Finding treasures at Milnerton Market

Posted on 15 April 2011

Do you think old typewriters, tins, broken suitcases, TV remotes, tools and kitsch ornaments are all junk and belong in the dumpster? Well then, that’s okay, this blog post just isn’t for you. Click here to read more about stylish markets like the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town. However, if you’re like me, and enjoy looking through a ton of people’s secondhand stuff for a few treasures, a visit to the Milnerton Market is definitely in order.

I made my way to the market for the first time last weekend after moving to a new place. I needed to look for a few items to brighten up my new abode on a tight budget. My friend, Liz, had already been three times in the last month, stocking up on cheap plants (lavender, thyme and rosemary, all for only R20 each) and other bits and bobs. She persuaded me that it was indeed time for a visit. The location for the market is not ideal: you basically just pull off the side of highway and are greeted by a bakkie that’s blaring a mixture of rave and Afrikaans music – quite the wake up on an early Saturday morning!

The market has a large array of items, some of which I wondered whether anyone would buy. I was surprised to see one entrepreneur selling nothing but old TV remotes (reinvented kids toys?). Another was selling old bedpans that looked like they came from the 1820 Settlers. They were nestled amongst broken record players and manikins – interesting. But don’t let that deter you, I found some awesome vintage tins for my kitchen (R10 each), some rustic looking frames (R50 each), super glue (R3), chalk (R3) and a whole collection of plants for a fraction of what the nursery charges. Secondhand books were only about R10 each.

When it comes to food and drink, don’t expect cappuccinos, lattes and fancy delicacies. No, this is a real market with pannekoek, coffee, biltong and boerewors rolls. Rosa’s bakery (also based on Long Market Street) is an exciting place to visit – their custard slices were scrumptious.

I think the trick to visiting this market is to go early and to go in with an open mind. You may find something awesome one weekend, and nothing the next. It’s all about finding innovative ways to use the things people throw away. Many interior decorating magazines have great ideas for using things like old ladders to hold pot plants and old pieces of wood to make bookshelves. It definitely got me excited about DIY projects.

The Milnerton Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 07:00 to 16:00. It is situated off the R27 west coast road, on the part of Paarden Island which is closest to the sea. There is parking on the road and in the open areas alongside the market.

*Take a hat and sunscreen if you go in summer, as it can get very hot and there is not much shelter.






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