Lifestyle

Cape Town’s Best Bars, Bistros and Lounges to Visit This Season

Published

6 months ago

5 August 2025

Cape Town’s social season is back in full swing. As the city warms up, its streets, rooftops and tucked-away courtyards start buzzing again—quietly at first, then all at once. Whether you’re in the mood for a strong drink, a slow lunch, or a night that takes its time, there’s no shortage of spots to make the most of the warmer months. These are some of the city’s most-loved (and worth-finding) places to visit right now.

Fable — Bree Street

Walk past Fable on any given evening and you’ll spot a crowd that knows how to take its drinks seriously—but not itself. The storytelling cocktail menu changes with the season, and the bartenders are just as likely to walk you through a drink’s origin as they are to freestyle something off-menu. It’s stylish, sure, but still relaxed enough that you don’t feel like you’re in a photoshoot.

Between Us — Kloof Street

With twin sisters at the helm and a menu that reads like a handwritten note, Between Us is as personal as dining out gets. It’s housed in a former townhouse with wood floors, high ceilings and a view of Table Mountain from the window seats. Mornings are for their soft scrambled eggs and freshly baked rye; evenings stretch out over handmade pastas and natural wines.

Black Sheep — Kloof Street

This bistro doesn’t make a fuss—and that’s part of its charm. The menu is written up daily on a blackboard, and regulars know to ask the waitstaff what’s come in fresh. The dishes are generous and unfussy: slow-cooked lamb, hand-cut fries, grilled local fish. No gimmicks, just good food that doesn’t shout for attention.

The Willaston Bar — The Silo Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to drink a negroni while watching the sun drop behind the harbour cranes, The Willaston Bar has you covered. It’s housed inside the Silo Hotel, but it’s open to the public and worth the elevator ride up. The wine list is solid, the glassware polished, and the soundtrack leans jazzy without being too clever.

Gigi Rooftop — Central Cape Town

Gigi is the kind of rooftop that doesn’t take itself too seriously—think banana-leaf wallpaper, poolside seating, and drinks served with a wink. Come for sunset and stay through the city lights. The cocktail menu has a few bold hits, and the snacks (grilled halloumi, truffle fries, lamb skewers) hold their own.

The Gin Bar — Wale Street

Tucked behind a chocolate shop, The Gin Bar feels like it was made for people who prefer their drinks with a side of mystery. No signboard, no loud music—just soft lighting, scattered benches, and shelves lined with botanicals. Each cocktail is named after an emotion, but you don’t need to overthink it. Just pick a feeling and sip.

The Raptor Room — Observatory

Loud colours, good food, and zero pretence—The Raptor Room has built a loyal following by being exactly what it is. The crowd is mixed, the music always leans a little nostalgic, and the events range from poetry readings to drag brunches. Their mac ‘n cheese and fried chicken are local legends.

Cape Town After Dark: What Sets It Apart

What makes a night out in Cape Town different isn’t just the mountain backdrop or the sea breeze. It’s how easy it is to feel part of something, even if you’re flying solo. Whether you’re seated at a bar counter chatting with a stranger, or sharing plates with old friends, the energy is unforced. It’s not about chasing a scene—it’s about finding your spot and letting the night unfold.

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Lifestyle

Heartfelt Gifting for Every Kind of Love this Valentine’s Day

Published

6 days ago

3 February 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo : Getty Images

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the people who matter most in your life. Love comes in many forms, from the laughter shared with friends to the support of family, and even self-love you show yourself. The best gifts are thoughtful. This coming Valentine’s Day, you can make your loved ones feel special by sharing meaningful gifts.

Gifts for Romantic Partners

Valentine Gift : Amazon

For romantic partners, the best gifts are those that show shared experiences. Planning a day around your partner’s interests, such as exploring a new location, cooking a meal together, buying a collection of photos or attending a class together if works well.

Gifts for Friends

Valentine Gifts : Getty Images

Gifts for friends should be something special. For some friends, books are fine, for others it’s a video game. Whatever you get them, including a personal note, turns even a small item into a meaningful gesture that deepens your bond.

Gifts for Family Members

Valentine Gifts: Getty Images

Family gifts carry emotional significance because of shared history and understanding. Older family members can be celebrated with gifts that honor your connection. For younger family members, gifts that promote creativity are ideal. Thoughtful family gifts show appreciation and strengthen your bond.

Honoring Yourself

Valentine Shoes : Amazon

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate yourself. While giving gifts to others is important, Valentine’s Day is also a chance to celebrate yourself. Treating yourself can boost your well-being and help you approach other relationships with clarity. You can buy shoes, watches and shirts.

As Valentine’s Day draws nearer, look out for that bargain gifts. The price or quality do not matter; what matters is what it means to them.

Lifestyle

Thandiswa Mazwai Unveils Sankofa Heritage Fest Honouring Legacy and Heritage

Published

4 weeks ago

15 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo : Instagram

Thandiswa Mazwai has announced the launch of the Sankofa Heritage Fest. This cultural festival is set to take place on 28 February 2026 at Carnival City in Johannesburg.

Mazwai’s career spans three decades. She became an instant hit in the late 1990s with the influential kwaito and Afro‑urban collective Bongo Maffin. She then established herself as a solo artist.

Thandiswa Mazwai: Instagram

Thandiswa Mazwai who recently won 4 SAMA Awards for Sankofa is very popular among South America African music enthusiasts. This event will bring in Somi and South African singer songwriter Msaki, both showing their African heritage and lyrical skills. Their participation shows the festival’s commitment to presenting influential figures in the industry.

In addition to its performances, the Sankofa Heritage Fest includes a competition for emerging traditional musicians, bands, and groups. This offers them the opportunity to open the festival and reach a wider audience. Encouraging new talents is Mazwai’s fostering community empowerment.

Thandiswa Mazwai: Instagram

The festival is supported by the Department of Sports Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy Initiative. This will help promote South African cultural heritage and tradition.

Her album Sankofa has received multiple awards, highlighting her impact on the music scene. The themes of the album aligns with the festival’s objective. Thandiswa other songs like Ndiilinde, Umlenze and Pfuma have put her the global map.

Lifestyle

Do New Year’s Resolutions Really Last?

Published

1 month ago

1 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Every January begins with the same hopeful ritual. Someone has already swore that this is the year they will wake up at 5 am, save money, avoid alcohol and become a completely new person. By mid February, they are already back to their old habits. So the big question remains: do New Year’s resolutions really last?

A lady listing down her resolutions: Forbes

At their core, New Year’s resolutions are promises people make to themselves at the start of a new year. They are usually tied to self improvement. Better health, habits,finances, and relationships. The new year feels symbolic. A clean slate. A chance to rewrite the story. There is something powerful about that collective moment when the calendar changes and everyone feels like change is possible.

But reality often hits fast. Most resolutions don’t make it past the first few weeks. One reason is that most resolutions are made due to excitement, not logic. People make decisions without mapping out how realistic it is. There are several ways to set new year resolutions, assumptions aren’t part of it.

Another reason resolutions fail is that they are too extreme. Someone who wants to engage in simple self care habits that makes a difference but has poor hygiene. A friend once said she quit her resolution by January 10 because it felt like punishment. The truth is, drastic changes are hard to sustain.

An African Writing : IStock

There is also the pressure factor. Many people make resolutions because it feels expected. Everyone is doing it, so they join in. A friend admitted he made a resolution to read 10 books because it sounded impressive, not because he enjoyed reading. By the end of January, he had not finished one chapter. When a goal does not connect to your real desires, motivation disappears.

So what actually makes resolutions work?

First, be clear on what you want and can do. Don’t say things that aren’t realistic. Be honest with yourself, rather than saying “I want to be healthier,” say “I will walk for 15 minutes three times a week.” Clear goals can be achieved even when motivation drops.

An Hopeful Woman : FreePix

Second, start small. Don’t be in a hurry to achieve your goals. Small habits when done consistently will last. People who succeed often focus on progress, not perfection.

Third, detach from the calendar. A goal does not need January 1 to be valid. When people stop seeing resolutions as a once a year event and start seeing growth as ongoing, they remove unnecessary pressure.

Beautiful African Woman Writing Down her Resolutions : Yahoo

Finally, don’t be scared to fail. Missing a day or two should not deter you. People who stick with their resolutions are not those who won’t fail, but those who stand up when they fall.

So do New Year’s resolutions really last? Most do not. They fail because they are rushed, unrealistic, and not done logically. When goals are honest, flexible, and personal, they aren’t just New Year’s resolutions, they become habits.