Neighbourhood of the week: Observatory, Cape Town

Posted on 17 September 2018

This bohemian suburb has been attracting the young and the alternative for years, and has ridden the wave of many new cultural movements. Food entrepreneurs Tawanda Mushapaidze  and Bo Tungamirai  give us a locals’ tour.

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‘As two bachelors with limited culinary abilities, we eat out a lot. It was easier to find Chinese or Italian than the food we grew up eating.’ So Tawanda and Bo opened Big Momma’s in June 2016, offering authentic, simple meals. The two like the laid-back vibe of Cape Town. ‘Also, it’s a paradise if you like outdoor activity. Obz encapsulates everything to love about this city and incorporates education, art, music, food, lifestyle, music. You get a nice multi-cultural mix here; it’s the place to engage with free-spirited people on the journey of life.’ 96 Lower Main Road, 0214471256

Fuel up

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‘We love the stuffed burgers at Jerry’s Burger Bar, in particular the Wrath burger with habanero chillies and cheese – but we like spicy food, so be careful with this one!’ 123 Lower Main Road, 0214478554

Unique finds

‘Black Chillie Style has a wide range of African fabrics and ready-made garments, plus a team of tailors to make up something special for you.’ 98 Lower Main Road, 0214473020. ‘Also, there’s Ahem! Art Collective, a brand-new space for illustration, concept art and animation.’ 77 Lower Main Road, 0715853423

Quench your thirst

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‘At The Forex Bar you can interact, exchange ideas with and learn from people from all over the world.’ 96 Station Rd, 0214480083. ‘A Touch of Madness (in a beautiful old house) is a nice place to grab a beer and try something different.’ 12 Nuttall Road, 0214474650

Hip and Happening

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‘Where do we even start? There is Touch Down Saturdays at A Touch of Madness with local hip-hop artists, plus wine tastings on Wednesdays, electro-swing parties, silent discos, the list goes on… The Irie Show at Trenchtown (96 Station Road) is every Sunday, with reggae bands and an open-mic for poets. That Place (76 Lower Main Road), a coffee shop-bookstore, has movie nights and talks. For some exercise, walking distance away (over the railway bridge, on Liesbeek Parkway), there’s the new Two Rivers Urban Park and The River Club’s golf course – with a great restaurant and 19th hole. Or join the Observatory Running Club on the streets every Wednesday and Friday (0725331644).’

 






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