Tis the season to be stressed out because you’ve left your Christmas shopping to the last second and now you have no idea what you’re going to get anyone and the kids are starting to sweat because the tree is looking decidedly empty and…and…and…

Okay, relax. Breathe. We’ve got you. Hout Bay is a visitor’s paradise for so many more reasons than just the food, the views, and the harbour. It’s also prime Christmas shopping territory so give the family’s finance minister a pep talk because the credit card’s coming out to play! Here are some fabulous Hout Bay gift shops, markets, and ideas for this year’s Silly Season.

Original T Bag Designs

www.tbagdesigns.co.za

It might sound a little kooky, but Original T Bag Designs craft one-of-a-kind products using recycled tea bags, which they sell as works of art. The tea bags are dried, emptied, ironed, and then painted with each artist having his or her individual style. No two pieces are identical. These miniature works of art are then applied to stationary, wooden trays, coasters, fabric items, wall décor, and more, which make for stunning, unique little Christmas gifts. Additionally, your support provides empowerment, financial security, and hope to previously disadvantaged people.

Address: 144 Main Road, Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay

Bay Harbour Market

www.bayharbour.co.za

The Bay Harbour Market has practically achieved legendary status with its popularity amongst tourists and locals. It’s the place to be on Friday evening (17:00 to 21:00) and Saturday and Sunday (09:30 to 16:00). But in addition to all the multi-cultural food stalls, delicious and creative beverages, and live music on offer, there is also an extensive marketplace, which is packed to the gills with artisans selling arts and crafts, fashion and clothing, jewellery and accessory, and unique handmade items of practically every description. So eclectic and diverse are the Bay Harbour Market’s wares that you could quite literally shop for your entire extended family in a single day, and then celebrate with an ice-cold bevvy!

Address: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay

Mainstream Mall

www.mainstreammall.co.za

If it’s variety you’re after, you also can’t go wrong with Mainstream Mall, which, for a shopping mall, is actually a very beautiful place to meander about. With open sky, covered walkways, and manicured gardens leading visitors from one store to the next, Mainstream is anything but, well, mainstream. There is the usual collection of retail brands here (Pick n’ Pay, CAN, Woolworths, Clicks, etc.) but there are also a number of intriguing designer, boutique shops that are perfect for Christmas shopping. Star Dot Toys is your port of call for kids; The Bay Bookshop for book worms; Brand Collective for the seasons latest threads; Sorbet for pamper products; Nap for all things ‘home and décor’; and so much more.

Address: Corner of Princess Street and Main Road, Hout Bay

Red Room Gallery

www.redroom.gallery

If it’s variety you’re after, you also can’t go wrong with Mainstream Mall, which, for a shopping mall, is actually a very beautiful place to meander about. With open sky, covered walkways, and manicured gardens leading visitors from one store to the next, Mainstream is anything but, well, mainstream. There is the usual collection of retail brands here (Pick n’ Pay, CAN, Woolworths, Clicks, etc.) but there are also a number of intriguing designer, boutique shops that are perfect for Christmas shopping. Star Dot Toys is your port of call for kids; The Bay Bookshop for book worms; Brand Collective for the seasons latest threads; Sorbet for pamper products; Nap for all things ‘home and décor’; and so much more.

Address: Corner of Princess Street and Main Road, Hout Bay

Clay Café

www.claycafe.co.za

A gift from Clay Café is the gift of quality time and discovering the joys of artistic expression and creation. So for something a little different and wholly memorable, how about bringing the little ones to the Clay Café to spend the day hand making and painting your very own clay creation? Here, you’re given unfired bisque and colourful paints to create your own masterpieces, and once done with the painting, you can explore the garden and let the little ones enjoy playground, while you relax with a cup of tea and a bite to eat from the café. Once complete, your creation will take around three and a half weeks to be fired and glazed before you can take it home with you.

Address: 177 Main Road. Opposite Bokkemanskloof Estate, Hout Bay

Rockchic Crystal Shop

www.rockchic.co.za

Rockchic Crystal Shop specializes in gemstone jewellery and beads, as well as all the accessories necessary to make your own, if you want. Using these materials, Rockchic crafts high quality, individually designed, hand-made gemstone jewellery that incorporates the chakras and esoteric symbols like sterling silver Buddha, hill tribe silver, the tree of life, ohm signs, flowers, angel wings, rudraksha and sandalwood beads, mala tassels, and more. In other words, it’s the perfect gift shop for those among us who are enchanted by what lies beyond the veil.

Address: 35 Main Road, Hout Bay

Earthworx Garden World

www.earthworx.org

One of humankind’s biggest problems nowadays is that we just don’t spend much time in nature anymore, and yet it has such a potent restorative effect on us. A beautiful flowering plant, potted herbs, or garden accessory, therefore, makes for a wonderful (albeit unusual) gift. A room can be utterly transformed both visually and in terms of ambiance with the introduction of a colourful flowering plant or a verdant explosion of fern. You might not be able to present it in Christmas wrapping but a decorative bow will do the trick. There’s also a gift shop and an enchanted garden to explore.

Address: 6 Valley Road, corner of Valley and Victoria Roads, Hout Bay

If the thought of juggling three different meat dishes, mountains of dishes, and you and your partner’s entire extended family in a single dining room makes you want to crack open the wine before 10am, how about doing things a little different this year? There are plenty of restaurants in Hout Bay (and even more within a 20-minutes’ drive of “the 790”) that are throwing epic festive feasts on Christmas Day. These feature plenty of bubbly and wine, all the traditional Christmas favourite foods (with some twists), and absolutely zero effort on your behalf. So, if you’re staying in Hout Bay this festive season, here are some fabulous Christmas lunches you may want to book you and your family a seat at….

P.S. Book quickly because seats are limited!

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Oudekraal

+27 (0) 21 437 9029 | www.12apostleshotel.com

You’ll be spoilt for choice on Christmas Day as each of The Twelve Apostles’ superb dining venues – the Azure Restaurant and Atlantic Terrace Marquee - hosts a gourmet Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. Expect a mouth-watering three-course buffet menu and a welcome drink on arrival, all of which is complimented by breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean. The cost per person is R1550 at Azure Restaurant or R1350 at the Atlantic Marquee, and includes a welcome drink on arrival. Lunch at both restaurants starts at 13:00.

Barristers Grill & Café, Newlands

+27 (0) 21 671 7907 | www.barristersgrill.co.za

Barristers Grill has always been a favourite meeting spot in the Southern Suburbs and is one of the grand old restaurants of Cape Town. Situated in the heart of Newlands Village, they continue to provide warmth, friendship, and good cheer. Now, they have just released their Christmas lunch menu and it’s a doozy! For only R395 per person, guests can enjoy five-courses of indulgent dishes from sherry mushroom soup and Barristers’ famous steaks to cheesecake, ice-cream and Barristers’ chocolate sauce (vegetarian alternatives available). Check out Barristers’ full Christmas Lunch Menu here.

Blanko at The Alphen Boutique Hotel, Constantia

+27 (0) 21 795 6313 | www.blanko.co.za

Celebrate Christmas at Blanko in the iconic Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia with a family-style Christmas set menu, priced at R1050 per person. Think: apple and apricot glazed gammon, roast turkey, wild mushroom ravioli, herb crusted kingklip, roast leg of lamb, panna cotta, friandise, and so much more! The Trio Jazz Band will be providing live entertainment from 12:30 to 15:30. For the full scoop, check out Blanko’s Christmas Menu.

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, Constantia

+27 (0) 21 795 6226 | www.thecellars-hohenorthotel.com

Bring the entire family for a festive Christmas Day lunch at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Constantia. In this beautiful and charming location, guests will be served a steady stream of mouth watering dishes with family-style sides for the table, creating a home-away-from-home Christmas feeling. The cost per person is R995 and includes a welcome drink and Christmas crackers. Kids eat for half-price and there are vegetarian options available on request. Lunch starts at 12:30. View the Cellars-Hohenort’s Christmas menu.

Eat Restaurant at the Hout Bay Manor, Hout Bay

+27 (0) 21 790 0116 | www.houtbaymanor.com

An old world with new flavours, the Hout Bay Manor’s whimsical venue is home to Eat Restaurant, which will be hosting a Christmas lunch feast. Leave the stress of the season behind with a welcome drink on arrival and indulge in festive treats such as bacon wrapped pork loin with cranberries, lamb shank, Drunken Christmas pudding, Hout Bay Manor’s Christmas Trifle, and more. The three-course menu costs R475 per adult and R235 per child under 12. For more details on what to expect, you can view the Hout Bay Manor’s Christmas Lunch menu.

Jonkershuis Restaurant, Groot Constantia

+27 (0) 21 794 6255 | www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za

Jonkershuis Restaurant is a relaxed eatery located in the heart of the 330-year-old Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Serving a menu with a unique Cape Malay influence in an enchanting, converted historic home, with enormous oak trees and expansive lawns for kids to play on, Jonkershuis is a perfect choice for families. This Christmas, they’re serving up a four-course set lunch with highlights such as rib-eye steak, smoked pork belly, and roast chicken. There are also vegetarian and kids’ menus. Check out Jonkershuis Restaurant’s Christmas Menu here.

La Belle Bistro & Bakery, Constantia

+27 (0) 21 795 6300 | View Website Here

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join in a celebratory family-style Christmas set menu at La Belle Bistro & Bakery priced at R600 per person. Set in classy Constantia at The Alphen Boutique Hotel, la Belle Bistro & Bakery offers guests only the finest rustic foodie flair, fresh and wholesome baked goods and myriad culinary delights. For more information on the creatively interpreted traditional dishes to expect, check out La Belle’s Christmas Menu.

Park Inn Newlands by Radisson, Newlands

+27 (0) 21 822 6500 | View website here.

In the tree-lined suburb of Newlands you’ll find the Park Inn by Radisson, hugged by Table Mountain and inviting you into style and luxury. This Christmas, they’re throwing a no-holds-barred, gourmet Christmas buffet lunch. Offering a delicious combination of traditional favourites and exciting new dishes, Executive chef Morne Botha’s menu is set to ensure guests enjoy a unique and memorable festive dining experience. The cost per adult is R550, R275 per child under 12, and free for kids under 5 years old.

Quentin at Oakhurst, Hout Bay

+27 (0) 21 790 4888 | www.oakhurstbarn.com

Located at Oakhurst, one of Hout Bay’s original farmsteads, Quentin at Oakhurst will be staging a sweeping, mouth-watering, and multi-course lunch this Christmas. Featuring Cape seafood salad composée; vichyssoise soup served with shaved Kalahari truffle; wood-roasted free-range duck with an apricot and pecan nut stuffing; Christmas pudding packed with traditional candied fruits, steeped in Cape brandy with a Van Der Hum crème anglaise, and more, it’s not to be missed. The cost per person is R1200, R250 for kids aged 6 to 12, and R150 for kid under 6 year old. Check out the Quentin at Oakhurst Christmas Lunch Menu here.

Suikerbossie Restaurant, Hout Bay

+27 (0) 21 790 1450 | www.suikerbossie.co.za

Join this institution of picturesque Hout Bay for a buffet-style Christmas feast that’s pretty much guaranteed to send you home happily stuffed to the gills. Guests can expect festive roasted treats, including lamb, pork belly, turkey, glazed gammon, potatoes, and garden fresh vegetables, while dessert is a dizzying array of sweet dishes from traditional Christmas pudding and mince pies to chocolate mousse, tiramisu, and more. The lunch goes from 12:00 to 16:00, and the cost per adult is R890 and R310 for kids under 12.

Booze tends to get a back rap because of its intoxicating effects but inebriated shenanigans aside, tipple (when enjoyed in moderation) provides us with a charming peek under the skirts of a country’s culture. The gorgeous Hout Bay valley fairly represents the Cape and country’s ardent love for beautiful wine, craft brew, and artisanal spirits. It’s also home to the “smallest pub in Africa”, so line up an Uber because we’re going to take you on a boozy tour of Hout Bay!

Positioned right next door to the world-famous Constantia wine region, Hout Bay boasts a cool, maritime climate perfect for the cultivation of classic Bordeaux grape varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. There are three wine estates in the valley, all of which can be visited under special circumstances (either by appointment or at certain times of the year, etc.)

Hout Bay Vineyards

T: +27 (0) 83 790 3303

Perched high atop the northwest-facing slopes of Bokkemanskloof, Hout Bay Vineyards make full use of the valley’s favourable terroir to produce a delicious boutique range of wines, which can be sampled in an intimate tasting setting in the cellar. Winemaker and owner Cathy Roeloffze hosts the private tastings (by appointment only) and guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of their favourite wine afterwards. Tastings cost R50 per person with a minimum charge of R300.

Ambeloui

E: wine@ambeloui.co.za

Ambeloui is a small boutique wine cellar and farm that produces delicious, high quality Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) in the traditional Champagne method. The only caveat here is that the farm only opens its doors to the public once per year on the first weekend of November – this year, 2nd November 2019 – where you can sample and buy their bubbly. Stocks are limited and are sold on a first come, first served basis!

Silvermist Wine Estate

T: +27 (0) 21 794 7601

Silvermist is a family owned organic wine estate at the top of the Hout Bay valley, where it melts into Constantia. The farm falls within the Table Mountain National Park, so there’s plenty of birdlife about and the panoramic views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, Constantia Valley, False Bay, and Hottentots Holland Mountains are truly spectacular. Silvermist Wine Estate is open for tastings during high season (1st November 2019 to 28th February 2020) from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 17:00; mid-season (1st March 2020 to 30th April 2020) from Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 17:00; and low season (1st May 2020 to 30th September 2020) from Friday to Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00.

Constantia Wine Route

Still thirsty? Why not explore the rest of the Constantia Wine Route, which sprawls out just on the other side of Constantia Nek? There are 10 wine estates here with a history that dates back to the very origins of winemaking in South Africa, as established by the first Governor of the Cape, Simon Van Der Stel. For more information on the Constantia Wine Route and it’s oldest farm, Groot Constantia, click on the relevant links.

Located in the heart of Hout Bay’s historic harbour, very conveniently side-by-side to each other, you’ll find the Urban Brewing Co. and Hout Bay Harbour Distillery, where quality, artisanal craft beers are brewed and gins are distilled respectively.

Urban Brewing Company

T: +27 (0) 21 791 1130 or +27 (0) 82 474 9745
The Urban Brewing Co. offers visitors tours of their craft beer operation, which is right next door to the vastly popular Bay Harbour Market. The tour includes a beer tasting, a complimentary beer of your choice, a tour of their facilities, and a short talk on the process of craft beer production.

Hout Bay Harbour Distillery

T: +27 (0) 82 443 9360
If you prefer a G&T to beer (or in addition to), the Hout Bay Harbour Distillery crafts true artisanal gin at its tiny operation, which shares a space with a gorgeous art gallery. They too offer very informative tastings, which conclude with a delicious gin cocktail of your choice.

Bay Harbour Market

Open every Friday from 17:00 to 21:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 16:00, the refurbished fish factory in the old part of the Hout Bay harbour comes to life with hundreds of craft stalls and a mouth-watering selection of food and beverage vendors. The Bay Harbour Market offers the perfect opportunity and setting in which sit down to a delicious lunch after a gin and/or beer tasting, accompanied by more craft beer, cocktails, and wine of course!

The Workshop Pub (the Smallest Pub in Africa)

T: +27 (0) 21 790 1747

Lovingly known as the “Smallest Pub in Africa”, the Workshop has long been Hout Bay’s casual, go-to watering hole. The bar is truly tiny, but an outside tented area (with big screen TV’s playing sports) offers sheltered seating for many patrons. The drinks are cheap, the laid-back vibe infectious, and there’s an ancient Dukebox you can attempt to coerce into playing your favourite songs.

Woodcutters Arms

T: +27 (0) 21 791 0189

Woodcutters Arms is a traditional English style pub on Hout Bay’s Main Road, almost right opposite DK Villas’ Harbour View property. Here, you can expect home-cooked, British inspired dishes, a large selection of craft beer, an extensive wine list, a relaxed atmosphere, and, when there’s a game on, hot-blooded patriotism!

Pakalolo Hout Bay

T: +27 (0) 21 790 0700

Pakalolo is a restaurant and excellent bar that serves a constellation of cocktails and shooters in addition to the usual assortment of beverages. Perched at the beginning of Chapman's Peak Drive, right opposite the beach, Pakalolo is reliably vibey with live local entertainment (music and comedy) on weekends and outside terraces, a chill out lounge, a Bistro area with fireplace, and three big screens for sports events in full HD!

Dwarskersbos and its surrounding area is a magnet for nature and birding enthusiasts. Because much of the West Coast has been left untouched by development, its flower-carpeted plains, estuaries, mudflats, and indigenous coastal scrub and fynbos are in a pristine state. They also support a myriad of animals and birdlife, many species of which are endemic to this region and found nowhere else in South Africa, or indeed the world.

Here are a few must-go places and attractions for visitors to Dwarskersbos who love to get out into nature!

The Berg River and Estuary

The Berg River is a 294 kilometre-long waterway that drains a mountain catchment area of 7,715 km². Dwarskersbos is located a stone’s throw to the north of the Berg River mouth, where it feed into the Atlantic Ocean at Velddrif, forming an estuary that is an important ecosystem for a diverse number of aquatic bird, animal, and plant species. Not surprisingly, this area attracts hoards of birdwatchers but for those who just like to experience the beauty of the Berg River – and perhaps catch a sunset in the process - there are boat cruise operators to call upon.
Tollie’s Boat & River Cruises depart morning and late afternoon from the Port Owen Slipway at the Riviera Hotel in Velddrif for a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise. The boat, captained by the amusing and informative Captain Tollie, accommodates 32 guests, and is child friendly. Find them on Facebook or contact +27 (0) 79 763 6966.

Diverse Birdlife

Speaking of bird life, located on the West Coast near the mouth of the Berg River and the Langebaan bird sanctuary, Dwarskersbos is a prime location for birds and birding. The area’s mudflats, estuaries, coastal scrub, and fynbos offer a wide variety of habitats, where 127 different species of water birds and 93 terrestrial birds have been identified. These include 25 species that are considered to be of national importance and at least five ‘Red Data’ listed species. For more information about birdwatching in the lower Berg River wetlands, please click here.

Beach lover’s paradise

Dwarskersbos is bordered along its western periphery by the Atlantic Ocean and a lovely white sand beach called Dolfynstrand. Every morning, evening, and, of course, throughout the day, this quiet beach offers a picturesque setting for long walks, romantic picnics, or, if you can brave the cold, a revitalising ocean dip.

Whale watching

Being an important upwelling zone, the Benguela current nurtures a thriving ecosystem, which means rich marine life and the potential to spot big ocean mammals like dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Species such as southern right whales can be spotted from the beaches, while humpbacked whales can be seen further out to sea. And don’t worry: the water here is typically too cold for great white sharks!

Flower season

The West Coast practically has an international reputation for the annual blooming of its wildflower. Every August – towards the end of the month – millions upon millions of bulbs and seeds that have lain dormant in the soil erupt into a celebration of colour, carpeting the West Coast in swaths of orange, purple, red, and white. Visitors are encouraged to get out of their cars and walk through this wonderland, to take pictures with the flowers, and smell the Hesperantha (aandblom) and Babiana (Bobbejaantjie). For more information on the area’s incredible flora, check out the Velddrif Tourism Website.

West Coast National Park

Located less than an hour’s drive south from Dwarskersbos is the West Coast National Park, undoubtedly one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful nature reserves, where the indigenous coastal biome, fauna, and flora have been pristinely preserved. Within this 36,260-hectare park, which runs the length of the cool Atlantic Ocean from the town of Yzerfontein to the Langebaan Lagoon in the north, there is a cacophony of indigenous birdlife, several large antelope species, and a spectrum smaller mammals and reptiles. The park is best known for its many hiking trails, spectacular flowers in spring, swimming spots, and many endemic bird species that you won’t see anywhere else. Visit the South African National Parks website or contact +27 (0) 22 772 2144.

Salt pans at Cerebos

Cerebos, the market leader in the retail salt market in South Africa, has many salt pans near the mouth of the Berg River, which attracts beautiful birds such as greater and lesser flamingo, great white pelicans, and chestnut banded plovers. In October, birdwatchers visit the pans in the hopes of spotting the rare and elusive red-necked phalarope.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve (part of the Cape Nature Group) teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers, particularly in the spring. The 930-hectare reserve, which lies 10 km north of Dwarskersbos, consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June but, over winter, receives the water it needs to host a vibrant array of fauna and flora. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. Visit the Cape Nature website or contact +27 (0) 79 203 1092.

Dwarskersbos is a quaint seaside community where the only thing loud enough to break the silence is the rhythmic crashing of the Atlantic Ocean against its bordering beach, Dolfynstrand. Having said that, there is plenty to do in the area! Located a short 15-minute drive from the slightly larger coastal village of Velddrif and its Port Owen, where the Berg River meets the ocean, there is a vast spectrum of enchanting outdoor and leisure activities to keep the whole family entertained. Here are a few of our favourites!

Picnic or sundowners on Dolfynstrand

The whole community of Dwarskersbos is bordered by the white sands of Dolfynstrand and the Atlantic Ocean, both a short walk away from almost any starting point. Of course, when it comes to what there is to do on the beach, you are limited only by your imagination! Go for a swim or a romantic walk, read a book on the sand, take a picnic, watch the sunset, or all of the above.

Treat yourself to a spa day

The Port Owen Marina Resort & Spa is located a short 15 minute’s drive from Dwarskersbos, in the neighbouring town of Velddrif. La Vita Spa features two single treatment rooms, hydro facilities, and a variety of treatment options so you can de-stress, get your muscles untangled, and settle into your visit or holiday in luxurious style. Operational hours are 08:00 to 22:00 daily. For more information, refer to their website or contact +27 (0) 22 783 1144.

Berg River cruises

Tollie’s Boat & River Cruises depart morning and late afternoon from the Port Owen Slipway at the Riviera Hotel in Velddrif for a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise up the beautiful Berg River. The boat, captained by the amusing and informative Captain Tollie, accommodates 32 guests, is child friendly, and affords wonderful birdwatching opportunities, as well as spectacular sunset views! Find them on Facebook or contact +27 (0) 79 763 6966.

A birdwatcher’s paradise

Located on the West Coast near the mouth of the Berg River and the Langebaan bird sanctuary, Dwarskersbos is a prime location for birds and birding. The area’s mudflats, estuaries, coastal scrub, and fynbos offer a wide variety of habitats, where 127 different species of water birds and 93 terrestrial birds have been identified. These include 25 species that are considered to be of national importance and at least five ‘Red Data’ listed species. For more information about birdwatching in the lower Berg River wetlands, please click here.

Go river or deep-sea fishing

A member of Velddrif Tourism, A&M Fishing Charters offers enthusiasts a fully equipped boat and the deep area knowledge and seasoned experience of Skipper Andry Barnard. So, whether you want to head inland on the Berg River or strike out west to go deep-sea fishing or whale-watching, A&M Fishing Charters is your port of call. All you need is your fishing and bait licence, which is available at the local Post Office. To book, visit the website or contact +27 (0) 71 550 8491.

Eat out

Dwarskersbos and the neighbouring Velddrif are home to a constellation of humble, home-style restaurants, seafood shacks, and bars where you can count on a quintessential West Coast welcome and delicious cuisine! For something a little fancier, head to Russells on the Port or Charlie’s Brewhouse in Port Owen. And for a more detailed list of places to eat in and around Dwarskersbos, check out our previous blog post.

Visit the Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve (part of the Cape Nature Group) teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers, particularly in the spring. The 930-hectare reserve, which lies 10 km north of Dwarskersbos, consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June but, over winter, receives the water it needs to host a vibrant array of fauna and flora. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. Visit the Cape Nature website or contact +27 (0) 79 203 1092.

Located up the West Coast, past the West Coast National Park and the coastal town of Velddrif, lies Dwarskersbos, a quaint seaside community and the ultimate escape from anxiety-ridden city living. Here, the perpetual purr of the ocean waves and the caw of seagulls serve as the soundtrack to a perfectly relaxing holiday. And when you’re ready to emerge for a little something to eat and drink, here are some fine establishments to visit in and around the area. Because Dwarskersbos is so small, with limited options for dining out, we have taken the liberty of including restaurants and bars from the neighbouring much larger town of Velddrif, located a short 10 to 15-minutes’ drive away.

Russells on the Port

T: +27 (0) 22 783 0158 | www.russellsontheport.co.za

Nestled into the picturesque Port Owen Marina in Velddrif, a short drive from Dwarskersbos, you’ll find Russells on the Port, a sophisticated and intimate 90-seater restaurant. Head chef Charl Coetzee crafts globally influenced contemporary dishes that are inspired by the seasons and fresh, local produce. Think West Coast seafood, lamb rump, crispy pork belly, and locally sourced game.

Address: 1 Bronwen Avenue, Port Owen Marina, Velddrif

Charlie’s Brewhouse

T: +27 (0) 22 783 0448 | www.charliesbrew.co.za

From the same entrepreneur who brought Velddrif Russells on the Port comes this vivacious, family-friendly establishment with panoramic views of the Port Owen Marina. Here, Head Chef David produces a gastronomic fusion between British pub fare and the finest West Coast flavours, such as sea-fresh West Coast mussels, beer prawns, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers with juicy homemade patties, Eton mess, and silky-smooth homemade ice cream.

Address: 1 Marina Centre, Port Owen Drive

See Kaia Restaurant

T: +27 (0) 83 276 3115 or +27 (0) 71 742 8593 | Facebook Page

Step into what feels like your neighbour’s home and take a seat at a ramshackle table in a colourful lounge as this friendly couple whips up delicious, homemade meals. The Sea Kaia serves unpretentious, rustic cuisine like pizzas, burgers, toasted sandwiches, and breakfasts that will have you rolling out the door, all with a side of West Coast country hospitality at its best!

Please do note that the Sea Kaia is not licensed to serve alcohol.

Address: Hoofwegs (Main Road), next to the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort (Caravan Park)

Soetcase Coffee Shop

T: +27 (0) 83 229 4131 | Facebook Page

A combined arts & crafts store and coffee shop, Soetcase serves a lovely variety of breakfasts, light lunches, pizzas, milkshakes, sweet treats and snacks made with love, and of course coffee. While you wait for your meal, why not take a little meander around the arts and crafts shop? You might find the perfect birthday or anniversary gift!

Address: Pretkor Centre, 8A Main Road, Dwarskersbos

Die Vishuis Restaurant

T: +27 (0) 22 783 1183 or +27 (0) 82 450 5053 | www.dievishuis.co.za

Die Vishuis Restaurant is a typical West Coast jewel, where you can sit down to a scrumptious menu of fresh, local fish and seafood. The restaurant was once a real “vishuis” where fisherman used to salt the Harders (fish) they caught. Today, several features of the original property have been preserved to create a historic, quirky atmosphere with stunning wetland views of the Berg River and its birdlife.

Address: Bokkom Avenue, Velddrif

Teyana’s Restaurant & Pub

T: +27 (0) 22 783 2055 | Facebook Page

Tenyana’s Restaurant & Pub is a casual eatery located on the banks of the Berg River, affording guests beautiful river and wetland views. Immensely popular with locals, you can expect the full spectrum of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, coffees, and drinks with a cuisine focus on fresh, local seafood.

Address: Pelican Harbour, Voortrekker Road, Velddrif

Ek en Djy Vissery

T: +27 (0) 82 781 3878

To steep yourself in quintessential West Coast culture, you’ve simply got to stop in at Ek en Djy Vissery (“me and you fishery”) in Velddrif. This quirky and wholly charming fish shop sells everything from fresh daily caught fish, mussels, pickled fish, roll mops, dried fish (bokkoms), and sea salt to refreshments, Velddrif souvenirs, arts and crafts, and handmade baked treats and jams.

Address: Bokkom Avenue, Velddrif

Die Vis Vlekhuis

T: +27 (0) 71 917 4521 or +27 (0) 22 783 0553 | Facebook Page

Die Vis Vlekhuis is a well-known family restaurant and take away seafood spot located in Laaiplek Harbour. With sweeping Atlantic Ocean views, this landmark site serves delicious fresh fish and seafood, caught that very morning and prepared according to multi-generational recipes. If you’re not a seafood lover, there are the restaurant’s legendary ribs and chips to chow down on. There’s also a bar serving a variety of cocktails, ice cold beverages, beers, and wine.

Address: 43 De Villiers Street, Laaiplek, Velddrif

Lavender & Lime Coffee Shop & Nursery

T: +27 (0) 78 203 8374, | Facebook Page

Towards the back of this verdant heaven of flowers, herbs, succulents, and trees you’ll find a coffee shop that serves all-day breakfasts, light lunches, beverages, and absolutely gorgeous cakes. Lavender & Lime is widely known for its breakfasts and, while waiting for your food to arrive, why not take a picture underneath their enormous Bobbejaandruif Boom (Belhambra tree)? It’s the biggest and oldest one in the region!

Address: 135 Voortrekker Road, Velddrif