Winter experiences at the V&A ...
Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront
Jeden Tag tolle Tipps aus der schönsten Provinz der Welt. | |
![]() | www.kapstadtmagazin.de |
![]() | info@kapstadtmagazin.de |
![]() | Kapstadtmag |
![]() | KapstadtMagazin.de |
![]() | kapstadtmag |
Oh the West Coast. Think of fishermen and fishing boats, hardy fynbos growing on whites dunes, and of bokkoms bouquets drying in the wind. Paternoster, one of the oldest villages in the West Coast area encapsulates this sun-beaten dream perfectly.
All the buildings have the same white-washed facade. Amidst this sea of white, there are flashes of colour; like the bright yellow shutters of the town’s library, or the engine red of Die Winkel op Paternoster’s front door. Or even, the lacquered shine of the toffee apples we see many children munching on in the sun.
There isn’t too much going on here, but that’s the point isn’t it? Aside from long, unspoilt beaches, it’s the restaurants that pull in the crowds. Something of a gourmet hotspot, this seaside village has at least five incredible restaurants.
Before we explore the town (which is really just the main road), we head to one of these eateries for lunch. At Oep ve Koep, Kobus van der Merwe creates innovative takes on classic Weskus cuisine, no sniff of a rollmop here.
After a boundary-pushing and delicious lunch, we head to the notorious Panty Bar (+27 (0)22 752 2703 /773). We find it hidden in the Paternoster Hotel—a popular spot to watch sport. The ceiling is covered, literally, in women’s panties. There are G-strings, granny panties, silky drawers, you name it. We order brandy and cokes (when in Rome) and enjoy the, er, view.
Glasses drained we wander about the hotel, there’s a free-standing art gallery with oils for sale, and The Jewel Shell Shop, is as kitsch as crackers; here you can by seashell owls and conches galore.
Managing to resist the urge to shell out any money for a seaside souvenir, we head out back into the salty sunshine, and walk towards Paternoster se Padstal (+27 (0)82 298-0917). You can’t miss it. Draped with green fishing nets, and decorated with big orange life buoys and rusted maritime antiques; you’ll find pickled chilli mussels, bokkoms, jams, and even T-shirts in its briny depths.
Across the road is the Stone Fish Studio (+27 83 441 3655). The beautiful dry-stone building is a working ceramic sculpture studio, and houses originals by artists such as, Hennie Meyer, Theo Paul Vorster, and Judy Woodbourne.
But we’re running out of time, so instead, we jump into the car and drive the five minutes to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.
Home to infamous bay, Tietiesbaai, here you can rough it at The Beach Camp, which has kayaking and surfing facilities.
The reserve has the last manned lighthouse in South Africa; it was built on Castle Rock in 1936. We drive past its red beacon and into the scrubby veld. Local delicacy, dune spinach grows wild, and the numerous coves, inlets and bays brim with life.
We drive back into town, along the coast to the main beach. And it’s here that, when the going’s good, you’ll find fishermen at the gutting stations with fresh fish and crayfish to sell, at very affordable prices.
One the way out local kids line the streets with wire hearts threaded with shells. And I’m very tempted to buy, even a small piece of this paradise.
By Malu Lambert
Feel like saying hello to Paternoster too? It's only a 90 minute drive from Cape Town. We’ve compiled a selection of places to stay, from 0-star to 5-star, including the romantic and quirky Abalone House. And, check out our Facebook album of the trip.
For your monthly update on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
---
An hour from Cape Town lies an apple farm with a country café, farm cottages and more.
Winter experiences at the V&A ...
Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront
How to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...
Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor
You can now book out this entire hotel ...
Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
5 ways to transform your hair (with ...
Give your locks some love or change them completely
Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Go for a drive to this apple farm in ...
From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings
A brewery with food specials for every ...
Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Local craft beer tasting even ...
Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get pizza
Ride Monster wheels in the Winelands ...
Scootours' Flow Trail is an adrenaline rush with berms, rollers, and a bush tunnel
Spectacular rates on shark-cage diving ...
Where conservation meets adventure. R400 off shark-cage diving tour + FREE Buff
Laid-back, lekker, and loud team ...
Food Jams is a party where cooking is only half the fun
The Festival of Yellow, celebrating the ...
10+ roadtrips to see canola fields. Plus getaway giveaway
Islands on the River is spring’s ...
4-day journey of music and connection at this festival
All the seasons of Cheverells Farm
Apple picking in summer and winter stay special
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails