Deon and I took a short break during the June holidays and decided to explore Cape Town as much as possible during the few days. First of all we decided to visit Woodstock which is one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs. Woodstock is within reach of Table Mountain (a beautiful backdrop to Woodstock); the CBD and the V&A Waterfront.

We had been to the Old Biscuit Mill on a previous visit, but on this second visit to Woodstock, we realized that, although it is according to reviews not Cape Town’s most upmarket suburb, it is a vibrant spot where you can buy anything from a picture frame to a designer frock. I could not believe how many upmarket shops there are, hiding behind ordinary facades.

I bought the most beautiful cotton knit top from a designer shop and vowed to never buy any clothes from shopping mall retailers again – not with Woodstock’s beautiful designer clothes, which is not even that expensive, waiting for me to buy them.

We walked through the Salt Circle Arcade with its many designer shops. This is part of the initiative of many creative business people to uplift Woodstock. Many of the Victorian semi-detached homes have been sold to young professional people. These buildings have been renovated and restored beautifully and now are used as homes; offices or shops. The Castle Brewery is another popular venue in Woodstock which has been renovated and restored to its former beauty.

After a quick visit to the Old Biscuit Mill at Albert Road, we decided to find somewhere interesting where we could have lunch. There are many restaurants in Woodstock which we have to discover, so we need to do much more exploring in future. Our choice for the day was Bread Café in the Bromwell Boutique Mall, also in Albert Road. Bread Café is a boulangerie and deli. Upstairs is a boutique, very fashionable. We were seated outside on the patio as it was a beautiful and sunny day in Cape Town. Deon ordered the Homemade Bread Burger with zucchini fries and I decided on the Shredded Smoked Chicken with creamy blue cheese, crushed avocado and peppadew and balsamic reduction.  Deon loved his zucchini fries, as it is a much better substitute for slaptjips.  Zucchini fries are also much more banting friendly than chips.  I was also happy with my piquante chicken and avo meal.

Woodstock is a vibrant, cosmopolitan area abuzz with creative people, all living together in this beautiful heart of Cape Town. To us, it is definitely one of Cape Town’s upmarket suburbs.

We definitely will be back to this exquisite suburb.