Kenilworth is such a cool suburb. And it’s seriously underrated – so much so that it doesn’t even have it’s own area on the City’s loadshedding map. For most, it’s the blimp somewhere near Rondebosch and Claremont, but for me, it’s home, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson. And in this case, home is where the vibes are.
I’ve called Eskom’s ‘Area 5’ home for nearing on a decade, and where Kenilworth begins and ends is still a blur. So, for the sake of reliving high school geography woes, I’m going to rely on Google Maps to set the scene.
Kenilworth is like the keystone of the Mother City. It’s close enough to all of Cape Town’s hotspot areas but is unassuming enough for those unknowing to drive right past its many hidden gems. I can be in Kalk Bay in 20 minutes, town in 15, and Constantia in 10.
This Southern Suburbs jewel is much more than a practical pressure point for surrounding towns to lean on. It’s an epic location in its own right and the community is awesome. Kenilworth and its people are laid back with a dash of quirk – my favourite combination.
From the crack of dawn to sunset, there’s plenty to do. Part of the allure is that you can walk everywhere. If you’re visiting for the day, I’d recommend using Second Avenue as a base. It’s the beating heart of Kenilworth and is right in the middle of all the action.
Car parked, takkies on, and ready to rumble. Here’s how to spend the day between Kenilworth and Harfield.
Note: Kenilworth and Harfield Village are difficult to separate (“splitting hairs” as one Facebook user accurately explained). So, we’ll be bouncing between the two here, but all are in walking distance from each other.
1. But first, coffee!
Gather your gang and start the day with a morning stroll. Get situated with your surroundings all while sipping on a cuppa from The Deli Cafe. Follow the smell of a skottle brekkie to find it. This padstal-style deli has fresh bacon and egg rolls served from its patio for just R65.
- Location: Shop 3, no, 48 Second Avenue
- Website: www.facebook.com/thedelicafeharfield
I’ve heard that The Tuckshop in Putney Road is a must visit for the freshest food and divine coffee. Cake? I’ll be there in ten!
- Location: 23 Putney Road
- Website: www.facebook.com/tuckshop23
2. A pitstop at the park
Got your furry family with you? Parks Edge Café is the perfect place to grab your favourite brew and brekkie. Just opposite the restaurant is a pet (and kid) friendly park. The quaint eatery is the definition of charming. It serves up delicious cakes and scones and has friendly resident cats – a big plus if you ask me!
- Location: 41 Third Avenue
- Website: parksedgecafe
3. Get crafty
Painting pottery has become quite a trendy outing in the Mother City. A class at Fiddlewood Pottery Studio is a must for a real deal experience. The crafty haven is situated in sunny cottage garden on First Avenue and is run by Dee, who has been a pottery teacher for over 30 years now. Classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and cater for beginner and experienced potters. Occasion classes can be arranged, too.
- Location: 88 First Avenue
- Bookings and costing: 084 690 3641
4. Bounce, baby!
There are other ways to get fit in Kenilworth other than walking around town. Flex your mind and body by trying out a class at Fit Panda studio. Aside from quality pilates, barre, yoga, stretch (and other) classes, these wellness gurus focus on creative movement – introducing a bounce class! Don’t over think it: all you need to know is that there are mini trampolines and a good time waiting. Bonus: your first session is free.
- Location: 104 Second Avenue
- Website: www.fitpandastudio.co.za
5. Feeling adventurous?
Whether you’re feeling spontaneous or have been planning something special for a while, the artists at The Body Architects are masters of their craft. Whether it’s a piercing or a tattoo, this is one of Cape Town’s finest establishments to get the best job done.
- Location: 166 Second Avenue
- Website: thebodyarchitects.com
6. Eat your heart out
Kenilworth is an unassuming foodie paradise. For one area, it’s packed to the brim with divine spots to have a meal. And there’s something for everyone – from Zapata Mexican’s legendary Taco Tuesday to Bardellis’ Italian for award-winning pizza.
Zapata Mexican Restaurant:
- Location: 65-67 Second Avenue
- Website: zapatamexican
Bardelli’s Restaurant:
- Location: 51 Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth (on the corner)
- Website: BardellisKenilworth
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a massive fan of Wildsprout. This (not so little anymore) healthy eatery make’s Cape Town’s best shakshuka and the sweet treats are heaven-sent. Do yourself a favour and take a ‘moreo’ cookie home to have with your evening cup of tea.
Wildsprout:
- Location: 278 Main Rd, Kenilworth
- Website: wsprout.co.za
One only has to stroll down Second Avenue to see the incredible bounty that’s on offer. Rare Grill for a lekker steak and Fat Harry’s for burgers is never a bad idea. Tai Shan makes bomb sushi and has ridiculous daily deals, too. Head up to Main Road and there’s Borruso’s for more insane pizza and Moksh for the best butter chicken curry. Just off Rosmead Avenue is Jade Tavern for exceptional Chinese takeaway.
7. Drink and jam (not drive)
One of my favourite things to do in Kenilworth is bar hop. Back to Second Avenue we go! Restaurants are lined up and ready for action. Get dropped off in the main parking area (outside Fat Harry’s) and pick your poison.
Hobsnobs is the perfect place to start for a beer. It’s super chilled and oozes everything South Africans know and love about a pub. Great music, sport on the TV, and a game or two of pool. Then it’s over to one of my all time favourite’s: Banana Jam Café.
Banana Jam, with its reggae heard from the street and bright yellow walls, is hard to miss. That and the fact that it’s always buzzing with chatter and laughter. The entire eatery/bar is an ode to the Caribbean. The atmosphere truly radiates One Love. As for the food and cocktails – model chilly poppers and piña colada’s.
It’s actually an Afro-Caribbean brewing company (name a better spot for a dop). They brew in-house and have a ‘Rum Bar’ and 30 beers on tap. Happy Hour runs between 5pm and 6pm, seven days a week. Get there early or you won’t get a seat (and bookings aren’t a thing).
- Location: 157 Second Avenue
- Website: www.bananajamcafe.co.za
8. Come back for more
So, from brekkie to the bar, here are a few things to do in Kenilworth/Harfield – one of Cape Town’s most underrated locations. And I’ve only scratched the surface here. Head over to the ‘burbs to find treasures of your own. Trust me, there are many more.
#RobynintheHood
- Insta: @Robyn.inthe.Hood
- Twitter: @Robynhoodcpt
Also read:
WATCH: 5 ways to spend a perfect day in and around Constantia
Picture: @Robyn.inthe.Hood / Kenilworth Main Road
