Selene Brophy

Cape Town’s food scene has become one of the most exciting reflections of the city's multicultural, slightly chaotic approach (in the best way) to seasonal winter flavours.Across the city, chefs are drawing on Japanese ramen bars, Thai spice markets, East Asian small plates, Italian comfort food, African coastal ingredients and Cape nose-to-tail cooking - while still grounding their menus in local produce.  One minute, you could be slurping deeply savoury ramen on Bree Street at Yatai, the next you’re eating Thai-inspired winter dishes at Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia. Settle into the rich simplicity of Giorgio Nava’s silky Chicken Alfredo from Carne (winter comfort in a bowl!). The ocean flavours and African storytelling at Seebamboes and COY are inspirational. While the bottomless bubbles will fire up your Sundays at The Pot Luck Club. Equally enticing is how confidently Cape Town chefs are blurring the line between fine dining and comfort food. At Test Kitchen Fledgelings, Korean fried chicken sits comfortably alongside smoked snoek pâté and bone marrow brioche. The Belly of the Beast Group is giving East City’s ever-evolving food culture life, where menus are driven less by rigid structure and more by the seasonal intention for that particular day. The results are a winter menu offerings that take risks without losing its local food instinct or dialect! So go on, be adventurous - don't just stick to your favourites. Try something different with menu specials catering

Sadly, Bafana Bafana have crashed out of the 2026 World Cup tournament. Hardlines boys, you did us proud.   If 2010 taught us anything (and as many South Africans will happily remind you), it's that football gees hits differently. Sixteen years after hosting the world's biggest sporting event, Bafana Bafana were back on football's grandest stage and through to the Group 32 stages - the first time any South African soccer team had made it that far in the history of the tournament.   Canada beat our boys on Sunday, 28 June, in extra time, to send Mzansi out of the World Cup tournament.  WHERE TO WATCH: Best Spots for Live Sports Event Gees in Cape Town View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) Your 2026 FIFA World Cup Planning Guide Whether you're a lifelong football fan or someone who only starts paying attention when South Africa is involved, now is the time to start planning your World Cup experience.  The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring a record 104 matches across three host nations. Where is it taking place? For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: United States Canada Mexico The opening match takes place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. When does it start? The tournament kicks off on 11 June 2026 and concludes with the f

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup hopes have come crashing down in the extra time minutes of their match against co-hosts Canada.  After earning a crucial draw against Czechia, Bafana Bafana headed into the final group-stage match knowing that a win would secure a place in the knockout stages. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. But it was not meant to be. Hardlines Bafana, you did us proud!  Still, the tournament showcasing the beautiful game continues. Here's where you can continue to catch all the World Cup action.

Cape Town loves its rugby almost as much as its sundowners, and when the Bokke take to the field, the city transforms into one giant fan zone.  Of course, there is also soccer and cricket, all bringing their own legendary following to a big screen near you.  From buzzy beer halls and family-friendly pubs to seaside taverns, there’s no shortage of spots to soak up the gees and cheer on the green and gold. We’ve rounded up the best venues to catch every scrum, hat-trick or LBW!  SEE: Where to eat and drink near Cape Town Stadium  

Winter weekends were made for red wine, good conversation and discovering your next favourite bottle. The Time Out Market Cape Town continues to be a local favourite for bringing all three together, with its monthly Winter Wine Series. It's a relaxed afternoon of tasting that puts some of the Western Cape's most exciting producers under one roof. Running on the last Saturday of every month from June to September, the event transforms the Market's studio into a wine lover's playground, where you can sip your way through a curated selection of wineries while soaking up the all buzz of the V&A Waterfront.  The next tasting takes place on Saturday, June 27, bringing together producers from some of the Western Cape's most celebrated wine regions, including Stellenbosch and Paarl, Robertson, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. "Cape Town's wine culture is one of the things that makes this city so special, and our Winter Wine Series is all about bringing a fantastic mix of established favourites and boutique producers togehter to give guests the chance to discover different regions, along with the stories behind the wines, right here in the heart of the V&A Waterfront," says Sivu Nobo, Time Out Market Cape Town's Events Co-ordinator.    "It's essentially a wine route without the driving. Just award-winning wines, great food and a fantastic atmosphere overlooking this unique harbour." So what can you look forward to at Saturday's event? Rijks, Tulbagh One of Tulbagh's most acclaime

Finally! The nation has heaved a collective Halala with the backing of Mokoena in the in-goal area - taking Bafana Bafana to a draw in their second group stage match against Czechia.   We're behind the next match happening on 25 June: Bafana Bafana vs South Korea! Yes, we have seen South Korea's trending training videos. Still, Jozi, you need to bring the gees to one of these venues near you. Curious to know Bafana Bafana's chances? We read the tea leaves of the performance analysis here.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by FOX One (@foxone) And to dial up the gees even more, we've rounded up where the world’s biggest football stars would book a table if they had to swap the stadium tunnel for Joburg’s restaurant scene. Think flame-grilled feasts, discreet five-star dining rooms, celebrity hotspots and restaurants designed for long lunches that turn into celebrations, providing just the right kind of World Cup swagger.  

Cada año elaboramos una clasificación definitiva de las mejores ciudades del mundo para comer y beber. El objetivo es rendir homenaje a los chefs, los fogones y los puestos de comida callejera que alimentan a la ciudad, uniendo a locales y visitantes para saborear uno de los mayores placeres de la vida: una comida excelente. ¿Y cómo se decide la lista? Este año, el ranking de las Mejores Ciudades para Comer de Time Out se ha creado a partir de una encuesta a más de 24.000 residentes de todo el mundo. Les pedimos que valoraran la calidad general de la escena gastronómica de su lugar de residencia, el precio de salir a cenar y los puntos gastronómicos en los que creen que destaca su ciudad. A continuación, combinamos esas miles de respuestas con el criterio del panel de expertos culinarios de Time Out (editores y críticos gastronómicos de toda nuestra red), quienes votaron por las ciudades que consideran los destinos gastronómicos más estimulantes del planeta en este momento. Para garantizar que la lista refleje fielmente las capitales culinarias globales, solo la ciudad con la puntuación más alta de cada país logró entrar en el Top 20 definitivo. Como demuestra nuestra selección, vivimos un momento divertidísimo para salir a comer por la ciudad. Restaurantes desde Lisboa hasta Lima están sirviendo algunos de los platos más sorprendentes, atrevidos y francamente deliciosos que se puedan encontrar. ¿Qué hay en el menú? Polos de crema de mandarina en Nueva York, fideos de espina

Cada any elaborem una classificació de les millors ciutats del món per menjar i beure. L'objectiu és retre homenatge als xefs, els fogons i les parades de menjar de carrer que alimenten la ciutat. I com es decideix la llista? Enguany, el rànquing de les Millors Ciutats per Menjar de Time Out s'ha creat a partir d'una enquesta a més de 24.000 residents de tot el món. Els vam demanar que valoressin la qualitat general de l'escena gastronòmica del seu lloc de residència, el preu de sortir a sopar i els punts gastronòmics en els quals creuen que destaca la seva ciutat. A continuació, vam combinar aquestes milers de respostes amb el criteri del panell d'experts culinaris de Time Out (editors i crítics gastronòmics de tota la nostra xarxa), que van votar per les ciutats que consideren els destins gastronòmics més estimulants del planeta en aquest moment. Per garantir que la llista reflecteixi fidelment les capitals culinàries globals, només la ciutat amb la puntuació més alta de cada país va aconseguir entrar al Top 20 definitiu. Com demostra la nostra selecció, vivim un moment divertidíssim per sortir a menjar per la ciutat. Restaurants des de Lisboa fins a Lima estan servint alguns dels plats més sorprenents, atrevits i francament deliciosos que es puguin trobar. Què hi ha al menú? Polos de crema de mandarina a Nova York, fideus d'espina de peix a Copenhague i un sofisticat phở a Ciutat Ho Chi Minh. Hi ha alta cuina a Melbourne i fun dining (alta cuina divertida) a Ciutat del Cap

Kloof Street is firmly on the radar of local and international travellers as it's snagged a spot on Time Out's Coolest Streets in the World for 2025.  Framed by Table Mountain, Kloof Street is where the city bowl meets the creative vibe of the Mother City. Stretching from the upper edge of Cape Town toward the neighbourhood of Tamboerskloof, it’s a lively strip that captures the CBD's unexpected urban charm.    Essentially, Kloof Street feels like Long Street’s more refined sibling as it pulses with new pop-ups and old-world character. Think Victorian façades with its broekie-lace balconies, concept stores, cocktail dens, boundary-pushing restaurants and just the right amount of after-dark mischief.  Ultimately, Kloof Street rewards those who stroll rather than speed through. Whether you wander uphill toward Table Mountain or drift down toward the city bowl, the charm is in the discovery.   @timeoutcapetown We caught up with locals and visitors in Cape Town to find out what makes Kloof Street one of the World's Coolest Streets for 2025. From favourite hangouts like Blondies to unique boutiques like AKJP, our interviewees spill all the tea on what makes this vibrant street a must-visit hotspot. Time Out Bonus: We have curated a guide to the top must-visit spots on the World's 22nd Coolest Street for 2025 for an exclusive insider's view on how to make the most of this bustling hub. Visit the link in our bio for this must-read guide. Comment below and tag your favourite re

Every year, we create a definitive ranking of the world’s greatest cities for eating and drinking. The aim is to celebrate the chefs, kitchens and street food stalls that feed the city, bringing locals and visitors together to savour life’s one greatest pleasure: an excellent meal. So, how is the list decided? This year, Time Out’s Best Cities for Food with Intrepid Travel was created on the back of a survey of more than 24,000 locals, based all around the world. We asked them to rate the overall quality of the food scene where they live, how affordable it is to eat out and the food spots they believe their city does best.  We then paired their thousands of responses with the insight of Time Out’s expert food panel – editors and food critics from across Time Out’s network – who voted for the cities they think are the most exciting dining destinations on the planet right now. Only the highest-scoring city in each country made the final 20, ensuring our list reflects culinary capitals globally.  As our list demonstrates, it’s a very fun time to be eating out in the city right now. Restaurants from Lisbon to Lima are serving up some of the most striking, daring and downright delicious plates of food you can find. On the menu? Satsuma creamsicles in New York, fish bone noodles in Copenhagen and fancy phở in Ho Chi Minh. There’s fine-dining in Melbourne and ‘fun dining’ in Cape Town, food trends from sandwich crazes to elevated tacos, and coffee and cocktail scenes well worth trav

Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. Our team then dives deeper into the data to uncover other fascinating insights, like the world’s best cities for culture, the coolest neighborhoods and—the one I look forward to most—our ranking of the world’s best food cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity. Then we tapped our global network of chefs, editors and food critics to provide local insight into what makes their particular cities such wonderful places to eat—and not just right now. Our global network of food writers shared knowledge about the history of food in their cities, the dishes each place is known for, and the influence of different cultures on the local food scene. We’re serving up all this delicious intel in the tastiest list you’ll read all year, filled with nuggets from folks who frequent the bars, are restaurant regulars and know their city’s food scene inside and out. Ready to dig in? Here are the greatest cities for food on the planet.

Cape Town's winter weather is dicey, at best. The beauty of the secret season, between May and August, at the Southern tip of Africa, is that you can enjoy balmy, sun-filled days in between some windy, rainy stretches. But even then, the ample natural, adrenaline-infused attractions of the Western Cape will call you away from your creature comforts for a bit - purely because the Cape in winter is an adventure wonderland that not everybody gets to experience!  Sure, the mountain slips into cloud more often, while you're chasing the newly refreshed waterfalls and the ample coastlines running from east to west are pelted by restless waves. But if you show up, you'll discover sides of this city the summer crowds never get to see. You get something far better than a nice day. You get an adventure story! And this wanderlust after outdoor experiences that bring something more than a curated snap to the gram is a shift that's happening globally. A SATSA Adventure White Paper, released in February, shows that South Africa's adventure tourism industry generated R25 billion in 2024, with travellers actively seeking experiences shaped by the elements rather than sanitised from them. Summer is easy! You book, you arrive, you tick it off. Winter makes you earn it, and that's precisely why what you get back is worth it. The adventures are the same ones that run year-round. But the light is different, the landscapes are different, the company is different (smaller, more interesting, slightly

The Pink Lady, the grand dame of Cape Town, that's the Mount Nelson, adding a timeless space to Cape Town's hospitality. Long after trends come and go, the Mount Nelson continues to embody a kind of old-world allure that feels uniquely its own. Beneath its striking pink façade, generations have gathered for baby shower afternoon teas, weddings, milestone celebrations and memorable dinners. Tucked away inside the hotel, Amura extends the latter to the tee.   On a recent visit to sample the restaurant's new winter menu, it became clear that Amura has settled into itself. The fanfare of its December 2025 opening has deepened into something more confident and considered. In the past few months, the restaurant has hosted industry events, welcomed visiting chefs, and drawn plenty of attention since opening, but this visit felt like the first opportunity to properly experience what it intends to be as one of the main dining experiences of the Nellie. Others, of course, include The Red Room by Chef's Warehouse and The Oasis Restuarant.  ALSO SEE: Alain Roux and Ángel León are cooking together in Cape Town The Background Amura is the first restaurant outside Spain from internationally acclaimed chef Ángel León, widely known as "El Chef del Mar" for his pioneering work with marine ingredients at his celebrated Andalusian 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Aponiente. The restaurant occupies the space formerly known as The Colony Restaurant, a fixture of Cape Town fine dining through much of

Sushiya is a restaurant greater than the sum of its parts. While chef Peter Tempelhoff – also behind Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town – and chef Shin Takagi – owner of a two-star Michelin restaurant in Kanazawa, Japan – are both hugely accomplished chefs and restaurateurs in their own right, when they decided to collaborate on a new restaurant, greatness was pretty much guaranteed.  READ: Sushiya x Stickman collab brings the fire! Sushiya at Time Out Market Cape Town takes the shape of an upscale 'sushi shop', offering authentic yet contemporary Japanese sushi. The menu is made up of small dishes with classic pickled and preserved Japanese-style vegetables, a variety of modern nigiri platters, a platter of maki, and temaki and gunkan maki infused with local and classic Japanese flavours. Beyond the considered cuisine, Tempelhoff and Takagi also use Sushiya to showcase their dedication to sustainable sourcing, craftsmanship and tradition.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Market Cape Town (@timeoutmarketcapetown) SUSHIYA MENU   Temaki Hand RollsWhite Fish Ceviche - Tempura nori, ponzu dressing, red onions, avocado, cucumber R145Yellowfin Tuna Chives, miso egg puree, crispy onion R185  Sashimi Mixed4 pieces R1658 pieces R310 Uramaki Inside-out Rolls Prawn California Roll R190 (8pcs)Tiger prawn, avocado, lime, katsuoboshi flakes, spring onion  Zesty Roll Seared R180 (8pcs) tuna, zesty mayo, amazuzuke onion, avocado, rocket leav

Perched on the marina at the landmark Cape Grace Hotel, the Bascule Bar has long attracted everyone from whisky collectors and business moguls to curious travellers looking for a nightcap. Following a relaunch in 2024, the space has traded some of its old-world whisky den energy for a slightly more contemporary vibe. And while prevailing smoking legislation has changed the approach to savouring some of the exceptional bottles on offer sans cigar in hand, the space remains an authentic draw. The Vibe Walk into the Bascule on any given evening and you'll find a fascinating mix of locals and visitors sharing stories over drams. Case in point: the Morris brothers.  For more than 20 years, the trio have made the Bascule bar their unofficial meeting room. Through ownership changes, renovations and evolving whisky trends, they've kept returning to the same bar overlooking the yachts. What makes their story even more interesting is that when the bar entered its latest chapter, the hotel's team didn't simply reinvent the space and hope for the best. "We were asked, 'How can we make this into something that would be more appealing to you?' They didn't just dismiss us. They knew we'd had a long history with the Bascule," the brothers shared with me.   And it's this sense of continuity that gives the Bascule a genuine community spirit. As one of the brothers puts it, "Guests have often joined us. They come to meet locals. And we enjoy sharing our whisky."   Which brings me to the Bascu

Seebamboes sits somewhat hidden above sister restaurant Galjoen, on Harrington Street. But make no mistake, this 16-seat restaurant has staked its claim by taking the familiar idea of surf and turf and seriously turning it on its head. There are unexpected flavour combos, with seaweed served alongside meaty flavours that leave a lingering richness on your lips. Named after Ecklonia maxima - the giant indigenous kelp lining the Western Cape coastline - Seebamboes translates to “sea bamboo.” This restaurant feels entirely connected to the ocean landscapes that have inspired its creative culinary team. The result is a striking menu of small plates that doesn't lose sight of being nourishing, while establishing it as one of the city's most distinctive dining experiences. The Backstory Seebamboes forms part of The Belly Restaurant Group, the hospitality collective founded by Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart - the duo behind Belly of the Beast and Galjoen.   What makes the group particularly interesting is its deliberate resistance to scale. None of their restaurants seats more than 35 guests, and all sit within two city blocks in Cape Town’s East City Precinct. Together, they’ve helped transform Harrington Street into an exciting culinary hub.   At Seebamboes, chef Adèl Hughes - who previously cooked at Galjoen and alongside Kobus van der Merwe of Wolfgat fame - leads the kitchen with confidence. Sustainability underpins everything both at Seebamboes and Galjoen, from locally foraged

Many things can prompt a recollection of a particular time in your life. Smell is a particularly powerful one.    I recently noticed a foul smell in the air over our West Coast neighbourhood and remarked that it smelled like tear gas. The fact that I had teargas as a point of reference was funny to my family, at first. But it stirred a memory of the Apartheid-era riots I experienced growing up on the Cape Flats, back in the eighties. Just a few days later, I would watch Rise 76, further stoking the uneasy power of these memories and making Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni’s new production profoundly arresting. This play does not simply ask you to remember June 16, 1976. It hits uncomfortably hard, reminding us how close that history still sits beneath our skin.   Marking the 50th anniversary of the Soweto student uprising, Rise ’76: The Story of June 16 takes you to Molefe Secondary. In this fictional Soweto school, learners, teachers, and parents are pushed to the breaking point by being forced to use Afrikaans as the medium of instruction. What begins as black consciousness and progressive, thought-provoking incitement through poetry outside the classroom's walls soon gathers momentum into the terrible force of that historic day. Mashifane wa Noni, a two-time Fleur du Cap-winning playwright and director, avoids the broad textbook version of the uprising. Instead, she works in smaller, sharper moments by depicting a student meeting, a teacher’s fear, a mother’s grief, the bodies

At The Wes Bistro & Bar, winter is making a theatrical and somewhat indulgent statement. The newly launched winter set menu leans into classic French comfort, wrapped in a setting that feels pulled straight out of The Grand Budapest Hotel film.  The Backstory Megan Kritzinger has built her name on instinct as much as intention. After growing Stellski’s into a Bree Street staple, she’s carved out something more personal with The Wes.  Positioned beneath The Trade Boutique Hotel, the restaurant opened at the end of 2024 as the hotel's breakfast bistro. It carries a distinct identity by design. As Kritzinger puts it, there simply couldn’t be two Stellskis. Instead, The Wes draws from her time in Nice and a clear love of French bistro culture. It’s less about replication and more about interpretation, filtered through a playful lens - more specifically, the lens of celebrated American film-maker Wes Anderson. Vibe The immediate pull is visual. It’s Wes Anderson-coded in the best way: pastel-drenched, symmetrical, slightly surreal. A central fountain anchors the space, alongside a chic cocktail bar, while curved banquette and parquet floors lean into old-world glamour. It’s the kind of dinner spot that inspires you to dress up a little more. Not to be pretentious, but in a “lean into the moment” kind of way, and that adds to the fun.  The Food In addition to its all-day breakfast, the bistro offers an à la carte French-inspired menu. Its winter set menu (R495per person) is a tight

It’s been roughly two years since this intimate 30-seater opened, offering locals and visitors a genuinely thoughtful seafood experience built entirely around responsibly caught South African produce. Named after the country’s national fish, Galjoen sits on Harrington Street in the East City Precinct, bringing an intimate, sustainability-led approach focused on what comes from our surrounding coastal regions. No Norwegian salmon, or Vietnamese prawns here! Instead, you'll find fresh local fish, shellfish and foraged sea vegetables sourced from a tight network of suppliers that fit the bill for responsibly sourced. The menu also shifts constantly, giving diners something new to look forward to each time.   The Backstory Harrington Street is having a moment. Once a gritty edge of the CBD, it now hums with galleries, boutiques and the promises of culinary excellence. If anything is challenging Bree Street’s dominance, it’s here, as the East City Precinct continues to reinvent itself.  At the centre of that shift is the Belly Restaurant Group, led by chef duo Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart. Between Belly of the Beast, Galjoen and the intimate Seebamboes, they’ve created a tight cluster of deeply South African concepts - with more on the way. Think boerewors-focused BURI, game-driven Quagga, and walk-in spot No Show - all small and all within a couple of blocks of each other.  Head chef Isca Viljoen, who came up through some of Cape Town’s best kitchens, shares that philosophy c

Brookdale's Bistro sits at the heart of the Brookdale Estate, where vines stretch towards the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains in views that just beg you to you exhale and unwind. Over the past three years, the estate's restuarant has earned its reputation for thoughtful wines and a casual, yet refined, dining style that showcases the best of the region. Helmed by executive chef Gary Coetzee, the restaurant recently earned recognition from Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, placing it among the country’s most notable dining spots.  The backstory Brookdale Estate with its Manor House and the recently launched Owner’s Lodge sit snugly on these 67 hectares of working farmland. The Rudd family acquired the once-overgrown farm in 2017 and has steadily transformed it into a polished Winelands destination known for its expressive wines and thoughtful hospitality. And just a short stroll from these luxurious stays sits Brookdale's Bistro - a relaxed, ingredient-led restaurant where the vineyards outside the window naturally find their way onto the table. The vibe The thing I love about dining at a wine estate’s bespoke restaurant is that the wine and food feel effortlessly paired, without the full theatre (or occasional pressure) of a formal wine pairing. At Brookdale’s Bistro, the synergy simply exists in a tasteful evening celebrating delicious flavours. The dining room leans towards a refined, yet casual experience. Think vineyard views, warm service and the sort of atmosphere th

The resounding “voetsak” (go away) bellowed during a scene by Awethu Hleli, who plays Emma in this reimagining of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, leaves little doubt that the dark comedy lands squarely in South African territory.  Now showing at the Baxter Theatre Centre, Aaron Posner's Stupid F'ing Bird proves that Chekhov’s century-old observations about human behaviour remain entirely relatable. Timeless human desires Director Maria Weisby’s interpretation emphasises that, while the world has changed dramatically since Chekhov wrote The Seagull in the late 19th century, human longing has not. Everyone in this story is searching for something. Whether it be recognition, success or affection, almost no one finds it where they expect.  Loneliness, as portrayed in the production, suggests it's not an individual struggle but a shared social condition. In a world increasingly connected, yet emotionally distant, the play lands with surprise immediacy and engagement - even as the audience is directly solicited for ways the scenes should unfold and a delightful turn that somehow personalises the overall experience of watching the play even further.  A collision of relatable characters Centred on a young playwright, Con, played by Nirel Sithole, who is desperate to breathe new life into the theatre. Each actor in The Baxter's Fires Burning Company approaches their role with such convincing verve that the inevitable collision of each character's flaws becomes all the

The Cape Winelands isn’t short on luxury stays, but now and then something arrives that simply raises the bar.   The newly launched Owner's Lodge at Brookdale Estate in Paarl is one of those. Perched on a secluded hill on the 67-hectare estate, this exclusive-use villa feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully run private home. The kind where your mornings begin with birdsong and vineyard views, and evenings end around a long dining table with good wine and even better company.  The Rudd family bought Brookdale in 2017 when it was little more than an overgrown parcel of land. Fast-forward to today, and the estate has transformed into a polished Winelands destination, known for its fine wines and rated for its new-world boldness.  And after spending the night in the newly built Owner's Lodge, this feels like its most intimate offering yet.  Why stay at Brookdale Estate Owner's Lodge? The Owner's Lodge is perfect for a milestone trip, a multi-generational family gathering or a celebratory getaway with friends. The space lends itself so well to a relaxed break, where unwinding is the aim. The villa accommodates up to eight guests on an all-inclusive basis, with a private chef, butler and a steady flow of Brookdale wines included.  I also see this as an excellent pause in a longer Southern Africa itinerary. After a safari in Kruger or time exploring the Okavango Delta in Botswana, this is the sort of place where you would want to slow down and savour the afterglow of wh

If you’re looking for a light, entertaining night out, Pretty Woman: The Musical is a sure bet. But you'd better move, as the production opened to sold-out performances for its opening week of its Cape Town run.   The smash-hit stage adaptation of the beloved 1990 rom-com - running at the Artscape Opera House until 19 April before heading to Johannesburg's Monte Casino - draws plenty of enthusiasm from the crowd. And it’s easy to see why.   This is comfort theatre at its most polished: familiar, fun and super nostalgic. The production leans into what audiences love most! Snappy one-liners lifted straight from the original film, big romantic moments and a Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance score that’s easy on the ears. You’ll find yourself swaying along more than once.   There’s a strong sense of '90s nostalgia throughout - from ring-dial telephones to Beverly Hills excess - all wrapped in glossy set design. The slick lighting and seamless scene changes are on point to keep you engaged with the storyline, even when you already know exactly how it ends. Performances that carry the charm Christopher Jaftha brings effortless charisma to Edward Lewis, delivering a performance that balances suave confidence with just enough vulnerability as he weaves between the detached bachelor and crooning lines of Something About Her. Opposite him, Leah Mari shines as Vivian Ward, bringing the required depth to her role while still snappily infusing it with relatable, real street-smart quips.   Tog

It’s been a while since I’ve been welcomed into a hotel quite the way that La Residence, in Franschhoek, does it. There's the Royal Portfolio wave, where all the staff assemble to greet you. Stepping through the main entrance, there is an immediate, almost imperceptible decompression of the senses as you are handed a posy of freshly picked roses from the garden.   The vast sweep of winelands that greets you front and centre could not be more fitting for the expression, a sight for sore eyes. And while I’m not one for the destination dupes trend (because who doesn’t crave the original?), this view could easily be mistaken for the Napa Valley or the vineyards of Tuscany. A perfectly chilled glass of La Residence’s house-made rosé arrives just in time to cut through the Cape heat, while the quietly confident staff begin to reveal the layers of the property to you. Royal Porfolio founder Liz Biden’s deft, unmistakable touch is everywhere - with considered ensembles at every turn from the entrance, to the dining room out through to the patio and pool areas - all curated to be entirely transportive. Why stay at La Residence? Franschhoek is the embodiment of old-world charm, food, wine and Cape heritage - and you’d be hard-pressed to find a stay that encapsulates all of it quite like La Residence. What sets The Royal Portfolio apart is how deeply each property is rooted in its surroundings. Here, that translates into a refined balance of total privacy, paired with effortless acces

Internationally respected curator Elvira Dyangani Ose will take over as artistic director at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in October, bringing formidable global experience, a pan-African outlook and an approachable warmth that left a memorable first impression.   I can still clearly remember the opening of Zeitz nearly a decade ago. It was one of the most anticipated museum launches of its time: an architectural landmark carved from the V&A Waterfront’s historic grain silos and a bold new home for contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Yet, for a layperson, the artistic experience sometimes felt intense, unexpectedly dark and rather hard to engage with beyond its undeniable academic excellence.   The years that followed brought several turbulent chapters. Inaugural executive director and chief curator Mark Coetzee resigned in 2018 following an inquiry into his professional conduct.   Koyo Kouoh took over in 2019, ushering in a transformative new era and becoming the first African woman appointed to curate the Venice Biennale. Her unexpected death in May 2025, before the 2026 edition opened, sent shock waves through the international art world. Now, as Zeitz MOCAA prepares to enter its second decade, another chapter is beginning. Internationally respected curator and museum leader Elvira Dyangani Ose has been appointed the museum’s new artistic director. She officially takes up the position on October 1, 2026, overseeing all aspects of the inst

Johannesburg has been ranked the 8th best city in the world for street food in Time Out's latest global ranking, cementing its reputation as one of the planet's most exciting places to eat on the go. Joburg's street food scene is as much about culture as it is flavour! Across taxi ranks, townships and bustling neighbourhoods, vendors serve up affordable "plates" of pap with braaied meat, mogodu (tripe), diana (chicken offal), morogo (African spinach) and chakalaka, alongside local favourites like vetkoek and the iconic kota. We absolutely love that these local classics are being celebrated alongside celebrated food capitals such as Hanoi and Bangkok. Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City claimed the top spot, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The ranking, based on a global survey of locals, saw Joburg score 56 per cent overall, earning it a spot in the top 10.     READ: A guide to Johannesburg's local street food    If you need somewhere to start, Time Out Johannesburg's Nhlalala Mthembi swears by the R14 kota at Amanda's in Soweto. "A quarter loaf sliced open and filled with chips, polony, special sauce and achaar... it holds together as something whole, sturdy, satisfying and balanced with the ease of someone who knows the craft by muscle memory. You don't eat the kota at Amanda's and wonder about technique, you just eat it and feel satisfied after."  READ: Inside Soweto’s Best Kept Secret: Why Amanda’s R14 kotas are the real deal  View this post on Instagram A

The Sea Point Promenade is Cape Town’s open-air playground: part running track, part meeting place and one of the best free spots in the city to walk, cycle, exercise or simply watch the Atlantic roll in. This popularity, however, means pedestrians increasingly share a busy public space with bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and larger motorised rental devices. Now, the City of Cape Town is moving to slow things down.  A new Sea Point Promenade Management Protocol will introduce an 8km/h speed limit in shared pedestrian areas, give pedestrians the right of way, and impose stronger restrictions on reckless riding and high-powered devices. Are the new speed limit rules enough? The tension between different Promenade users is not new. In 2022, the City considered making the stretch between Mouille Point and the Sea Point Pavilion exclusively pedestrian. A five-month investigation found that approximately 90 percent of users were pedestrians or joggers.  That proposal was dropped after nearly 2,000 public submissions, with most respondents supporting continued access for cyclists and other recreational users. However, concerns about speeding, collisions and the safety of children, older people and people with disabilities remained unresolved. There has also been a rapid growth of electric rental devices on the promenade.   "The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s most loved public spaces, but it has also become one of our busiest," says Councillor Francine Higham, the City’s M

Cape Town may be famous for mountains, beaches and good wine, but the City wants global investors to know it means business, too. Its new AI-powered concierge, Maya, promises to make setting up and growing a business in the Mother City faster and less complicated.   Available around the clock in eight languages, including Afrikaans and isiXhosa, Maya acts as a single digital entry point into Cape Town’s investment ecosystem. The platform can help investors navigate municipal processes, identify opportunities, find business-support programmes and connect with relevant City officials and industry bodies. Maya's launch forms part of Cape Town. Built for Business, a new international campaign positioning the city as a competitive African business destination. The campaign is set to roll out across more than 60 cities in North America, Europe, South America, Africa, China, India and the Middle East.    Bruce SutherlandSpeakers and attendees at the Invest Cape Town Global Investment Positioning Campaign. “We wanted something practical and responsive that could answer questions immediately, guide investors and connect them with the right people,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos. “Innovation in government simply needs to solve real problems, save people time and make it easier to do business.” The platform joins several measures intended to strengthen Cape Town’s investment environment, including the City’s Ease of Doing Business pr

Cape Town has been named Africa’s best city for Gen Z, securing 12th place in Time Out’s global 2026 ranking. The Mother City is the only African destination to rank in this year's list, placing alongside major cultural capitals including Tokyo, Melbourne, New York, Berlin, Seoul and Paris. The ranking draws on responses from under-30s in Time Out’s annual Best Cities survey. Only the highest-scoring city from each country was included.  Cape Town performed particularly well for its outdoor lifestyle. An impressive 93 percent of young respondents praised its green spaces and access to nature, while the same proportion said they find joy in everyday experiences in the city. From hiking and beach days to independent bars, creative spaces and wine-farm escapes, Cape Town offers the balance of culture, community and access to nature that younger generations increasingly value. "Cape Town is a city that never seems to slow down – no matter the weather, time or day, it’s a place always brimming with energy. However, tucked away between pockets of buzz are spaces primed for the tranquillity that Gen Z often craves," says Time Out South Africa's Amy Fraser. "Whether ending a Sea Point promenade stroll with a Ceremony Matcha, grabbing a drink with friends in the city at AKJP, (which sits on one of the planet’s coolest streets), spending the day at one of our many wine farms, immersing in the arts and culture, or heading out on one of the many, many day hikes from Cape Town, there i

There’s an irony at the heart of modern travel: we have more information at our disposal than ever, yet finding experiences that feel genuinely local has become harder. As one of Time Out South Africa's city editors, I fully understand this mission. It's part and parcel of what we do on the daily - unearth the best of our cities, to share with you. Yet, as For You streams drown in brand collaborations, search results favour the biggest commercial spenders, and the arrival of countless travel apps and AI chatbots add yet another layer of digital noise, the taps and nods from connected, like-minded communities have become all the more valuable. Often, our best recommendations still come from someone we know on the ground in a particular destination, or that friend of a friend who knows someone already there (and happens to read their Time Out edition, I couldn't resist, because it's true!).   It's a very specific gap that exists right now, and Pangea is making moves in the right direction to address it, if their upcoming summer release is anything to go by. Because we're all for taking the next trip out of the group chat and into the real world, and they're helping to do it in the best possible way.  PangeaSnapshot of a recent Cape Town Nomad Week. Pangea's new Summer 2026 Release introduces Pangea AI, that sees you tapping into a trusted travel community of more than 100,000 people - certainly massive enough to move beyond run-of-the-mill recommendations, yet connected th

Maxwell’s highly anticipated South African tour has been cancelled. The three-time Grammy Award winner was due to perform at the SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria on Saturday, August 8, followed by a second show at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on Tuesday, August 11. Promoter Vertex Events confirmed the cancellation following communication from Maxwell’s team, citing “unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone’s control”. “Despite every effort by both Vertex Events and Maxwell’s team to find a solution, unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone’s control made it impossible for the shows to go ahead,” the promoter said in an official statement.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vertex Events | Creating World-Class Experiences (@vertexeventssa) The two concerts had been timed around the Women’s Day long weekend and were expected to feature hits spanning Maxwell’s three-decade career, from his acclaimed 1996 debut Urban Hang Suite to fan favourites including Pretty Wings.  All ticket holders will receive a full refund. Webtickets will reach out to its customers with further information on the refund process. Vertex Events further apologised for the disappointment and said it hoped to welcome Maxwell back to South Africa in the future.    "We know how much these concerts meant to so many of you, and we sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this has caused." Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Ins

Joburg travellers will soon have a new way to reach Zimbabwe’s capital, with Airlink launching direct flights between Lanseria International Airport and Harare from 15 November 2026.   The new route will operate three times a week and marks both the first scheduled airline service between Lanseria and Harare and Airlink’s first scheduled route from the privately owned Johannesburg airport. Flights will be operated on a 98-seat Embraer E190, with six Business Class and 92 Economy seats – and no middle seats.  The Lanseria service will complement its existing flights from OR Tambo and offer a more convenient option for travellers based in Western Gauteng and North West.    Airlink says Johannesburg–Harare is one of Southern Africa’s busiest routes, averaging around 60,000 seats a month in 2025. They currently operates 40 return flights a week from OR Tambo and four a week from Cape Town. Airlink Lanseria flight schedule: From Lanseria, flights depart at 7am on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Harare at 8.40am. Return flights leave Harare at 5.45pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, landing at Lanseria at 7.25pm. Bookings are now open at flyairlink.com.  Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city. TIME OUT JOHANNESBURG RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🛏️ W

Firefighting and rescue teams are working to contain a vegetation fire above Kloofnek Corner, prompting precautionary evacuations at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Station on Sunday afternoon. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is currently closed for maintenance, but the lower station is a popular meeting point for visitors to meet for hikes or simply catch incredible City Bowl views. SANParks rangers and traffic officials have been deployed to help visitors leave the area safely and manage traffic along Tafelberg Road. Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Team is on the scene alongside ground crews from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and three Volunteer Wildfire Services teams.   SANParksThe lower part of the Cableway is being evacuated as a precautionary measure   Trails closed as firefighting continues If you can avoid Tafelberg Road and the surrounding area, please do so. SANParks also confirmed that the Contour Path and surrounding trails between Kloofnek and the Lower Cableway Station are closed until further notice, while emergency operations continue. The cause of the fire is not yet known. SANParks is monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as information becomes available.   SANParksThe public is being asked to avoid the Tafelberg Road and the surrounding area.   SEE: Blooming marvellous! Don't miss Grootbos's once-in-a-generation superbloom  The fire comes at an unusual point in the Western Cape’s seasonal cy

Cape Town’s history is written all over its streets. It rises along the reclaimed Foreshore and the looming Castle of Good Hope, is etched into the grand façades lining Darling Street, and stretches through the Company’s Garden, where the city’s colonial beginnings are usually explained through the Dutch East India Company, British rule, and the conflicts fought over control of the Cape. But that is only one version of the story. The Black History Route, led by South African tour guide Yanga Gijani, begins by asking whose history has been preserved, whose has been pushed to the margins and what changes when the city is viewed through the experiences of Indigenous people, enslaved communities, and displaced families. What still needs to shift, in light of those who resisted racial oppression?    Taking this walking tour with Gijani poignantly addresses that historical knowledge gap. I’m not surprised when he shares that barely any of what he has used for his tour is included in the official tour guide curriculum.   Many of us know about the Jameson Raid. Kratoa, perhaps and most likely only since the push to rename Cape Town International after this fierce female protagonist.   It’s the individuals the history books overlook that you come to know along the way, as you visit some of Cape Town’s lesser-known Black historical landmarks. The tour gives you a deeper understanding of the people, events and injustices that shaped resistance to apartheid and South Africa’s eventual de

Joburg has no shortage of material – and the city’s comedians know exactly what to do with it. Live comedy is serving up everything from sharp social observations and cultural commentary to painfully relatable takes on everyday South African life - case in point is the recent Kings and Queens of Royalty at Emperors Palace. The show featured stand-up royalty, from Joey Rasdien, Tumi Morake, Darren Maule and Bash with Tash. Conrad Koch and his famously outspoken puppet Chester Missing also joined the bill, alongside Vikash ‘Harry’ Mathura and Vafa Naraghi.     Naraghi has also been firing up across the country with his city-to-city show. We caught up with him backstage to hear his take on what's shaping local comedy right now.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Johannesburg (@timeout.johannesburg) Established headliners are sharing the calendar with emerging performers, while English, Afrikaans and multilingual shows offer something for almost every sense of humour - and Joburg’s comedy calendar is only getting started.  Here are the live comedy shows worth booking next:   Riaad Moosa: The Best Medicine Hosted by Dr Riaad Moosa, this feel-good showcase brings together well-known comedians and emerging voices for a mix of relatable storytelling, spontaneous humour and big-stage comedy. When: August 14–15 at 8.30pm Where: Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace  Age restriction: 16L Tickets: Blu Blood  View this post on

Ángel León and Alain Roux will bring French tradition and Spanish maritime cooking together during a four-night Amura residency this August. From 13 to 16 August, Roux will take over the kitchen at Amura by Ángel León, the ocean-inspired restaurant at Mount Nelson. Fun, if slightly awkward, fact: Africa has no Michelin-starred restaurants because the Michelin Guide does not currently operate on the continent. Yet, several Michelin-starred chefs have made it their business to bring their culinary expertise here, and to Cape Town in particular. READ: Local Intel: Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen This latest collaboration brings together two chefs associated with no less than six Michelin stars at their flagship restaurants. Known as ‘The Chef of the Sea’, León holds three Michelin stars at Aponiente and another two at Alevante in Cádiz. Despite receiving offers worldwide, he chose Cape Town for Amura, his first restaurant outside Spain, which launched in December, last year.   Amura, Belmond Mount NelsonAn ocean-inspired setting at the Nellie's new restaurant. His boundary-pushing cooking transforms marine plankton, underused seafood and other ocean ingredients into contemporary fine dining. “Cooking alongside Alain is a real privilege. We come from different culinary traditions, but we share the same respect for great produce, craftsmanship and hospitality. Bringing those worlds together at Amura, in Cape Town, makes this collaboration truly special," says Chef Ángel León.