Sea, sand and summer lounging in Hermanus

Dutchies Summer Lounge opens every summer from December to April

Read about: The final season of Dutchies Summer Lounge.

For the first time in 4 years, Dutchies’ Summer Lounge is open again. “We’re bringing it back home,” say Dutchies’ owners.

Summer dreams of languid lunches with cocktails, chilled wine and sandy toes are made here at this beach bar and eatery set across the street from its sister restaurant Dutchies, a delightful spot loved by Hermanus locals. 

Few things could be better than eating fresh sushi with your toes in the sand. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

DRIVE 10 MINUTES TO A SUMMER PARADISE

Both Hermanus restaurants, nested snuggly in Grotto Beach, can be a little tough to find, but that makes Dutchies Summer Lounge an even sweeter discovery. Central Hermanus (a 10-minute drive away) can get packed, and the Summer Lounge feels like an escape within a getaway.

You don’t even need to walk off the beach to access the Summer Lounge. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

The Summer Lounge, spaced out and right on the beach facing the ocean, has rustic white two-seater pellets with white cushions and umbrellas. The orange, “hello summer” scatter cushions dotted on the seats and light blankets hung over the backrests reflect the glow of the sun.

The Summer Lounge’s laid-back, summer vibe is what makes it so popular. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

KICK YOUR FEET UP WITH A COCKTAIL

By 12pm the lounge is buzzing with both locals and visitors and sometimes live local musicians playing into the evening, but there’s space even within the bustle. Dutchies Summer Lounge is the easygoing spot you bumble into after a morning of sightseeing, or surfing and swimming (no reservations required), and stay till the sun sets.

Grotto Beach has some of the best sunsets in the Western Cape. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

There's some nice summer rosés, sauvignon blancs, of course, but the official drink and mood for a beach lounge should be feet-in-the-sand and cocktail-in-hand (mojitos and Sex on the Beach are popular).

The Summer Lounge serves refreshing cocktails and mocktails. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

TRY THE CRISPY FLAMMKUCHEN (OR SUSHI)

Or maybe an icy Old Harbour lager or a glass of sparkling wine to go with your fresh-off-the-boat sushi and oysters. You really don't have to have a blow-out budget to relax at this beachside bar and restaurant. The flammkuchen (German version of a pizza) has thin crusts with traditional and inventive toppings, from classic bacon and onion to salmon or vegetarian, which pair well with any drink.

The flammkuchens are made in a wood-fire oven. Image: Dutchies Beach restaurant 

Stay until the evening, when you can see the legendary sunsets glow a flaming red. Then, if you’re still not ready to head back, cross the street to Dutchies, with its umbrella ally and heartier meals.

This is Dutchies Restaurant, where you can sit outside under umbrellas or trees. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

GETTING TO SUMMER LOUNGE (FROM HERMANUS SIDE)

• Drive down 7th Street in Voelklip
• Turn left on 10th Avenue (You’ll see the Grotto Bay sign)
• Drive straight down until you find some parking spaces
• There are different parking spaces available next to the beach
• You’ll find the lounge across from Dutchies at the entrance of the beach

This Summer paradise is worth the 10 minute drive. Image: Dutchies Beach Restaurant

OPENING HOURS + CONTACT DETAILS

Location: 1 Grotto Street, Voelklip, Hermanus

Dates: It is open from 1 December to 30 April. Monday - Sunday, 11am-9pm

Contact details: 028 314 1392 | Follow Dutchies on Instagram.

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DISCOVER MORE OF WHAT CAPE TOWN HAS TO OFFER

Straight off the beach to local beers, sushi and cocktails at Milk on the Beach.

For more summer lounging, check out the Cabo Beach Club.

Explore more summer fun with Fick’s Pool in Hermanus.

Find more of Cape Town’s best cocktail spots.

Get a free mimosa with brunch at Pear Tree in Hermanus.

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