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Nightlife in Hout Bay
Out and about in the bay
While the rest of Cape Town is congregating in Camps Bay for sundowners keep driving and you’ll reach Hout Bay in just 20 minutes. Surrounded by mountains with stunning sea views this is the ideal spot for sundowners leading to dinner leading to more drinks...
Here are some of our favourite spots in the Republic of Hout Bay.
Chapman’s Peak Hotel
Situated at the bottom of Chapman’s Peak Drive this is the perfect place for sundowners. On cold evenings warm up by the fireplace in their cigar bar and lounge with its comfortable leather couches, but in summer the terrace is the place to be. Book beforehand for a table overlooking the valley and sea and have a drink as the sun sets. If you’re sticking around for supper then give their calamari a try – rumour has it it’s one of Cape Town’s best. This is a great place to get together with friends or family for long evenings with good food and drinks.
Top tip: There’s a big screen TV that screens local and international sporting events so keep it in mind for the next big game.
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 4pm – late, Saturday - Sunday: 12pm – late
Chapman’s Peak Drive | Hout Bay | +27 (0) 21 790 1036
Re:public Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
An early May 2013 addition to Hout Bay’s nightlife scene, Re:public Restaurant, Bar and Lounge is a swish, contemporary space ideal for a relaxed sundowner and snack session with friends. The upscale neighbourhood haunt – it champions eco-friendly design and healthy fare – boasts a number of different sections, including a raised VIP lounge area and a Moroccan daybed corner, both of which invite long lazy evenings spent sipping on designer cocktails (a mixologist has put together a particular unique selection), organic wine or quality craft beer. Though it’s certainly not a club, Re:public does host top local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights who spin chilled-out grooves to set the mood, and a little dancing is not strictly forbidden.
Top tip: Look out for drinks specials on select nights; on Fridays from 4pm to 7pm, mojito cocktails go for only R25, and on Saturdays from 4pm to 7pm, a double gin and mix will set you back a mere R30.
Opening Times: Thursday – Friday: 11am – 2am; Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 2am
44 Victoria Avenue | Hout Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 790 7829
La Cabane
Hout Bay is known for being a family orientated town. La Cabane has created a space where families can get together in a space that is geared equally towards kids and adults without sacrificing the experience of either. As well as a casual, beach-style restaurant there’s an indoor bar and an outdoor bar complete with a palm tree and white sand. You can relax at the bar with friends or sit in the outdoor courtyard for a meal while your kids explore the outdoor play area which has a massive wooden castle, a smaller ‘princess’ castle and a commando-style course for them to expend their energy on. There’s also a kids restaurant which uses La Cabane beads as currency for them to use to buy ice cream and other food. This is a great place to reconnect with friends while your kids happily entertain themselves.
Top tip:Try the craft beer from Boston Breweries.
Opening Times:10am - late
The Promenade | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 8686
Pakalolo
This Caribbean themed bar has indoor and outdoor seating perfect for sundowners or a warm summer night, plus there’s a fire inside for when it gets chilly. The food is Mexican-inspired with the local seafood making an appearance. If you’re looking for live music this is the place to go. On Fridays you’ll hear a variety of genres being played from blues to rockabilly and reggae. Sundays is all about the jazz the perfect end to the weekend. The last Thursday of every month is comedy night so if live music isn’t your thing then this is the night to go on.
Top tip: If you’ve had a blue Monday then cheer yourself up with the prawn special – 1kg for R89 and if you’re stopping by for the comedy on Thursdays then take advantage of their ribs special – 1kg for R77.
Opening Times:Monday – Sunday: 8am - 2am
10 Main Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 07 00
Dunes
If you’re looking for drinks right next to the beach this is the closest you’re going to get.The terrace outside the restaurant and bar offers an unbeatable view of the beach, Chapman’s Peak and the Sentinel and there’s a children’s play area next to it so you can keep an eye on the little ones while you relax. There’s a tapas menu with olives, flatbreads, pâtés, carpaccio and other delicious bites to accompany your drinks. If you’re hungry for more then there’s a choice of seafood, meat or pizzas from their bistro-style menu. If you’re not planning on eating there’s a bar upstairs with an extensive selection of wines as well as whiskey and shooters.
Top tip:Try the Cederberg Chenin Blanc, it comes from the highest vineyards in the country and they offer it by the glass.
Opening Times:Monday – Saturday: 9am – late, Sunday: 9am - 6pm
1 Beach Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 1876
Kitima
Situated in the Kronendal Manor, Kitima celebrates the first contact between the Cape and Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, by the Dutch East India Company. The Eastern touches add a feeling of opulence and romance to this old building. The Raya lounge offers a warm, elegant atmosphere for cocktails and light meals or snacks. There are different areas to choose from ranging from an indoor bar and lounge to a covered verandah, tented terrace and a garden area. With comfortable couches and semi private areas this is a great place for cocktails with friends. They also offer non-alcoholic cocktails for those of you that want yours without a kick. Their cocktail menu was compiled by their team of international mixologists and a glance at the menu confirms that this is one of the most varied and interesting selection of drinks in town.
Top tip: Try one of their Kitimarismas cocktails which are made with fresh fruit – the Peppered Strawberry and Balsamic also sounds good.
Opening Times:Tuesday – Saturday: 5pm – 1am
Kronendal Estate | 140 Main Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 8004
Don’t drink and drive, rather spend the night at one of these places, accommodation from 0-5 stars to fit all budgets. If you’re in more of a sharing-a-bottle-of-wine-on-the-couch mood then stop by Chapman’s Peak Wine and Spirits on Main Road – selected as the ‘Top Wine Retailer’ by Wine Magazine it offers wines, ports, liquors, imported beers and cigars as well as one of the largest selections of malts in Cape Town.
Worth a mention is The Workshop on Hout Bay main road, which has laid claim to the title of “the smallest pub in Africa”. It’s a grungy establishment that has been the final stopping point for many big nights out in Hout Bay.
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Want to see a ghost riding a motorbike? Check out Hout Bay’s Deus Ex Machina Homestead Of Perpetuity.
Experience a one-of-a-kind sunset and unmatchable vibes at the Barley & Biltong Emporium's Sundowner Sessions.
There’s a lot to do in Hout Bay during the day as well. Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest in what’s happening in Cape Town and surrounds.
