Watering Holes on the Water along the Cape Point Route

Where in the world can you have drinks with penguins followed by wine on the seashore? Why the Cape Point Route of course, writes Sally Grierson.

The beautiful stretch of the Cape Peninsula from Hout Bay to Cape Point and up the False Bay Coastline to Muizenberg has a generous serving of 6 venues on the waters edge, chilled drinking bars with good beer, fine wine and classic cocktails.

Our selection of watering holes on the seashore – with not a road nor a building between you and the ocean include the long standing Brass Bell in Kalk Bay where waves quite literally can add salt to your tequila. Also in Kalk Bay is the thriving threesome of Harbour House, Live Bait and Polana at the harbour which combine drinking with dining, a bohemian buzz and a chance to mix with some Z-list celebrities. Cape to Cuba around the corner has some of the finest cocktails on the peninsula and all the décor is for sale! Klipkantien is a secret gem for those elusive cocktails. For a more sophisticated wine experience try Winesense on the Main Rd or for stunning Kalk Bay views try Acanthus, which is also popular for functions.

Fish Hoek Galley, although more of a restaurant than a watering hole, is on Fish Hoek Beach and well worth a stop in the day or evening especially if you love long walks on the beach followed by a place to rest your feet and get a drink. They have a fabulous wine list and some less common liqueurs to investigate.

For good ol’ fashioned pubs that serve a fine pint – try the Boer and Brit in Kommetjie, Victorian Times in Fish Hoek, the Lord Nelson’s Inn or the “2 & 6” in Simon’s Town. The Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn has a warm friendly pub- aptly named the Blowhole Bar. Right next door is the sports bar Embargos which features regular live music, pool tables and all the big screen sporting action. This is the late night dance venue of the Cape Peninsula.

Seaforth Restaurant and Boulders Beach Restaurant in Simon’s Town give you the chance to sip cocktails whilst being amused by the antics of the African penguins that chose this stretch of coastline as home. Check the latest events calendars for the Seaforth Saturday Social with live music and a dinner dance.

If you are looking for sensational sunsets and a beach view with a rustic atmosphere, when investing in social lubricants then look no further than the quaint treetop pub at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek. Another popular and rustic Noordhoek watering hole is the Red Herring – refreshingly laid back and you’ll hang with the hippies and the surfers of the ‘hood.

The Lookout Deck at Hout Bay Harbour is another chilled drinking bar and restaurant, amid some buzzing evenings with live music on the open deck. It’s definitely worth getting there in time for sundowners. Hout Bay also features Dunes at the Beach, a fabulous barefoot beach bar where you can bring the kids, and the Workshop which claims to be the smallest pub in Africa until proven otherwise!

So if you need a drink away from the city centre crowds then get down to the Cape Point Route. There’s a chance to meet individuals with characters as big as the Cullinan diamond, and the stories are cocktails of people and places – past, present and future. Meander south for the most beautiful and natural social gathering oases, drinks and a whole lot of atmosphere and fun.

For more information on bars, nightclubs, restaurants, things to do and places to stay please visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call 021 782 9346.