Celebrate Father's Day this year in Cape Town

Spoil dad on his special day 

Father’s Day gifts are always great, but nothing says you care quite like spending some special quality time with dad on the day. Fortunately, being the bustling, dynamic city it is, Cape Town is full to the brim with different options for entertaining things to do on Father’s Day, 16 June 2013. From motor shows to mouth-watering, meaty brunches and lunches, there’s enough out there to guarantee that the old man has a merry, meaningful time. For a little inspiration, stay tuned for our wide selection of ideas for 2013.

THINGS TO DO FOR FATHER'S DAY 2013

Boston Breweries Beer Tasting
Cheers to dad’s knack for teaching life lessons and instilling respectable morals at The Market Bar, craft beer stalwart Boston Breweries’ upmarket tasting room. A relatively new addition to Green Point’s swish Cape Quarter lifestyle centre, the watering hole boasts a Father’s Day special bound to put a smile on even the most stoic old man’s face: all 340mL draughts are R10 from open to close on Sunday, 16 June! The bar, which stocks all of the craft beer label’s concoctions on tap, also offers hops aficionados an eight-brew tasting session led by a knowledgeable staff member for R150p/p (this must be booked in advance by contacting Tiffany on +27 (0) 76 965 5168 or emailing tiffany@jolie360.co.za). While no stomach liners are available to go with the coffee stout, pumpkin ale or premium lager, the Cape Quarter’s Village Market, which serves up specialty food and live music, will run from 10am to 3pm just metres away.
The Market Bar | The Square at Cape Quarter | 27 Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 76 965 5168

Confederations Cup Opening Round Match
Raised by a man who wept at the premiere of “Invictus”? Sneak in some valuable bonding time with dear old dad, the sports fanatic, while watching the footie. A pre-cursor to next year’s FIFA World Cup, the Confederations Cup opens on Father’s Day weekend; a match between Italy, the UEFA champion, and Mexico, the CONCACAF winner, kicks off at 9pm on Sunday, 16 June. If your pop’s the type who prefers the atmosphere of a crowded pub to the comforts of a well-worn couch, make a beeline for one of Cape Town’s countless sports bars. If you’re looking for a bargain, Tommy’s sells 2L pitchers for R68, and if you’re looking for more of a comfy perch, consider setting up camp in the upstairs section of Café Extrablatt in Green Point.
Tommy’s Sports Bar | Cnr Loop and Bloem streets | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 82 563 9450
Café Extrablatt | 79 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 286 0460

Cape Town Science Centre
A family-friendly Father’s Day option perfect for those with kids a half pint and a penny high, the Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory is offering free entrance to all dads on Sunday, 16 June. With over 300 permanent interactive exhibits , including a human gyroscope, giant chess set and  mind ball display, the learning centre is the perfect place to let a little one expend excess energy while dad takes in some of the more adult-friendly features, like the room filled with Lego or the life-size replica of Mark Shuttleworth’s Soyuz space capsule. Not to mention, as a predominately indoor option with outdoor areas, the educational hub is a safe bet no matter what turn the weather takes. The entrance fee for kids between the ages of 3 and 18 is R38.
370B Main Road | Observatory | +27 (0) 21 300 3200

Champagne Breakfast at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate
If dad values a nine iron nearly as much as his own family, then spoil him with a Champagne buffet breakfast at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate’s recently re-launched eatery. Perched alongside manicured greens, and with breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch scenery through floor-to-ceiling windows, Chez Shiraz restaurant gives Ernie Els-wannabes the chance to take in a morning meal with the family before hitting the fairway. The whole gang can tuck into all-you-can-eat hot and cold spreads, and those of age can give Father’s Day a little lift with a complimentary glass of bubbles. Most importantly, after dad’s dug into fluffy eggs, flaky croissants and creamy Cape cheeses, he can hit the green for a game on one of the Western Cape’s championship 18-hole courses. The breakfast costs R85p/p, and booking is essential (golf not included in price).
Bottelary Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 865 2080

Rugby-themed Afternoon Tea at the One & Only Hotel
In honour of Father’s Day, the One & Only hotel has managed to macho-fy its usually dainty afternoon tea offering. While a delectable assortment of sweet and savoury nibbles are still on the cards – think buttermilk scones with preserves, vanilla bean cheesecake, colourful macaroons and charming finger sandwiches – manly men can also look forward to South African brandy tastings and a special appearance by international rugby referee Jonathan Kaplan, who currently holds the record for mediating the most international matches. Kaplan will share his knowledge and experience with attendees, and brandy ambassadors will educate guests about the three caramel-coloured spirits on offer:  Ladismith Cellar’s 8-year-old, Grundheim’s 7-year-old and Van Ryn’s 12-year-old (voted best brandy in the world in 2012). Not to mention, great prizes, like a transfer in a Bentley and a crystal-cut brandy decanter, are up for grabs. Booking is essential; afternoon tea costs R165p/p and is served from 2:30pm to 5:30pm on Sunday, 16 June.
Dock Road | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 431 5800

Sunday Lunch
Nothing brings a family together like breaking bread. So, celebrate Father’s Day with a special Sunday lunch at one of the Cape’s top-notch eateries. Below you’ll find a few restaurants that are offering extra special menus on 16 June.

• Peter Falke winery: Spend an intoxicating dad’s day tucking into authentic Italian food at the whimsical Peter Falke winery in Stellenbosch. The boutique estate has teamed up with famed restaurant La Masseria to host an intimate three-course buffet lunch on their charming Cape Dutch-style terrace, which will be tented and heated in light of the impending colder season. Guests can dig into warming spinach and ricotta cannelloni or tender chicken breast while gazing out over the farm’s expansive green lawns. Kids are welcome, and special child-friendly cuisine will be on offer. The meal costs R165p/p and includes a glass of Peter Falke wine. Booking is essential, and lunch will be served from 12pm to 3pm.
  Annandale Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 881 3677

• Blue Horizon Estate: Sitting squarely on the hill above Simon’s Town, with the seaside village and the sparkling Atlantic cascading below, Blue Horizon Estate invites everyone, from the greyest granny to the tiniest toddler, to commemorate Father’s Day with a Sunday lunch buffet at their restaurant. With inclusions like slow-roasted beef and Malay chicken curry on the menu, and a cover band confirmed to set the tone for the day, the afternoon is guaranteed to be a memorable one. The buffet starts at 12pm and costs R160p/p (drinks excluded); kids pay half price. The restaurant is only open to groups of between 8 and 10, and booking is essential.
  Top of Redhill Road | Simon’s Town | +27 (0) 21 786 4013 

• Dish Restaurant at Inn on the Square Hotel: Spoil dad on his special day with a three-course set menu at the Inn on the Square hotel’s stylish in-house restaurant.  The offering includes two options for each course, like grilled linefish or roasted pastrami-crusted beef fillet for mains, and on the side: a vibrant view of the bustling Greenmarket Square. Lunch costs R155p/p and includes a gift for dad; the 50th person to book gets a free bottle of brandy!
  Greenmarket Square | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 423 2050 

• Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards: Best known for breaking the mould and bounding ahead with a hip repertoire of attractions, Leopard’s Leap winery in Franschhoek is dishing up its signature rotisserie offering this Father’s Day. With a choice of three slow-cooked succulent meats, a jam-packed harvest table and an assortment of wine cocktails, the spread is perfect for those on the hunt for an informal, affordable midday meal. Lunch is served from 11:30am to 3pm and costs roughly R100p/p.
  Main Road | Franschhoek | +27 (0) 21 876 8002

• The Royal Hotel Restaurant: Celebrate Father’s Day with a scenic drive to Riebeek Kasteel, the seat of South African olive country, and lunch at one of the Western Cape’s colonial treasures, the Royal Hotel. The charming country outpost’s restaurant – it’s roughly one hour from Cape Town – has conjured up a mouth-watering three-course set menu for the occasion, complete with options like Slow Cooked Lamb Shank in Rooibos, Chardonnay & Red Pepper Jus; Home Smoked Pork Loin with Red Onion & Apple Marmelade and Whole Grain Mustard Mash; and Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Mascarpone Cream. The offering costs R195p/p, and as the eatery boasts a crackling hearth, guests can look forward to cosy afternoon no matter the weather.
  33 Main Street | Riebeek Kasteel | +27 (0) 22 448 1378

Take a Hike
If dad’s an active, outdoors type (and if the weather permits), why not take him out exploring on one of the multitude of pretty hiking routes in Cape Town and surrounds. Options range from scenic seaside strolls and fresh forest walks to challenging climbs and strenuous scrambles up steep mountainsides – all boast beautiful vistas and offer an ideal opportunity for a healthy bout of bonding. For fathers that are bona fide flora and fauna fundis, there is also the option of spending the day amidst the grandeur of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; the lush nature reserve turns 100 this year, and three-hour special interest tours led by a horticulturist or botanist can be booked for R200p/p.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Rhodes Drive | Newlands | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 799 8783

Fire up the Braai
Here in SA, there’s nothing that says ‘dad’ quite like a good ol’ beefy braai. So, fire up the coals, throw on a string of boerewors or an oversized steak, crack open a beer and let the banter begin. It’s a low-key, light-on-the-pocket way to celebrate, but it’s sure to be right down dad’s alley. If you’re stumped for a good site to set up those camping chairs have a look at our overview of Cape Town’s best braai spots. Or if you’re sorted for a setting but still puzzled about what to serve, master of the trade Jan Braai’s recipe for a snoek braai is always a winning choice – it’s flavourful, healthy, and quintessentially Capetonian.

A Harley-Davidson Tour
Go the whole hog this Father’s Day and treat dad to the beasty growl of a Harley, the scream of the wind rushing past and the blur of the Cape’s breathtaking scenery whirring by. Cape Bike Travel specialises in tours that give those that worship at the altar of the Hells Angels a chance to careen around curves from the saddle of a Big Twin. Though, if you and pop don’t have three days free (the shortest possible Cape Bike Travel tour), rather just work him into a petrol-fuelled frenzy with the rental of a Softail or Electra for the day. With the old man at the helm, you can tear across the province’s legendary tarmac and spend dad’s day respecting the snarl of man’s real best friend: the engine. Harley-Davidson day rentals from Cape Bike Travel range in price from R1400 to R1600; prices include fully comprehensive insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance.
125 Buitengracht Street | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 84 606 4449

Breakfast in Bed
As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This Father’s Day, give dad a reason to rise early on a Sunday: sweet and savoury homemade pancakes. Easy to make, cheap and perfect for both young fathers and old, the tasty morning meal will be a great start to a special occasion. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, give La Motte winery’s venison pie recipe a go. Uniquely South African, the Cape Winelands-style dish is bona fide winter weather food, ideal for warming the soul from the inside out. 

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Already planned what to do with dad but still in need of something special to give him? Have a gander at our extensive overview of original Father's Day gift ideas.

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