A sunny, yet chilly Wednesday afternoon saw us on a walking tour with our guide Silas, through Observatory, better known as “Obz” to most. The area is largely student-occupied, but a deeper look shows just how many artists, musicians and creatives alike call Obz home too, and we got to experience some of the suburbs’ most charming coffee shops, bars and restaurants (and walking it all off afterwards too).
Queen of Tarts
Our first stop was Queen of Tarts. A homey, warm atmosphere and old school decor welcomed us in. The coffee shop/bakery sits comfortably on the corner of Lower Main Road and just the simple look of the tarts and cupcakes on offer had us knowing we’d return. The Queen of Tarts herself offered us a sweet treat for the road, we grabbed the white chocolate and berry compote tart, and the taste was out of this world. Not bigger than a CD or smaller than a hockey puck, the soft, cheesecake-like consistency and berry centre tart is a piece of happiness you can carry in your pocket.
OF NOTE
When Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm. Saturdays – 8am – 2pm. Sundays – closed.
Where 213 Lower Main Road, Observatory
Cost Prices range from R18 – R95. The catering and cake costs vary.
Contact +27 (0)21 448 2420, [email protected]
Rust
Since we’d cured our sweet tooth before even having had dinner, the afternoon had already thrown order out of the window, so it was time to stop off at the next most fitting place – a bar. Obz’ new spot, Rust, is a brand new type of cool and is bringing an afterwork-drinks flair to the middle of the suburbs. The bar/cafe is so new that they don’t even have menus yet and they’re seeking out what the people want – write down what you’d like on a piece of paper and Rust might just include it on their menu. With the sun just beginning to set, the colder air began to creep in, so a crisp Riot beer in the warm toned, motorcar style bar was the perfect fix.
OF NOTE
When Rust’s opening hours are still TBA. They’re most likely to be open around 4 – 5pm on weekdays if you want to check it out now.
Where 79 Station Road, Observatory
Cost Rust is still in the process of setting up a menu.
Contact Send Rust a message here, or contact them via their Facebook page.
The Paragon
Walking around the up and coming boho living space, we had to get a peek at some of the property that the young professionals of Cape Town may very well be soon residing in. A tour into The Paragon apartments, which is still under construction, with Rawson Developers was enough to make us want to sign a lease on the day. The apartment style follows a contemporary New York apartment feel, and being fully furnished by @home Living Space, we were swooning. All white counter tops and finishes of expert quality shows just how up and coming Observatory really is, and what we can hope to expect in the near future.
Ahem! Art Collective
We weren’t done with our tour just yet. With a sweet-stop and a boozey-stop both under our belts, we needed to take a further look into Obz’ amazing art scene. Our artsy-stop brought us to Ahem! The gallery and cafe is an art lovers paradise, with cool and unique art pieces adorning the walls and tables and seating to stop off for coffee and breakfast. We enjoyed a glass of wine while we browsed the pieces and lusted over their charming aesthetics and new school flare. The gallery hosts an Art Thursdays in Obz that allows art lovers alike to seek out the participating galleries and find some great art, as well as supporting some local artists and musicians. Take a look at their upcoming July edition here.
OF NOTE
When Ahem! is open from 7am – 5pm.
Where 77 Lower Main Road, Observatory
Cost Art prices vary.
Contact +27 65 821 1146
Ferdinandos
By the end of the afternoon the sun had set, our legs were exhausted and our stomachs were grumbling. A true Italian gem if there ever was one, Ferdinandos on Lower Main Road serves only authentic and delicious pizzas. The small pizzeria always moves spots, and takes their mascot, Ferdinando – a shelther mix who loves to chill with guests in the restaurant – with them. The lively and genuine ambiance is undeniable and makes for the perfect spot to enjoy some sweet sangria and a warm, chewy pizza – which is exactly what we did to end off our tour around Obz.
OF NOTE
When Ferdinandos is open Tuesday – Saturday 4pm – 11pm.
Where 205 Lower Main Road, Observatory
Cost Prices range from R75 – R135 for pizzas
Contact +27 84 771 0485
Photography Courtesy
