Chic Mama's

This charity clothing store is focused around fashion and style with the main drive being children's education. The kicker for this shop is that fashion brands are sold (and the clothing is only taken if in excellent condition). This allows anyone a chance to buy label fashion - at a significantly reduced price (but still at a price where you're making a difference).

Once a month there is a Swap4Charity event if you would like to donate your clothing, and it counts towards future purchases in the value of tokens. So you're getting a feel-good experience - hey! you're doing something great - but you also get to shop further. Can't think of a better exchange.

Also monthly is the half price sales, which are well worth it. The only downfall is that items are often singular - which means if it isn't your size,  or you put it down for further confederation, someone else may take it from you (I've experienced this).

Last minute details:

Watch out for: Crazy shoppers

Address: HQ in Bergvliet in Sherwood Centre, Hout Bay is at 20B Earl Street
Telephone: 083 716 9308
Trading hours: Bergvliet - Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm, Sat: 9am - 1pm, Closed Sundays and Public Holidays, Hout Bay - Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm, Sat: 10am - 12pm, Closed Sundays

Website: http://www.chicmamasdocare.org/chicmamas/Home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.chicmamasdocare.org

Gift vouchers also available.

Portobello Road

This vintage inspired tea house is home to local designer Janie B. Janie and her mom, Mary, started the shop in early September 2012 and the shop has grown immensely. As you walk up to the shop your nose will guide you with the enchanting aroma of the freshly ground Origin Coffee. Their Dilmah teas are served in eclectic vintage tea sets and you can munch on gourmet light lunches or if you're feeling like something sweet they have some delicious Red Velvet cupcakes and their deadly Chocolate Cheesecake (it comes with a warning of addiction)!  
You can find brands of imported and local clothing as well as cool vintage items sourced from local second hand stores for your convenience. And if you thought that wasn’t enough you can purchase cute vintage and new items on their display cabinet like glassware, cards, bunting and little knick-knack items. Portobello is host to a Market Sale where you can find awesome true Capetonian Entrepreneurs in the clothing and accessory field.  

Last Minute Details:

Smoking: on the side-walk

Service: Uber friendly

Watch out for: Coffee addicts and Local Geriatrics
Address: 313 Main Road, Kenilworth
Telephone: (021) 761 3736
Trading times: Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm
                           Saturdays 10:00am - 3:00pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortobelloRoadVintage

 
 

Best Cup of White Hot Chocolate

In the winter's chill when most of Cape Town shuts it's doors; the young come out to play. I personally love going out when it's pouring - as long as I'm snug. Which is why I am sharing where to stay snug and find the best cuppa out there.

I am arguably one of the biggest white hot chocolate fans. I will order it when I see it on the menu, but unfortunately, it often disappoints.

Pink, a house turned coffee boutique / restaurant / store, serves, to date, the best white hot chocolate that has ever passed my lips. What makes this hot chocolate for everyone is that you have a choice: full cream, low fat or water. And it is simply delicious.

The place is a mismatched set of tables and chairs with a splash of pink everywhere you look, and it's completely covered so that even in the rain, you're still pretty cosy. Some rooms in the house have been converted into sales racks where you can find paper straws, toys, kitchen ware and ornaments. It's a great place to buy gifts for those who appreciate good craft. 
It is open for breakfast and lunch daily, but Pink also opens for dinner (2 course or 3 course) every Wednesday and Thursday, where you bring your own wine and enjoy a reasonably priced meal.

I recommend going here if you want a cosy, warm meal, the best white hot chocolate in existence, or you aren't sure what to buy your mother for mother's day.

Last minute details (updated):

Watch out for: children
Address: 46 Goldbourne Road, Kenilworth
Telephone: 021 762 5510
Hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm, Sat: 9am - 2pm, Sun: 9am - 3pm

The Depot

The Depot is a fairly new coffee shop in The Woodstock Co-Op, inspired by the workings of the Exchange nearby. The Co-Op is next to The Old Biscuit Mill, so the area can pump at certain times.

The owner is a creative person, and it shows through his support of local designers and well-placed décor. The coffee shop serves juices, coffee (Tribe), as well as a small range of sandwiches and vegetarian meals and has an open atmosphere with a shared central bench.

The coffee shop doubles up as a concept shop, selling local art, fashion and produce. You may end up spending more than you bargained for, especially considering the fact that the shop is connected to other local stores in the Co-Op.

All in all, the coffee got a high rating from us; the barrister clearly knows her way around a grinder, the vibe is fun, there is street parking which is convenient, and we will be going there again soon.

Last minute details:

Payment: cash only

Smoking: on the street

Watch out for: the coffee addict and the uber hipster

Address: 359 Albert Road, Woodstock

Telephone: 071 607 9552

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDepotCT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedepotct

The Backyard Cafè

In Bergvliet there is a little garden, and in this little garden is a little breakfast and light meals spot know as The Backyard Cafè.

As you pass through the front doors your eyes are drawn to all the vintage antique furniture on sale. Claire already had a few items pointed out for our own place. More furniture for her cat to destroy. Anyway by now we had found ourselves in the busy back garden. Scattered tables and chairs provide the homely relaxed feeling, as if you were sitting in your own garden. Breakfast and lunch menus supply to all stomachs, in a healthy and tasty way. Lekker origin coffee and some delicious fresh juices that are a definite. An overall pleasant and very happy vibe. That we will definitely be going to again.

Last minute details:

Watch out for: old housewives
Address: 4 Sol Cohen Road, Bergvliet
Telephone: 084 392 9104
Website: http://www.thebackyardcafe.info/