Issue 07
Written By: Katy Rose

Joining the likes of other First Thursdays art-culture-retail based community events around the world, Cape Town’s has launched its own version of First Thursdays, an initiative taking advantage of the city’s title as World Capital of Design 2014. The monthly event encourages Capetonians and visitors alike to walk the streets of the city, visit its galleries and art venues, while tasting, sipping and celebrating local talent late into the night. Here are a few highlights:

Spier Secret Courtyard – 64A Wale Street

An established force in the South African wine industry, and a longtime patron of the arts, Spier has opened a pop-up summer time restaurant-bar-gallery tucked away in this rustic courtyard. Art exhibitions rotate regularly, weekly Secret Suppers feature well-known local chefs and then there is always Spier wine at cellar door prices.

Honest Chocolate – 66 Wale Street

Proving that ‘raw’ and ‘vegan’ can also be devilishly tempting, Anthony and Michael of Honest Chocolate supply all of the indulgence with none of the guilt. Handmade, organic, dairy free and low GI – you’ll be left asking “But is this chocolate?” Their Honest Chocolate is available in slabs in a variety of flavours, and luscious bonbons in mint, ginger, rose geranium and honey. Dark, velvety, healthy and local – do we need more excuses?

Skinny La Minx – 201 Bree Street

Heather Moore of local fabric and interiors brand, Skinny La Minx, has long been at the cutting edge of design in the small Cape Town community. Thinking outside the city, Heather was one of the first startups to market internationally and online. Using blogging and social media, Skinny La Minx quickly built up a strong following for its geometric screen prints, which adorn everything from tea towels, lampshades, throw covers and accessories. Their first retail space is located on Bree Street.

Photo Source: Katy Rose