Tag: try something new

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Ring making workshop

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Workshop Wednesday! I don’t know about you, but during these time, I have been trying to come up with other hobbies that I could get into that would mean I would have more to do during this pandemic. This is a throwback to a workshop i did a while ago. I want to share with you guys.

In Winchester there is an opportunity to do a ring making workshop – a lovely girl named Marion runs them – she is a jewellery maker by trade. Check out her stuff on instagram: Marionlebouteillerjewellery

Upon arrival, we were given tea, of course, a shown how to use some of the mysterious tools that were on the bench in front of us. You could use hammers and etchers and all sort to see what effects you liked and what you would like to put on our ring during the process. Obviously doing it on copper to test first, but be aware how it turns out on copper is not always how it turns out on the ring – warning.

You have to admit some of the effects are really cool – you want to put all of them on the ring. but best to chose a top 3 – I did more than that and although I am pleased with the result in hindsight less is more.

Once we have had a test, and a drawing of what we would like, we were given a strip of metal to make our ring out of. Careful to not put our ‘patterns’ to the end of the metal as to not impact the joining of the two ends, we set about imprinting our mark.

Once completed, we were trusted to heat up the strip to make it into a ring – usually this is not something that is done by the individuals. It can get quite technical and if children are involved not always the safest.

I was so pleased to have Marion there, as having the advice to make slightly more complex designs and understanding each step of the process was incredible. She really helped us, especially when it came to the acid, and then the buffering it all out. Even helping us to edit the rings when they came out a bit small. With only two of us there it meant we had her undivided attention, and all of the time to be able to make exactly what we wanted.

Okay so the end result is nothing to sell in a shop – but it was a really fun workshop . The value for money was great. I think it was £50 for the day, and you get to play with the tools and create something you actually would want to wear. It was a great time to spend with my mum, a great rainy day activity. I tell you what, I have a greater appreciation for jewellery makers now!

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Hope Distillery

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Seeing as it is Sunday – why not a tipple…

On the outskirts of the Cape Town this up and coming distillery is a lovely one if you are looking for that something different off the beaten track…Also if you like gin – which I do.

These are the choices of gin – all slightly different but all delicious.

Hope Distillery has a range of tastings available – there are nipples to go alongside too even! It is a lovely open floor – it looks a little odd from the outside and the area is a industrial place so no many people around on the weekends. But it is safe and there is a distillery upstairs.

The shop here, you can buy all sorts from bottles of gin, of varying sizes, even socks and all the extra thigns you might need for your own gin evening.

Its nice as it is so clean and open, there is space to walk around and see the product process in part. You can not go down to this section, naturally and when I went there wasn’t any information available to explain the process but the staff there are very knowledgable about it all.

As you can see everything is served together on a wooden board, and you are taken through step by step. This is not a guided tasting but once you finish one, they clear it, giving you another glass, garnish and mixer.

I can say which was my favourite but it was a lovely afternoon none the less – my usual go to is a dry gin with bitter lemon. I love the smell of the botanicals – always makes me think I am drinking something more sophisticated.

Hope distillery is shown in a few boutique places around Cape Town and at the Old Biscuit Mill market too – so please enjoy safely – best to get an uber there and back 🙂

Until next time.

Restaurant Reviews

Kloof Street House

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Location: Kloof Street.

This restaurant carries a reputation all its own, if you are thinking of going in the evening, then please book well ahead in advance. If you are small number of people you can try on the night but it is unlikely. I went at lunch time for their summer lunch menu, it was still pretty busy for that time.

The entrance into the restaurant looks rather grand, the steps are tiled and the gravel, leading up to a glass front. It is very ornate the outside area is all shaded with a tent like structure. A few booths as well as actual tables. All comfortable and giving a relaxed atmosphere.

The Summer lunch menu, has a wide range of choices, as you can see. Some things that are familiar and others that are not so. It is well priced and usually the Chicken main is R175. I am sure that means you get a smaller portion on this one however even the meal I had was filling enough. The drinks menu is extensive too, with wines and cocktails as well as soft drinks.

I opted to sit outside, after sitting inside for 15 mins waiting for everything to be ready for me. I was asked multiple times if I was okay sat inside and people tried to take my order but I was adamant about being outside. It was a lovely warm day.

So after downing a litre bottle of water I opted for the Gili Gili mocktail, which was a bit like a virgin mojito but less sugary. It was nice, still went quickly. Eventually I had my order for food taken, both courses had to be order at the same time. I ordered Kingflip goujons and chips with Malva pudding for dessert.

I want to make a comment at this point about the service. After waiting for long enough to be moved outside and to have my order taken. I then watched two other tables receive their food before me. I had ordered at the same time, if not before. Admittedly they were having starters or salads so to an extent I can understand. This still bordered on the annoying. It was simple surely. Anyway, I asked where my food was, and as soon as someone had reported it, my food came out. It was piping hot at least. The waiter came and offered a drink or glass of champagne to compensate which I was pleased for. At least it was something. After this they then proceeding to turn the fan on next to me which then blew water at me as well… That wasn’t appreciated…

Onwards to the food – this could not be faulted!

The chips were delicious, the goujons were not greasy, the batter was crisp. The mushy peas were divine, they had mixed them with mint and butter I think, very yummy. I can tell you that these did not last long.

Malva pudding for those who have not had it, is very similar to sticky toffee pudding but it has been soaked in a type of alcohol and there are no dates. Surely no downside right?! It was a very large portion I will give you, and the pineapple and pistachios where the perfect combination with the soaked cake and the ice cream. It was a lovely end.

I would still recommend this place but with some caution, make sure you keep an eye on your waiter so that he doesn’t forget you. I felt forgotten in this place, the food made up for it. Food and drinks were amazing.

Restaurant Reviews

Riks American Cafe – Review

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Location: Park Street

Named after the cafe in Casablanca. It is a mixed cuisine place, you are in for a treat.

There is outside seating, that is all shaded either by the trees or by umbrellas, they all very comfortable and it is always teaming with people.

There is Happy Hour from 3pm – 7pm with over 500 drinks to choose from, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The ice tea is lovely and sugar free and therefore guilt free – right?

So I started my meal with the smoked crocodile, passion fruit, orange and rocket. It was like Carapaccio. I really enjoyed the smokiness next to the fruit. I devoured it quickly. It is hard to see the crocodile but it is that pink/cream type stuff on the outskirts of the plate. Really tasty.

For my main course I had the ostrich burger which came with pineapple and onion rings. The meat just fell apart, and it was delicious. Just divine. It had been seasoned well, and the accompaniments were perfect. The chips and onion rings were crisp without being greasy. The slaw was small and didn’t add much to the meal it was perfect without it.

The options at this place are just amazing! From burgers to Turkish and Moroccan Tagines, I was spoiled for choice I really was. Highly recommend this place. Service was attentive, with being the only person I was worried about being smothered but it was quite the opposite.

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Rands

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I know strange place for a bar come food place.





It is in Khayelitsha, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town. It is roughly a R300 Uber to get there, so try and share with other people. You do drive through the township so you can see how the locals live, it is a stark difference to the city as you can imagine. The basic housing and the children running around in the street. I did start to wonder where I was going.







You arrive you are greeted by music. You enter through the back, a quick bag check and security pat down, and you walk into benches and hoards of people. The bar is at the back, an easy queue system, you can buy one beer or a bucket of 6 for R150. Bargain right… there is also a bottle service. You buy a bottle of spirits and our mixers and mix it yourself – worthwhile really makes it easy with friends too.





R100 will buy you Braai! If you don’t know what this is, read my Braai blog. I love it. It was an entire basket of meat and sides. Polenta in a consistency you can use your fingers with. Just incredible and the meat is good. Chicken wings, sausage and steaks. Yummy.








Then the party really gets started, dancing all around, more people come in. The vibes are awesome, all chilled and everyone hanging out. I really enjoyed myself. International and local music all being mixed together. Dances being taught and exchange of cultures. It was clearly the place to be on a Sunday night – although I get the impression these guys don’t need an excuse to party. This place seemed to fill with local people more so than people from the city. I would recommend taking someone from Cape Town with you, or at least someone who knows the restaurant, it is a very different place it is nice to have a local with you as a support.







The party goes way into the night, so relax and enjoy travellers. This one is on me. 🙂