An innovative “open streets” initiative to invigorate the CBD’s retail economy and encourage visitors to safely enjoy open-air dining in town is being put in place by the City of Cape Town for the holiday season.
The initiative, which kicks off on 18 December 2021, will see certain streets closed to vehicles so pedestrians and diners can safety enjoy downtime in town, says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. This will also allow restaurants to use the street space for more safe, outdoor seating.
“While we cannot help every restaurant, we hope this innovation will make a positive difference in the lives of many hospitality workers,” he said.
On 18 December, Bree Street will be closed to vehicles between Hout and Wale streets from 14h00 to 23h00 allowing 20 eateries to benefit from the festive atmosphere, which will be enhanced with live music.
The Mayor will be in attendance and has invited Capetonians to join him. “Bree there, or be square,” he joked.
Chefs Warehouse Winebar & Pinchos
FESTIVE VIBE IN TOWN
CCID CEO Tasso Evangelinos applauded the move by the City, saying retailers had been dealt a heavy blow by the pandemic and South Africa’s “red” listing by the United Kingdom and other countries.
“This is exactly what we need … a festive atmosphere in town with visitors being able to enjoy the great eateries and vibe without feeling unsafe,” Evangelinos said. “It will go a long way to supporting retailers especially in the hospitality industry that have been deeply affected by the lack of international visitors to the city centre.”
The Cape Town CBD is home to scores of destination eateries. The CCID’s latest economic report, State of Cape Town Central City Report 2020 – A Year in Review [Covid edition] states that in 2020 there were at least 140 restaurants in the CBD.
In the section of Bree Street that will be cordoned off, diners will find iconic establishments such as Burger & Lobster, I Love the Dough, Grub & Vine (and its sister establishments upstairs, Culture Wine Bar and The Blue Room), Chefs Warehouse Pinchos & Wine Bar, La Parada and Iron, Steak and Bar. There are also newbies like Tomson to consider, as well as the eateries inside Heritage Square such as Mazza and The Sandwich Revolution.
Tomson
FIRST OF MANY
The Bree Street closure is the first of several to follow. Said Hill-Lewis: “This safer dining innovation will expand to other streets including Harrington and Long streets. Details of road closures and participating streets will be announced.”
The City acknowledged the impact of Covid-19 on Cape Town businesses and the thousands of Capetonians they employed. “Innovate thinking is needed to help get our economy through this wave, and we are committed to doing what we can.
“The city centre has always been a hub for entertainment, food and culture and we hope to rejuvenate this. We encourage residents to support the local restaurant trade while staying safe this summer.”
IMAGES: Carmen Lorraine, Tomson