When Cape Town’s winter rain falls upon our streets, consider heading to one of the CBD’s malls to do your shopping. You’ll find a host of fascinating retailers to warm your heart.
01 The Waalford Centre
109 Plein St | www.waalfordcentre.com, 079 876 5855 & 079 876 5900
Situated in the Parliamentary precinct on Plein and Commercial streets, the Waalford Centre, which opened in October 2013, has won the vote of many cabinet members and civil servants. Go beyond its 1929 facade and you’ll no doubt agree with their choice in shopping centre, no matter your political persuasion!
Causing a stir
The Waalford Centre houses a collection of independent stores, including Caffé Delight, an inexpensive Colombian coffee bar and gourmet sandwich bar. Its owner, Paola, jokes: “When Zuma’s in town it gets really busy here.” Though we’re not sure if the president himself has never popped in during a coffee break, we certainly would recommend the well-priced single-origin coffee imported from Colombia and roasted by Tribe – especially on a winter’s day. This should be your first port of call in this centre, because beyond Caffé Delight lies more secrets worth uncovering.
The height of fashion
Remember how good everyone looked on the red carpet at the opening of Parliament this year? This is in some part thanks to Keesha’s Closet. Shopkeeper Bizza (seen below) says: “During the festivities, three ladies and a gent from Durban wanted to join in. They wanted to dress smart. I was about to close the shop for the evening but I let them come in and find the perfect outfit.”
Delicious dishes
Real Meal Restaurant serves traditional African meals such as pap, tripe and umngqusho (samp and beans). It also has a cool outdoor area that feels a bit like an inner-city shisa nyama. If you’re less adventurous, they also do dim sum. Other shops at the centre include Whites Herbal Shop (herbal health and homeopathic remedies), GlamPort Hair & Beauty (where you can get a massage if you need a break from shopping), Herbal (which provides natural medical products), Angelo Raker (an immigration practitioner) and even a sangoma!
02 210 on Long
210 Long St | www.210onlong.co.za/mall, 021 481 1820
210 on Long puts the best of what Long Street has to offer under one roof. You’ll find a dozen retailers selling a wide array of products and wares, a tattoo parlour called Mantra, a salon for hair extensions and Galbi, a traditional Korean barbecue.
Maintaining an eclectic style
A tailor, Abdoul, is tucked away up a flight of stairs near the entrance of Minato sushi and dim sum restaurant. Abdoul says he loves Long Street and wanted to be part of its special retail vibe. His shop, filled to the brim with cloth, cotton and sewing machines, is just big enough for his craft: garment design and manufacture for men and women (including bespoke wedding dresses), and alterations.
Laundry on Long is the kind of laundromat you see in movies set in New York City. You could meet your future spouse here, amid the whir washing machines and funky decor.
Other shops at 210 on Long include Class of 09 clothing and accessories, Classical Thai massages, Cape Convenience Store and Smokers Deli.
03 The Long Street Antique Arcade
27 Long St | www.theantiquearcade.co.za, 021 423 2504
Grandfather clocks and an air of preservation greet you as you enter Long Street Antique Arcade. Well known to tourists, it’s the perfect spot for lovers of antiques, with 12 shops crammed into a series of indoor alleyways. All are individually owned and showcase everything from books to jewellery, vintage clothing, cameras, watches and militaria. There’s also a little “food court”. Check the website for a comprehensive list of retailers.
This article first appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of City Views. Read it online.