste like? Here’s your chance to find out. Every flavour combination is crafted from scratch, in small batches and from quality ingredients, drawing heavily on what’s fresh and in season in the Cape. No surprise then that Unframed has been rated amongst the world’s greatest ice-cream parlours. UNFRAMED MENU   Scoops 1 Scoop R49 2 Scoops R79 3 Scoops R89   Indulge Tasting Flight R99 (5 flavours) Sundaes R109 (3 scoops, toppings, whipped cream)   Waffles Waffle R59 (Icing sugar, whipped cream) + Extra Scoop R25 + Extra topping R10  

South Africa may fall into the so-called ‘New World’, but the country’s winemaking heritage dates back more than three centuries, with the first wines pressed here as far back as 1659. All of which means there’s a long and complex history to South African wine, and though you may be familiar with white Burgundy, or Left Bank Bordeaux, understanding the strengths and stars of the Cape’s diverse vineyards requires expert insight. That’s where chef Matt Manning comes in, bringing Bree Street’s hugely popular Culture Wine Bar to Time Out Market Cape Town. The extensive wine list includes an impressive range offered by the glass, allowing you to sip your way from the cool-climate vineyards of Elgin and big-hitters of Stellenbosch to the pioneers breaking new ground in the Swartland. Culture Wine Bar captures the best of the Cape in the glass.

The menu of Asian restaurants in Cape Town may be small, but if you know where to look you’ll find some real gems, with talented chefs putting their own spin on the classics. How Bao Now is a great example, with two of the city’s top chefs – Matt van den Berg and Carla Schulze – bringing authentic Cape flavours to a concise menu of Asian plates at their Woodstock outpost of How Bao Now. Fluffy bao buns are, as you might have guessed, the star of the show, and at Time Out Market Cape Town this creative duo brings a local perspective as they plate up exclusive flavour combos such as crayfish bao infused with Cape Malay flavours and a coconut and curry furikake, or wagyu sando-bao with a chilli crunch mayo, tonkatsu and pickled cucumber.   HOW BAO NOW MENU Baos Wagyu Sando (2 in a portion) R170 (Panko bao, wagyu, tonkatsu sauce, chilli-crisp kewpie) Flaming Chicken R105 (Fried thigh, XO, peanut crumb, Szechuan dressing) Fried Fish R100 (Hake, pickled red onion, Thai red curry dressing, nuac cham) Kimchi Pork R105 (Sous-vide pork belly, kimchi, miso mayo, Asian dressing) Banana Blossom (Vegetarian) R100 (Pickled red onion, Asian dressing, XO, herbs Kiddies Chicken Bao R65   Bao Special Cape Malay Crayfish R200 (Curry aioli, coconut furikake, vadouvan XO, lime)   Bites Crack Peanuts R45 Andry Edamame

YARD began as a cult classic in the inner-city, as famous for its idiosyncratic service as the delicious fare. And now Eugene Smith brings his inimitable approach to pizza to Time Out Market Cape Town. Atop their signature hand-stretched dough you’ll find four classic YARD flavours flying out of the ovens. Whether your poison is New York pepperoni, barbecue chicken, spicy Italian salami or the heady mix of blue cheese and caramelised onions, expect the generous pizzas from YARD to come standard with a side order of their (in)famously cheeky service. YARD MENU Select your: Dough Style N = Neopolitan R = Romano NY = New York (45cm) C = Californian Please note: Neapolitan & Romano-base pizzas come with Fior de late cheese. New Yorker and California-style bases come with grated mozzarella cheese Sauce White Alfredo Italian Tomato Pesto Signatures Juicy Chick N245/R275/C225/NY465 (Choose Sauce, Pizza Warehouse BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella, Slow Roasted shredded Chicken, Feta and Peppadews) Sweet Baby Blue (Vegetarian) N190/R230/C180/NY375 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Blue cheese crumbled, Caramelised onions and fresh wild rocket) Italian Favourites Autumno (Vegetarian) N180/R185/C175/NY314 (Choose Sauce, Mozzarella, Italian herbs, Mushrooms, red onions, Baby Spinach finished with a crack of black pepper) Artigiano N210/R220/C205/NY400 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Artichokes, Roasted red peppers & Pepperoni) Capricciosa N180/R190/C175/NY340 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Salami, Kalamat

South Africa was a late-bloomer when it comes to picking up on the artisan coffee trend, but in 2006 that began to change. That was thanks to the founders of Origin Roasting, who slowly introduced a curious Cape Town to the concept of hand-roasted beans, single-origin coffee and the fact that, no, milk didn’t need to be super-heated. Origin kick-started a juggernaut, and today the city is brimming with adventurous micro-roasters, hipster baristas and seriously good coffee. Honestly, if you’re drinking a bad cup in Cape Town you have only yourself to blame. But if you don’t know where to start in the search for a good brew, make it Nøsh Café. Created by Origin co-founder Joel Singer, Nøsh Café offers a unique coffee experience, brewing up three of the city’s finest artisan roasters – Origin, Truth and Tribe – in a single location. At Nøsh Café Singer brings his signature passion to the Time Out Market Cape Town, showcasing the Mother City’s vibrant coffee culture in all its guises.  And to accompany that cortado? Alongside the coffee, at Nøsh Café you’ll find a menu of all-day breakfasts and an eclectic collection of light meals and baked goods that take global inspiration and serve it up with a friendly neighbourhood feel. NØSH CAFÉ MENU Breakfast Bialy Breakfast Bun R115 (Bialy, aromatic beef patty, fried egg, house-made tomato jam, fresh tomato, hot sauces for the brave (jalapeño or habanero) Shakshuka - Merguez|halloumi R135 (Two free-range poached eggs, fragrant tomato s

Within days of Ramenhead opening in Cape Town in 2022 there were queues out the door, as hungry locals lined up for the best noodles in the city. That’s not surprising, as Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé – the culinary creatives behind Ramenhead, and award-winning FYN restaurant – scoured Tokyo and Osaka for time-honoured ramen recipes, returning with the first (and only) Yamato noodle machine in Africa. The trio brings that same passion and focus to Time Out Market Cape Town, with Ramenhead’s seaside outpost offering a compact list of Asian plates and slurpable ramen bowls.   RAMENHEAD MENU   Tori Chintan R240 (Light broth of chicken with soya sauce) Tori Katsu Curry R250 (Rich creamy style chicken curry ramen) Kids Ponyo ramen R140 (Half-portion of chicken tori chintan) Sesame & Mushroom R240 (Double dashi style vegan)   Ramen add-ons Ajitamago egg R20 Extra noodles R30 Gluten-free noodles +R30 Nekomanma R40 (Bowl of Ishikawa rice for leftover soup)   Rice bowl Chashu Don R210 (Spring onion, BBQ-glazed pork burnt ends, sesame)   Snacks Karaage R145 (Tokyo-style friend chicken, miso mayonnaise) Pork gyoza R130 (Potstickers with green chili ponzu) Cabbage gyoza R120 (Potstickers with spicy ponzu peanut sauce)   Dessert Purin R95 (With seasonal fruit and fragrant shisho syrup)  

It’s a burger bar, but not as you know it – and that’s thanks to the creativity of prolific restaurateur, chef and TV personality Bertus Basson. With a brace of popular restaurants across the Cape, Basson is passionate about celebrating homegrown South African flavours and culinary traditions. At De Vrije Burger you can count on having your hands full with his next-level burgers made with free-range beef and homemade buns.    DE VRIJE BURGER MENU Burgers: De Vrije Burger R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles) De Jonge Burger R115/R145 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese) Die Bennie Griessel R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, mustard pickle) De Vrije Vegetarian R115/R145 with tjips (Bo-Kaap-inspired falafel burger, double cheese, all the trimmings) A complimentary De Vrije Roomys with every burger purchased.   Add on: Smoked chilli sauce: R12.50 Melrose and Biltong: R35 Bacon - 3 rashers: R30   Extras: Hand-cut Tjips: R45 Have it: BBQ spice dusted: +R7.50 Cheezy: +R25 Peri-Peri: +R17.50 Onion Rings: +R45 Basson and Son soft drinks: R40  

John Van Zyl is a chef who likes to fly under the radar. Don’t expect TV shows, branded cookware or product endorsement deals. Rather, he just quietly goes about his business serving up some of the best food South Africa has to offer. Until recently you had to drive for an hour from Cape Town to taste Van Zyl’s cooking, and the winelands setting in the Elgin Valley is certainly a wonderful way to take a deep dive into the small plates he’s cooking up at The Melting Pot. And while his Elgin restaurant remains worth the trip for its concise menu of globally-inspired small plates, at Time Out Market Cape Town he brings a whole new take on the Melting Pot experience. Here, Van Zyl turns his focus to the Cape’s bountiful seafood while drawing plenty of inspiration from his own travels abroad. That could mean tuna sashimi with fermented black bean dressing, coconut and mint, through to beer-battered hake sliders with smoked potato purée and (of course) a best-in-class tartar sauce. In a city famous for its seafood, Van Zyl sets the bar high with his concise menu of superb small plates.  THE MELTING POT SEAFOOD MENU Linefish Sashimi R140 (Fermented black bean dressing, coconut, mint) Peruvian Mixed Seafood ceviche R145 (Butternut purée, tortilla chips) Beetroot-cured Salmon R140 (Mint & dill yoghurt dressing, dill pickled cucumber) Chargrilled Octopus R135 (Cauliflower purée, bacon shrimp XO dressing) Fried Fish Tacos R120 (Smoked potato aioli, tartar sauce, house pickles, shredded

Mark your diaries: it's almost time to swirl, sip, and snack your way through South Africa's wine capital. Wine Town Stellenbosch  returns to the Eikestad from 26 July to 3 August 2025, and it's offering more than just excellent wine. This year, Wine Town Stellenbosch offers nine days of tastings, tours, dinners, and workshops leading up to the main event: the Stellenbosch Wine Festival on 1 and 2 August. And if you don't have time for a bit of Winelands road-tripping, the Wine Festival provides a one-stop shop and all-access pass to over 200 wines from more than 50 producers. Held at the City Hall of this charming university town, you can look forward to first-time attendees including Raats Family Wines, Hidden Valley and De Meye, joining top-tier brands such as Simonsig, Rust en Vrede, Spier and Blaauwklippen.  Also making a comeback is the popular Graze Table; an endless spread of seasonal, local bites curated by Bertus Basson Restaurants Group Chef Adel Grewar. Extra points for creating your own wine pairings! Prefer your Pinot with a side of music? Expect live entertainment throughout, plus plenty of opportunities to chat directly with winemakers and cellar hands. Festival Details: 📍 Stellenbosch Town Hall 📅 Fri, 1 August (17:00–21:00) & Sat, 2 August (14:00–18:00) 🎟️ R550 online | R600 at the door 🎫 Includes tastings, grace table access, and live entertainment 📱 Book via Plankton Hungry? Try the 11 Best Affordable Restaurants in the Winelands!

Rain or no rain, rugby fever is set to grip Cape Town this Saturday, 28 June, when the Springboks take on the Barbarians at the DHL Stadium in the Qatar Airways Cup. It's the first time the famous British-based invitational side will tour South Africa, and the first of two home games for the Boks in the Mother City this year. It also kicks off the Springboks' five-month international season, which will also include the Castle Lager Incoming Series, the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour of Europe. All of which means big crowds, plenty of traffic and the chance to be clever about how you get to the stadium for the game (or avoid the crush if you're not). With a huge crowd expected to flood towards Green Point, the City of Cape Town has rolled out a match-day game plan to manage traffic, boost public transport and keep the traffic moving smoothly. Well, sort of. "We are anticipating more than 40,000 spectators for this game, which will affect traffic on match day. To reduce congestion and help fans get to the stadium on time, we've worked closely with the event organizer to provide alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles," said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. "We strongly encourage all spectators to make use of the park-and-ride system, which is a convenient and reliable way to avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey to the venue. The shuttle, with its dedicated lane to the stadium, will ensure that you beat the traf

Don't let the rain keep you away from a week of African creativity and insights, as the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival lights up screens across the city. This is the festival's 27th edition, and it runs until Saturday 29 June with screenings across the city taking place at The Labia Theatre (this year voted one of the world's most beautiful cinemas!), V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor and The Bertha Movie House in Khayelitsha  "In 2024, Encounters presented three of the five documentaries later nominated for Oscars, including the winner 'No Other Land'," explains Mandisa Zitha, Director of Encounters. "This year we're raising the bar even higher with an excellent selection of films that speak to the role of the documentary and impact filmmaker in 2025." The 2025 program features close on 70 documentaries, spanning everything from intimate local stories to global social justice narratives. Certainly don't miss 'Fitting In', which takes a hard look at tradition and transformation at Stellenbosch University's Eendrag men's residence. Or Normal To Me, a tender, honest portrait of life at Fish Hoek's Joyce Chevalier Center for adults with intellectual disabilities. From abroad, How to Build a Library opened the festival with a poetic lens on Nairobi's iconic public library, tracing Kenya's complex colonial past while imagining futures for its youth.  You'll find the full schedule for the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival over here.

Cape Town has been abuzz with the contemporary reinvention of a classic musical, but if you missed your chance the first time around, don’t lose sleep singing “Close Every Door”: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is returning to Cape Town! Following a sold-out run at the Theatre on the Bay, this audacious, vibrant, and extravagant musical will make a return for an encore season from 4 October 2025, offering fans another opportunity to experience one of the most beloved shows in the world of musical theatre. Since opening in May 2025, the vibrant production by Pieter Toerien and LAMTA (Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy) has quickly become the must-see ticket in Cape Town. Audiences have been wowed by eight shows a week, with rave reviews and standing ovations keeping the house full night after night. The current sold-out run concludes on 13 July, but don’t worry, the all-star cast will be back! Drawing on the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, the show features unforgettable hits by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, such as "Any Dream Will Do," "Go, Go, Go Joseph," and "Jacob and Sons." This vibrant technicolor production stars Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Joseph, Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator, and Chris Jaftha as Pharaoh, with dynamic direction from Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander, alongside musical direction by Amy Campbell. Tickets for the October return start at R175 and are now available through Webtickets and the Theatre on the

For more than a century, it’s stood overlooking the lakes and forests of the Garden Route, welcoming travellers traversing the winding road from George to Knysna. It’s hosted royal visitors and regular old family holidays, and though its fortunes have waxed and waned The Wilderness Hotel has remained a much-loved fixture of the Cape’s most popular stretch of holiday coast. From October this year, the hotel turns the page on the next chapter, when it joins the ANEW Hotels & Resorts portfolio. ANEW isn’t an especially well-known brand in the Cape, and that’s no surprise given that ANEW Resort Wilderness Garden Route will become only the group’s second property in the province (ANEW Hotel Green Point is the other). But upcountry ANEW is a major player in budget-friendly family resorts and unpretentious business hotels, with 19 destinations in five provinces.  But perhaps this is the beginning of ANEW’s expansion in the Cape, and an excellent addition to the portfolio the hotel is too The Wilderness Hotel originated as a boarding house in the early 1900s and was subsequently upgraded to The Wilderness Hostel in 1924. It’s reputation only grew through the century, as it became as popular for its location overlooking the lakes as its tradition of laid-back hospitality. It is, in many ways, a lekker old-school resort, harking back to a time when we didn’t spend our holidays staring at our screens. Instead, the kids would be sent out to the two swimming pools or the putt-putt cour

When was the last time you went into a coffee shop and just, you know, drank coffee? Maybe chatted with a friend, or watched the world go by the window. When you weren’t on your phone, or catching up on emails. When there wasn’t someone at the table opposite tapping feverishly into their MacBook. Chances are that was me, and for that I apologise. At least I’m not (and never will be) that guy in the corner talking loudly on a Zoom call. I’m not sure when we all decided that restaurants and coffee shops were also de facto offices. That by virtue of buying a R38 coffee, we had now paid rent for two hours (maybe more) of remote work using someone else’s water and Wi-Fi to do business or hold meetings. But, somehow, imperceptibly, it happened. And I’m not altogether sure I like it. Should cafés be quiet corners for remote work and Zoom calls, or buzzing hubs for conversation and connection? So when a friend told me about a polite little note at Our Local in Sea Point, I had to head down for a look. “We are a small community space and are about people connecting, so unforch no laptops allowed. Like not even for a cheeky email :)”  For Michael Carter, Creative Director/Owner of Our Local, the decision to limit laptop use wasn’t about being anti-tech or making things difficult for patrons; it was about preserving the essence of the café. “At our Sea Point store, which is much smaller [than the original Our Local in Kloof Street], we have a no-laptops-at-all policy,” says Carter. “The

Driving through the skyscraper canyons of Sandton today, it’s hard to imagine this corner of the city, today Africa’s richest square mile, as a dusty outpost of wagon trails and farmsteads on the road north out of downtown Johannesburg. Turn back the clock a century, and for travellers on that road in need of refreshment, they would likely pull in at the first – and then the only – building in the area: the Good Hope Tea Room, an outspan for wagon drivers run by former British army officer Gerard Le Grand. Times were good, and business boomed: rondawels were added for overnight guests, and by the time the Balalaika Hotel officially opened in 1949, it had become the heart and soul of the area.  Fast forward 75 years, and the hotel – now officially the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton – is still going strong; a remarkable feat in a city where, as they say, the only constant is change. Now, as then, the Balalaika is something of an oasis for travellers. Though surrounded by soaring office towers and the gleaming façades of financial behemoths, the Balalaika remains charmingly low-key. It’s easy to drive right past the entrance if you don’t know to look out for the brass bull out front, a playful nod to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange around the corner. Bull? Bull run, get it? Right. And yet, despite the homely façade, the hotel extends across a vast area of Sandton, offering 330 rooms clustered in courtyards around leafy gardens and swimming pools, providi

Wine lovers, are you ready to don your red, white, and blue? The Franschhoek Bastille Festival returns this winter, bringing French flair, fine wine, and festive vibes to the Cape Winelands on Saturday, 12th and Sunday, 13th July 2025. This is the 33rd edition of the much-loved winter festival, and this year it will be held in a brand-new location in the heart of the village. While the 2024 festival (which was delayed by stormy weather) took place on the Franschhoek High School rugby field, in 2025 festival-goers will head to the Hospice parking area, featuring a refreshed layout brimming with the region's fine wines and tasty bites set to a soundtrack of live entertainment. The two-day Bastille Festival features all the classics you've come to know and love: a wine and cheese experience with tastings from top local estates, artisanal food stalls, and the ever-popular best-dressed competition. Tickets cost R390 per person per day and include a souvenir wine glass and 10 tasting tokens.  New for the 2025 festival is a series of wine experiences called Uncorked Exclusive : a more curated wine-tasting experience showcasing premium pours in an intimate setting for serious wine enthusiasts. These tastings cost extra (R120 per person) and feature the likes of Pasarene, Holden Manz, Babylonstoren, and more. Some, such as La Motte, are already sold out! Outside the main marquee, the village is set to buzz with Bastille energy. Church Street will transform into a pedestrian-friendly f

So first, the good news: the 13th edition of the Slave Route Challenge takes over the streets of Cape Town this Sunday (1 June 2025) with over 8000 runners tackling the 21km, 10km, and 5km routes that pay tribute to Cape Town’s colourful, complex history. The bad news? Those 8000 runners are going to cause just a tiny bit of mayhem with CBD traffic, so if you had plans to hit Greenmarket Square, the Company’s Garden or even the Waterfront, you’re going to want to plan your route carefully. Locals can look forward to significant traffic disruptions across the CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods, with a number of key routes fully or partially closed from the early hours of the morning through to midday. The biggest closures include: Darling Street (between Plein and Buitenkant Streets): Full closure from 4am to 11.30am Sir Lowry Road (westbound): Between Tennant and Buitenkant Streets Hanover Street: Between Tennant and Sir Lowry, and again between Christiaan and Tennant Lower Buitenkant Street: Between Strand and Darling Hatfield Street: Between Roeland and Orange Additional lane closures and restricted access will impact major thoroughfares including: Roeland, Orange, Wale, Long, Loop and Somerset Roads Beach Road, Granger Bay Boulevard, Prestwich, Riebeek, and Adderley Streets Several MyCiTi bus routes will also be diverted or temporarily suspended. Affected routes include: 101, 102, 103, 109, 111, and 118 Key stop closures include Adderley, Lower Plein, District Six, an

Aside from a chic new hotel, elegant country picnics, world-class wines, and a manicured estate that begs to be explored… if you needed another reason to visit Spier Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch, we’ve got one for you.  Now open in the historic Old Wine Cellar of this rejuvenated Stellenbosch estate, Grounded Practice is a brand-new exhibition by Tamlin Blake, Chief Curator of the Spier Arts Trust, who has brought together 63 works by 42 South African artists. More than just a beautiful collection of ceramics, it’s intended as a timely reflection on balance, belonging and our bond with the earth. Leaving the theme open-ended, Blake allowed the work of the collected artists to emerge organically. “What came through, almost overwhelmingly, was a sense of instability – personally, politically, environmentally,” explains Blake. “Many artists were using their practice to find their footing again, to reestablish a sense of balance and belonging. That’s where the title ‘Grounded Practice’ comes from.” At the heart of the exhibition is clay, a central aspect of the estate’s own terroir, and one of the world’s oldest art materials. “Clay is a potent and enduring material in human civilisation,” says Blake. “It’s often seen as a metaphor for creativity, malleability, and human potential. But once it’s fired and becomes ceramic, it also represents permanence and resilience.” On display are works that range from bold and conceptual to playful and tactile, with something for art collect

The results are in, and after the numbers have been crunched on thousands of global votes, Time Out has confirmed what we Capetonians have known all along: that colourful, cosmopolitan Cape Town is also one of the best places in the world to combine urban adventure with easy access to the great outdoors. In the latest global survey of the best cities in the world for access to nature and green spaces, more than 18 500 urban natives cast their vote for what made their city great for getting outdoors. Those that made the top 20 list had the highest share of ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ ratings for their green space and access to nature. Coming out tops was Medellín, Colombia’s second city, where 92 percent of locals raved about the green space and access to nature. Perhaps that’s no surprise, as the ‘city of eternal spring’ boasts ‘green corridors’ and a network of riverside parks. Coming in second was Boston, which also ranked second for walkability in a recent Time Out survey. Bostonians love the city’s green spaces and access to nature, with incredible parks open to both locals and tourists. This includes the iconic Boston Common, the most visited green space in the city and the oldest park in the US! Third place went to Sydney, which boasts more than 100 beaches and easy access to the Blue Mountains National Park.   And Cape Town? Well, we clocked in at 9th position in the poll, a slot shared with Abu Dhabi and Chicago. Now Abu Dhabi may seem like a strange bedfellow for a green

It was, perhaps, inevitable that this day would come. But the news this week that Ster-Kinekor will close its cinemas in the Claremont shopping centre, Cavendish Square, marks the end of an era. From high school dates to family outings, the cineplex at Cavendish Square has long been part of the fabric of the city’s southern suburbs. Once famous for its plush seats, a choice of Cinema Nouveau downstairs and more commercially-minded ‘flicks’ up top, and the luxurious seating of the Cine Prestige, it seems Ster Kinekor did pretty much everything they could to keep us coming back to the silver screen.  And it didn’t work. Not even the prospect of 3D screens could pry us off the couch and into the cinema again. In the face of rising costs, Covid, and all-pervasive streaming services, the writing has been on the wall for some time and it was perhaps only a matter of when, not if, the price (ever-increasing) of selling movie tickets and popcorn could cover hefty rents in Cavendish Square. It turns out the ‘when’ is Monday, 2 June: this will be the last day of trade for Ster-Kinekor at Cavendish Square, and the screens will go dark. The lights will go up, the popcorn swept from the floor, and movie-goers will file out into the light one last time. I’ll miss the after-credits chats about whether the movie was any good. I’ll miss the lingering taste of sour cream and chives (always, the sour cream and chives) popcorn salt. I won’t miss the outrageous cost of said popcorn, or the people