There are so many beautiful old buildings in our city centre and most of the time, one just drives by without ever venturing inside. I took some time out recently to visit EAST Building on the corner of Plein and Commercial Street and discovered a vibey new development. The stately building has been given a new lease of life and is now home to a Columbian café, a fab Latin American eatery, hairdresser, clothing pop up and a few other small enterprises.
Join them this Thursday evening for their official opening from 5 – 9pm. Enjoy live music throughout the evening and a photography exhibition featuring work by Ross Hiller, Newton Stafford, Alex Floyd-Douglas, Paula Zapata, and Charlie Davis. Tapas and wine tasting at The City Bowl Health Kitchen as well as coffee tasting at Café Colombia CBD.
The City Bowl Health Kitchen is a fabulous Latin American eatery which I’m happy to have discovered. Their food is delicious and wholesome and really well priced so as you can imagine lunch time is busy with people who work in the area, popping in for a takeaway or a break. Their large courtyard area is an unexpected surprise, with it’s green walls and relaxed ambiance, it makes for a great inner city escape.
The Gold Barn Pop Up is a tiny little store selling stunning designer clothing at super reduced prices. The stock is all sample sizes which translates loosely into “medium”. They have both menswear and womenswear, but the main focus is womenswear. You can expect to find clothing from Les Temps Des Cerises, Anna Scott, Yaya, Jets & PilaQ Swimwear. From time to time they host fun collaborative pop up events in and around Cape Town, so follow them over on facebook to stay updated.
For your coffee fix, head to Café Columbia CBD where they also serve gourmet sandwiches, smoothies, fresh juices and daily specials.
East Building, corner Commercial Street & 109 Plein Street, Cape Town
All photography: Lana Kenney ©
Gail
5 April
What a fun, interesting venue – love the bright pops of colour 🙂
Sparrow
7 April
The East Building is so beautiful. In the pics everything is looking fabulous.
Louisa
8 April
Wow – what a fantastic looking building. What age is something like this in South Africa? I love the colours outside, the white and grey look so imposing. What was the building previously? It’s wonderful that these buildings are given such a new lease of life – I’m in the UK and so many are left empty for too long or demolished to create yet another glass and metal structure. Long live these incredible little ‘vibey’ finds!