Life in Cape Town always marches along to the beat of its own drum, but there are a few more traditional social institutions that we too subscribe to. One of these is that age-old night out: dinner and a movie. Now one of the things Iโve always envied about NYC and London, is the proliferation in those cities of independent cinemasย – those small, intimate theatres, not part of any corporate chain, that offer you a more cosy cinematic experience, away from blockbuster trailers and exorbitantly priced popcorn. Luckily, Cape Townโs City Bowl offers just such a little niche of movie magicย – The Labia on Orange (68 Orange Street, Gardens, Telephone +27 (0)21 424-5927), the oldest art cinema in South Africaย …
The theatre gets it somewhat unusual name from Princess Labia, who, in 1949, converted the then ballroom of the Italian Embassy into a theatre for the staging of live performances, and itโs been in operation as a cinema for the past thirty years.
Whatever its origins, the Labia (as well as its sister theatre, The Labia on Kloof, located in Lifestyles Centre just around the corner in Kloof Street) is a real gem; a slice of oldy-worldy ambience, with red, velvet curtains swathed across the cinema entrances, a coffee bar trading in homemade munchies, and a weekly-changing bill of both commercial and alternative cinema.
Admission prices are reasonable, which means you can indulge in a trip to the dinky but well-stocked bar, drinks from which can be consumed in the theatre. Glass of wine, warm popcorn, cosy old theatreโฆ you can see why The Labia is my favourite place for viewing pleasure.
Of course, emerging into the now rather chilly night air, itโs an equally rewarding dinner experience everyoneโs thinking about. Deciding where to go seems an impossible choice, what with great restaurants and eateries extending up Kloof Street on one side and down Long on another.
Hunger makes a snap decisionย – Royale Eatery, 279 on Long Street (Telephone +27 (0)21 422-4536). This place has been sating ravenous Capetonians since it opened. The artfully styled menu offers some great salads, pastas and pizzas, but itโs the burgers that has won over half of Cape Townย as regularsย – that and the sweet potato fries.
โA Royale with cheeseโ is probably the most often-uttered phrase in the establishment. Vegetarians are equally looked after, with gourmet veggie options substituting the traditional beef burger. Either way, the burgers are gourmet and incredibly filling.
The downstairs level is packed with retro-cool, diner-style booths, while upstairs (my personally preferred level, which is open for reservations) offers a more whimsical, Breakfast at Tiffanyโs surrounding, complete with birdcages and sheet music wallpaper. Try to save a little space for one of Royaleโs famously delicious milkshakes, but honestly Iโd have to say theyโre a meal in and of themselves.
Of course, weโre in Cape Town, so why call it a night when the bill arrives? Just up a third flight of stairs is The Waiting Room, a trendy lounge bar overlooking Long Street, which by this time would be bustling with, shall we say, merrymakers. Chill out on the couches or hit the small impromptu dancefloor when the mood takes you.
And when itโs fully blown revelry you decide youโre in the mood for, just hop across the street to Fiction, a Cape Town club thatโs managed to stand the test of time. A round of jagermeisters at the outdoor bar, a quick tour of the balcony to see whatย – and whoย – we can see, and then itโs time to head back on in to the dancefloor till the wee hours.
Hey, I didnโt say we didnโt put a twist on the olโ dinner โnโ movie thing …
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