Winter specials to lift your spirits

Stay in cosy cottages, visit a jungle café, outdoor karting + more

Last updated: 8 August 2023

There are tons of ways to experience the city this winter: Luxury inner-city getaways (with meal and spa vouchers), half-price cottage stays, two-for-one pasta and wine and a twilight happy hour. Explore the Western Cape with these winter specials, from the city to Elgin and Stellenbosch.  

THROW A RETRO PETROL-HEAD PARTY 

The Grille Shack, a 1950’s pump diner-inspired eatery surrounded by the cliffs of Gordon’s Bay, is the function venue for petrol heads, car enthusiasts and anyone who wants a party (or even a wedding) with a retro vibe. There are also colourful and eccentric cabins (cheekily called Wolseley, Morris and Austin) in case you’d like to stay over after your function. 

Winter special: Book the venue on a Friday and get it for free (regular fee is R25 000)
Price: Free (minimum guests 50 and minimum spend per head R350)
Availability: Until 30 September 2023 

Clarence Drive off R44 | Gordon’s Bay | 087 150 7972 | @pitstoplodge | Image: Grille Shack at Pitstop Lounge 

MAGICAL EXPERIENCES AT V&A WATERFRONT

Cocktails, burgers, breakfast and beers – the V&A Waterfront is filled with epic winter specials this season. Plus, find more to do at the Waterfront (like live jazz and picnics in the sky).

V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | 021 408 7600 | @vandawaterfront | Image: V&A Waterfront

UNWIND AT THIS NATURE RESERVE  

There’s tons to do at Avani Lodge Private Nature Reserve: Take a hike through the reserve, curl up in front of the fireplace with a book, warm up in the wood-fired hot tubs or braai in the fresh air. Midweek stays in a cosy cabin (with views of the surrounding hills and forests) are up to 20% off. 

Winter special: Book three midweek nights and get 20% off, or book two midweek nights and get 10% off
Price: From R1 400 per night
Availability: Monday to Thursday, until 31 October 2023

Botrivier | 082 883 3329 | Website | Image: Avani Lodge Private Nature Reserve

VISIT THIS ISLAND FOR DRINKS SPECIALS

Cross the historic bridge and you’ll find Woodbridge Island, a small island in Milnerton with a few lagoon-side restaurants. One of these restaurants, Beach Blanc, is offering a two-for-one special on all alcoholic beverages (yip, you read correctly). It’s decorated with surf boards, flip flops and white-and-blue picnic tables by the lagoon for those sunny winter days. 

Winter special: Two-for-one on all alcoholic beverages
Price: Varies
Availability: Until 31 August 2023 

5 Loxton Road | Milnerton | 066 016 1777 | @beachblanc | Image: Beach Blanc

BREAKFAST, MEAL + SPA VOUCHERS AT THIS HOTEL

Taj Cape Town, known for opulence and rich heritage, has the Urban Getaway special: Accommodation in a luxury room and a full English breakfast at the Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill. The special also includes a 20% discount at the Jiva Spa and R500 meal credit to use at any of their restaurants (like the internationally-recognised Bombay Brasserie or the plush Lobby Lounge & Bar).  

Winter special: Urban Getaway
Price: R3 850 per couple per night
Availability: Until 30 September 2023

1 Wale Street | Cape Town City Centre | 021 819 2000 | @tajcapetown | Image: Taj Cape Town 

TWO-FOR-ONE PASTA AND WINE NIGHT 

Gusto Urban Italian offers loads of two-for-one specials every Tuesday. Between 5pm and 7pm, guests can get two pizzas, pastas, house lagers and house wines for the price of one. With its velvet chairs and tall windows overlooking the canals of Century City, it’s the sophisticated spot for an easy and affordable mid-week date night. 

Winter special: Two-for-one specials on pasta, pizza, house lager and wine on Tuesdays
Price: Dependent on the meal ordered
Availability: Tuesdays between 5pm to 7pm, all year 

Bridgewater | 4 Conference Ln | Century City | 021 202 9142 | @gustourbanitalian | Image: Gusto Urban Italian 

STAY IN A SEASIDE GUEST HOUSE

The beach has a special kind of magic in winter, and Blue Sky Guest House is just 450m away from it. It’s situated in Arniston, a small seaside fishing town with quaint white-washed and thatched-roof fishermans’ cottages. All rooms have a queen bed, Nespresso machine, kettle and bar fridge. Breakfast is included. 

Winter special: 10% off direct bookings
Price: R1 260 (Sunday to Thursday) and R1 320 (Friday and Saturday) per night per room for two people (before discount)
Availability: Until 31 December 2023 

10 5th Avenue | Arniston | 028 445 9010  | Website | Image: Blue Sky Guest House

VISIT THIS COSY JUNGLE CAFÉ

Calling itself a “jungle café”, this nursery and coffee shop situated in Durbanville is offering a menu full of winter warmers until the end of August. Pop in to Greenery for crème brulee french toast, fluffy biscoff pancakes or pink toast (beetroot hummus topped with crispy chickpeas and micro greens) and grab a plant on your way out. Plus, there’s desks, wi-fi and a back-up power solution for the remote workers. 

Winter special: Winter menu
Price: Most of the menu ranges between R80 - R95
Availability: Until 31 August 2023 

14 Wellington Road | Durbanville | @greenery.capetown | Image: Greenery 

GET A 12% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR CITY STAY

ANEW Hotel Green Point, which offers environmentally conscious rooms close to some of the biggest attractions in the city, has a rewards programme. Sign up and get a 12% discount at this hotel (or any other ANEW hotel and resort across the country). Plus, there are benefits like early check-in, exclusive specials and Rand value back on your spending at any ANEW property. 

Winter special: ANEW Hotel rewards programme
Price: Free to sign up; get an automatic 12% discount
Availability: All year  

181 Main Road | Greenpoint | 021 180 2570 | @anewhotelgreenpoint | Image: ANEW Hotel Green Point

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THIS POPULAR SPOT 

There are so many secrets to unlock within the Two Oceans Aquarium: Over 8 000 creatures to see and learn about, the other-worldly Jelly Gallery, behind-the-scenes guided tours, kids puppet shows and more. The aquarium offers discounted rates after 3pm (if you buy a ticket from the on-site ticket office). Or, if you visit during lunch time, you’ll be able to walk with the Rockhopper penguins. 

Winter special: Discounted rates after 3pm, daily
Price: Adults R175; Children 14 to 17 years R130; Children 4 to 13 years R85; Students and pensioners R130
Availability: All year 

Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | 021 418 3823  | Website | Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

DINE ON THREE COURSES WHILE THE KIDS PLAY 

This Sea Point spot has so much to love, from a deck with epic sea views to a sushi bar and kids playroom. Strolla has a variety of food specials this winter, like a three course meal or Tuesday curry night. There’s also a sports bar, global dishes that everyone loves (like epic nachos and burgers), and kids can even make their own pizza. 

Winter special: Three course lunch and dinner menu
Price: R275pp 

Winter special: Tuesday curry special (lentil dhal, seafood curry or butter chicken)
Price: R95 to R125

Availability: Throughout winter 

313 Beach Road | Sea Point | 021 430 7778 | @strollact | Image: Strolla

STAY AND GET THE SECOND NIGHT HALF PRICE   

Cheverells Farm, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, has a light-soaked country café and two self-catering cosy cottages. During the week, guests can stay for one night and get the second night half price. This working apple farm also offers a Weekend Set Menu. It changes weekly, but expect dishes like slow-roast pork belly or apple and frangipane tart with homemade cinnamon ice-cream at Cheverells Farm, where the country cafe overlooks the orchards (closed from 21 June to 18 July 2023).   

Accommodation special: Stay one weeknight and get the second night half price
Price: Cottages start at R1 450 per night (before discount)
Availability: 1 June 2023 - 31 August 2023 (direct bookings only) 

Restaurant special: Weekend Set Menu
Price: R265 for two courses or R320 for three courses
Availability: Throughout winter 

55 Highlands Road | 060 861 104 | cheverellsfarm@gmail.com | @cheverellsfarm | Image: Cheverells Farm

TRY KARTING WITH YOUR MATES 

One way to keep warm is to get the adrenaline pumping. Xtreme Outdoor Karting has top-of-the-line go-karts and an outdoor track with surrounding views of Cape Town’s mountains and vineyards (it’s situated on the Welgelegen 4x4 Farm). There’s also braai facilities and a Crumbs & Cream ice cream truck. 

Winter special: 30% off a an outdoor karting experience
Price: R1 999 for a 45-minute session (8 to 12 people)
Availability: Throughout winter

Steneveld Road | Stellenbosch | 076 223 3138 | @xtremeoutdoorkarting | Website | Image: Xtreme Outdoor Karting

DATE DEAL AT A STEAKHOUSE EVERY WEDNESDAY

Here’s a fun date night idea: Treat your significant other to a sizzling dinner at a steampunk steakhouse by the sea. Char’d Grill & Wine Bar is offering a limited-edition Wednesday night special for two: Their popular meat appreciation platter (including 3 select cuts of meat, bone marrow, garlic rolls, onion rings and fries), a bottle of Lomond wine and a dessert to share. Find out more about this steampunk steakhouse with rare cuts. 

Winter special: Meat appreciation platter, bottle of Lomond + dessert to share
Price: R450 per couple
Availability: Until 31 August 2023

Hermanus Waterfront | 028 312 1986 | Website | @chardhermanus  | Image: Char’d Grill

BRUNCH FOR UNDER R100

Not only does mischu have award-winning coffee (it’s won Best Coffee in Cape Town three years in a row), it also has two specials every day: 1. Smashed avo, poached egg, and veg on sourdough with a regular flat white is R95 (until 3.30pm). 2. Warm bowls for R50 (11.30am until 3.30pm). Mischu is famous for its pleasant every-day-drinking signature coffee blend, Isabella. 

Winter special: Breakfast or lunch special
Price: R95 for breakfast and coffee; R50 for lunch
Availability: All year 

85 Regent Road | 021 439 3944 | @mischucoffee | Website | Image: mischu

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HAPPY HOURS + TAPAS

Rick’s Café Americain offers not one, but two happy hours every day: Regular happy hour (3pm to 6pm) and twilight happy hour (10pm to 12am). Woodstock Brewery lager and cocktails are discounted. Plus, with every tapas platter ordered during happy hour, you’ll get a free carafe of house wine or two Woodstock Brewery lagers. They’re also Cape Town’s go-to place for gluhwein and special hot chocolate (hint: it involves a slab of chocolate!) Guests can enjoy the specials on the rooftop bar or the colourful Moroccan-themed lounge. 

Winter special: Two happy hours and free drinks with every tapas platter ordered
Price: Varies
Availability: All year
 

103 Kloof Street | Gardens | 021 822 1100 | @rickscapetown | Image: Ricks Cafe Americain

GET DAILY FOOD SPECIALS AT THIS BREWERY

This brewery brought you sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll beers, and it also has food specials to warm up your days. Every weekday, you and your brus can enjoy a range of food specials, from 2-for-1 burgers to sharing platters. Woodstock Brewery’s Beerhall has loads of easy-does-it comfort foods that go well with any of their craft beers.

Winter special: Daily food specials
Price: Varies
Availability: All year 

252 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery

GET 20% OFF ON DAY TOUR FOR YOU + FRIENDS

Play tourist in your own city with Kiff Kombi Tours. There are many tours to choose from - like the Wine, Beer & Biltong Safari (which includes a wine and biltong pairing at a Stellenbosch vineyard, a braai and two tastings of wine and beer) or the Gin Jol (where you’ll visit four different distilleries). This winter, Kiff Kombi is offering 20% off of group bookings for eight or more people. They also offer township, art and food tours.  

Winter special: 20% off for a group of eight or more
Price: Varies depending on tour and group size
Availability: Throughout winter

072 213 3888 | bookings@kiffkombitours.co.za | Kiffkombitours.co.za | Image: Kiff Kombi Tours

DAILY CURRY AND RAMEN SPECIAL   

Milk on the Beach is a summer holiday destination of dreams, and it has some great specials now that it’s chilly. Curries are R95 all week long, while the new tom yum prawn ramen is only R110. At the Waffle Shack downstairs, you can get a hearty soup and waffle fingers for R45. With views of the beach, lagoon and surrounding mountains, Milk is a treat to visit all year round. 

Winter special: Curry and ramen (Milk on the Beach); soup and waffle fingers (Waffle Shack)
Price: Curry R95; Ramen R110; Soup and waffle fingers R45
Availability: Until 31 August 2023

1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach 

10% OFF A GIN-MAKING EXPERIENCE   

There are plenty of places to taste gin in Cape Town: What sets Distillers Union apart is that you can make your own gin, too. You’ll get to choose everything, from the alcohol percentage to the flavour profile, colour and even the design of the label. Distillers Union is offering CapeTownMagazine.com readers a 10% discount on the gin-making experiences. There’s also a restaurant on site, with wood-fired pizza and craft beer. 

Winter special: 10% discount on a gin-making experience
Price: R535 for standard gin-making; R675 for deluxe (includes gin making, gin cocktails + your own bottle)
Availability: Until 30 June 2023. Email bookings@distillersunion.co.za with the code CTMAG23

156 Victoria Road | Woodstock | 021 4472517 | info@distillersunion.co.za | @distillersunion | Image: Distillers Union 

WARM UP WITH FREE GLUHWEIN 

On the strip of the Hermanus Waterfront lies a little bistro with a special winter deal. Besides the treasure trove of inventive dishes and seaside views, Pear Tree gives guests a free glass of gluhwein every evening. Enjoy this warm drink with the sticky pork belly ribs, the rich brownie dessert or the limited-edition ramen dish (only available this winter). Find out more about the inventive Masterclass-level dishes at Pear Tree. 

Winter special: Free glass of gluhwein on arrival (only in the evenings)
Price: Free
Availability: Until 31 August 2023 

Hermanus Waterfront | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree Bistro

STAYCATION IN THE FORESHORE (FOR 20% LESS)   

The Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore is a short stroll to so much in the city, and although it's a treat for tourists, it has lots to offer locals too (like a buzzing rooftop bar with views of the glittering city lights). This winter, there is a 20% discount off of all standard and superior rooms. It’s valid any day of the week, making for a fun weekend in the city (there are even dog-friendly rooms at Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore). 

Winter special: 20% off of standard and superior rooms
Price: From R1 365 (before discount)
Availability: Until 31 July 2023

29 Heerengracht Street | Foreshore | 021 427 4800 | info.capetown@parkinn.com  | @parkinncapetown | Image: Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore 

R440 OFF A REJUVENATING HAIR TREATMENT   

The cold weather can make your hair brittle and dry. Excentric Hair is offering a heavily discounted Keratin Smoothing Treatment, designed to eliminate frizz, soften hair and enhance shine (plus, the benefits last up to six months). The experience also includes a consultation, wash, cut, blow dry and styling. Learn more insider tips about hair care and styling from Excentric Hair founder, Flo Neacsu. 

Winter special: R440 off a Keratin Smoothing Treatment 
Price: From R1 094
Availability: Throughout winter 

Locations in Sea Point and Kloof Street | Find each branch’s contact details online | Image: Excentric Hair 

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EXPLORE THE CITY  

Stay indoors (but not at home) with these 27+ things to do in bad weather.

Take the family out on a budget with these free and cheap kids activities.

Try one of these restaurant specials, there's one for every day of the week.

Here’s what you can do in the city for free.

Visit new places around the city.

Stay busy this weekend with one of 7+ Things To Do.

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