Hi, Iโm Stefani, a website designer from Cape Town, South Africa. I live in Claremont, which is in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
CLAREMONT IS BEST KNOWN FOR Cavendish Square and its proximity to the rugby and cricket stadiums in Newlands. It is also well-known for its nightlife, as many of Cape Townโs best loved bars and clubs call Claremont home. Also well-known for some of Cape Townโs best schools.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, hug a tree or find an interesting indigenous flower and strike a pose.
THE BEST VIEW PICTURES can be taken from the top of Table Mountain.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN at the cricket and rugby stadiums in Newlands …
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO take my dog for a walk around the neighbourhood. The mountain views, tree-lined roads, beautiful homes and gardens โฆ a beautiful area for a walk.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO meet a friend for coffee at Starlings. This cute coffee shop on Belvedere Road is possibly Claremontโs best kept secret. They serve great breakfasts and lunches, the coffee is excellent and the dรฉcor rustic and eclectic, all of which entices one to stay for hours. The enclosed patio at the back is wonderful on winter days as the fireplace keeps you toasty and warm, while you watch the rain.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS Autumn (March to May), because itโs not as hot as Summer, but the weatherโs still good and many of the trees have changed to amber which is incredibly beautiful.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOTS IS Cafรฉen, the French Toast with Bacon, Grilled Banana and Maple Syrup is sublime.
FOR LUNCH I suggest take out from Sake House, very reasonably priced and their Rainbow Platter is great to share.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Home Bar & Restaurant, try the Espetada. Itโs fantastic, but if it doesnโt appeal to you, I hear rave reviews about the Seared Tuna and the Chicken Fajita. Itโs quite an eclectic menu.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK from the 24 hour Woolworths at the Engen on Main Rd Claremont.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Tiger Tiger and 91 on Main, both on Main Rd, or Oblivion Wine Bar and Home Bar, both in Harfield Village.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Oblivion Wine Bar when the Springboks are playing. The mood is festive (especially if the Boks are winning) and with beers flowing, youโre sure to meet lots of lekker locals.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS dancing on the tables at Oblivion Wine Bar till the wee hours of the morning.
FOR SOME CULTURE I LIKE TO go to Theatre on the Bay (bit of a drive to Camps Bay) or the Baxter Theatre (a little closer to home). A concert at Kirstenbosch (just on our doorstep) is a great option in Summer (Sundays only).
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO take a walk in Cecilia Forest (5 minutes drive away, bordering Kirstenbosch). Itโs an easy 25-45 minute walk along a path bordered by huge trees. Always reminds me how small my problems are and the smell of the trees is very restorative.
MY FAVOURITE HIKE IS up Skeleton Gorge and down Nursery Ravine Itโs a really tough one (thigh-burn on the way up and disco leg on the way down), that I usually think Iโm going to bail out of, but once you get to the top and you see the views, itโs all worth it. Seeing beach sand on the top of Table Mountain also blows my mind every time. There are easier ways up, for those that want the views without the pain.
MY FAVOURITE PEOPLE WATCHING SPOT IS the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. Possibly one of my favourite outings in general, though itโs getting a little too popular now. Not a local secret anymore!
IF YOU’RE HERE IN November, join in the fun at the Harfield Carnival. This street fair is always a crowd pleaser.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Cavendish Square, for its huge array of shops โฆ assuming I canโt say my home is my favourite ๐
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS The Barnyard Farmstall & Restaurant in nearby Tokai. The kids will play with each other and the farm animals and you can catch up with a good friend over coffee and cakes.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a forest walk, only costs R2-R5 for the car guard who patrols the parking lot.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO treat myself to a spa day. The Vineyard Hotel has an excellent health spa with a range of massages. Always leave feeling de-stressed.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS ducks on the side of the road. Blows my mind every time. A busy road and 2 or 3 ducks just hanging out on the lawned island between lanes!
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. Itโs just a 45 minute drive to the country.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY I buy a copy of the Big Issue. This magazine provides employment for many homeless people.
I Love Claremont because of its park-like surrounding, its greenery (in Summer and Winter) and the Mountain standing guard. The people are friendly and genuine.
Useful Claremont Links:
- Claremont Attractions
- Things to Do in Claremont
- Claremont Accommodation
- Cape Town Accommodation
- Cape Town Hotels
Desirable Digits
Starlings +27 (0)21 671-6875
Cafeen +27 (0)21 674-6209
Sake House +27 (0)21 674-7600
Home Bar & Restaurant +27 (0)21 683-6066
Tiger Tiger +27 (0)21 683-2220
91 On Main +27 (0)83 290-2469
Oblivion Wine Bar+27 (0)21 671-8522
Theatre on the Bay+27 (0)21 438-3301
Baxter Theatre +27 (0)21 685-7880
Neighbourgoods Market+27 (0)21 448-1438
Barnyard Famstall +27 (0)21 712-6934
