The V&A Waterfront Market on the Wharf has a lot to offer

The recent cold spell in Cape Town has kept locals indoors wrapped in their winter woollies or next to a warm fireplace, however cabin fever soon set in and as soon as the skies cleared on Friday afternoon we took advantage of the good weather and ventured out.

V&A Waterfront Market on the Wharf

One such trip took us in the direction if the V&A Waterfront and we were surprised by the many changes that transformed the Waterfront since last summer, some shops moved to more accessible locations while new ones opened in their place but the most interesting “new” development at the V&A Waterfront is the V&A Market on the Wharf.

It’s a pleasant venue with an “Olde” world atmosphere, relaxed, informal, no long lines, fresh food and drinks on tap.

The V&A Market on the Wharf, located in the historical Pumphouse building off Nobel Square has variety of more than 40 food vendors providing a wide variety of fare with pockets of seating in and around the venue almost in the same fashion as the Street Truck Food Festival minus the trucks.

It’s a pleasant venue with an “Olde” world atmosphere, relaxed, informal, no long lines, fresh food and drinks on tap.

This venue previously housed the Musica and the CD Warehouse, now it has been transformed into a market place reminiscent of the ‘olden” days as my children would say when market places provided all and sundry with their daily fare.

Vendors offer all kinds of wondrous delicacies from gourmet Samosa’s (a local titbit of a triangular pastry with a vegetarian, meat chicken or fish filling), Hungarian Flatbreads, Oriental food, Lamb Wraps, Danish Crepes and Waffles, Biltong, Fresh cuts of meat from the heart of the Karroo, decadent cup-cakes, Indian sweetbreads and curries and a yogurt vendor whips up delightful combinations with a variety of toppings.

For the patron who enjoys a tipple or two, a bar on the upper-deck provides spirited refreshment while viewing the hustle and bustle below.

The Market on the Wharf is a great new addition to the V&A Waterfront and is sure to attract regulars from near and far.

The V&A Waterfront Market on the Wharf info;

Located in the historical Pumphouse building off Nobel Square

Parking: Portswood Garage or Ulundi Garage.
Trading hours: Open daily from 10h00 – 18h00
Closed on Christmas and New Year’s day but open on other Public Holidays.

Cape Town welcomed a Royal visitor – the Queen Mary 2

Cape Town welcomed a Royal visitor this past weekend when the Queen Mary 2 docked at the Cape Town Harbour on Friday for a one-night stay.

The Queen Mary 2 is Cunards flagship cruise liner, not only majestic to view but also in luxury afforded its patrons.

The Queen Mary 2 leaving in Cape Town – pic http://www.cunardline.com.au/

Strong winds delayed Queen Mary 2’s docking however the magnificent cruise liner finally docked at E berth in Cape Town Harbour. Cunard is celebrating 175th years of ocean travel with the Queen Mary 2 on a world tour, the liner arrived in Cape Town before departing for Walvis Bay then Southampton on Saturday morning.

Resplendent in all aspects Cunard’s Queen series of cruise liners are the ultimate in luxury cruising, offering the very best available to all who board, from high quality cuisine to the finest linen, top entertainment and of course the very best living quarters.

In 2003, the Queen Mary 2 was the longest passenger ship ever built, at four football fields long and able to carry 2, 620 passengers and 1, 253 crew. Her facilities include a theatre, five swimming pools, fifteen restaurants and bars, a casino, a spa, a ballroom, kennels, a nursery and the first planetarium at sea.

Cape Town has a long association with the sea having been established as a replenishment station in 1652 and has since carried on that tradition to this day is also known as “The Tavern of the Seas” by local sailors.

Cunard’s Queens hold a special place in the hearts of all Capetonians having docked in Cape Town throughout the company’s 175 year history and Cunard is set to continue that trend with the Queen Elizabeth and Victoria planning to dock in the Mother City in 2016.