(top image from http://woodstockexchange.co.za/)
Just outside of Cape Town’s central business district, Woodstock is one of the city’s best neighborhoods for art, culture, events, and contemporary cuisine.
Begin with the basics and familiarize yourself with local top spots. From vintage shopping, to artist studios, to some serious eats, Woodstock is a collective and collaborative destination for those interested in artisan culture in Cape Town.
Buildings, hubs and art:
The Woodstock Exchange (The WEX) is host to a wide variety of small businesses featuring jewelry makers, shoe-smiths, milliners, bicycle repair shops and more places to eat. A must-visit, WEX is home to coffee shops, like the Field Office and Rosetta Roastery, funky tea parlors, and dynamic individuals.
The Old Biscuit Mill is actually an old biscuit factory turned into an industrial inspired space for home goods, restaurants and hand-crafted items.
See local graffiti art and spend an hour at The Foundry while wandering the hanging gardens of the the award-winning Opus Studio, where flowers and plants will inspire you.
Find vintage clothing shops all around Woodstock, but be sure to stop in Salt Circle Arcade just across the street from The Old Biscuit Mill. Smaller, quieter, but still full of treasure, this curated space needs an hour of your time.
Soak in well established artists alongside the up and coming in fine art, sculpture, painting, and installations by browsing the best of Cape Town’s art scene at the following Woodstock galleries: The Goodman Gallery, The Stevenson Gallery, Blank Projects, 34 Fine Art, and The South African Print Gallery.
Photo: Sharing plate at The Pot Luck Club
Restaurants and markets:
If you’ve seen it in Cape Town, you’ll have seen it first in Woodstock, where food trends are born and developed. From local dailies like Superette, a pumping weekly brunch spot, to the best ice cream in Cape Town at The Creamery, do yourself a favor and try the salted caramel, Woodstock is densely populated with low key cafes, boutique bakeries, Ma Mere Maison, and innovative dining establishments.
Voted as one of the top 50 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards, Luke Dale-Roberts restaurant, The Test Kitchen, offers modern fine-dining with Asian inspiration. With a 3 month waiting list, book ahead, or visit their more playful and casual sister restaurant, The Pot Luck Club.
Often suggested in tour books as one of the top 10 activities in Cape Town, The Neighbourgoods Market, opens only on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Local vendors flock to the market to set-up shop and sell a range of fresh foods, craft beers, local wines and artisan products.
Don’t miss Chandani Restaurant, a hidden gem, that serves authentic Indian food and options for vegetarians by passionate owners, Dina and Jagdish, who will likely visit your table during dinner.
Photo: Espresso Lab’s speciality coffee
Beer and coffee:
For beer lovers, visit Devil’s Peak Brewing Company’s restaurant and bar, The Taproom, where the city’s freshest ale is brought right to your table. Along with a vibrant atmosphere, The Taproom has a variety of beers on tap and local South African wines for those who aren’t feeling the hops.
Recently, Cape Town entrepreneurs have raised the standards in local coffee roasting and it’s amazing. Small coffee shops have been popping up all throughout Woodstock. Tribe Coffee Roasting, Flatmountain Coffee Roasters, Field Office, Starling and Hero Bicycle Cafe, where you can also fix your wheels, and Espresso Lab Microroasters– by far the best – make Cape Town the country’s hot spot for the best in caffeinated brew.
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