In a city with a truly overwhelming number of pretty public spaces, the Sea Point promenade remains a firm favourite. Here’s why..
Whatever the weather
There aren’t many outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the year in Cape Town, but there’s something about the Sea Point promenade (or the prom, as it is affectionately known) that is striking no matter what the weather. Of course, nobody will argue that a balmy summer’s evening spent watching the sun sink into the sea is a special way to experience the prom, but on wild winter afternoons, when the sea is whipped up into a frenzy, it’s just as beautiful — and there’s something serene and lovely about the early mornings in autumn and spring too. It seems there’s no wrong way to experience the prom.
How to experience the Sea Point promenade
From jogging and skating to sundowners and jazz, the Sea Point prom has it all..
Exercise junkies may disagree, but as far as I’m concerned, there’s more than one way to experience the Sea Point promenade. Yes, this paved coastal walkway that stretches from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point is a hub for cyclists, joggers, skateboarders and walkers of every shape and size, but that doesn’t mean that exercise is all the prom is good for. It’s also the ideal spot for a lazy picnic under the shade of a tree and a lovely place to take the kids for an afternoon of playground fun or ball sports. It also happens to be the perfect place for a bit of indulgence when it comes to food and drink.
- Sunset splendour
For starters, could there be a more comfortable spot from which to sip sundowners than looking out over the promenade and the ocean? Yes, you can choose to visit one of the little beach alcoves, but you can also take your drinks in style at one of the fabulous spots on offer along this sweep of ocean. My personal favourite is Harvey’s, where elegant cocktails are served on the long verandah or indoors in the cosy bar. La Vie is also a particular favourite for many, and La Perla offers delicious Italian food to satiate the trend-setting sundowner crowd.
There’s no better spot to soak up the prom overnight than Winchester Mansions, which may well have the best location in Sea Point — right on the promenade and open to the ocean, the fresh sea breeze and the endless views, but removed from all the hubbub of this popular space.
- Rise and shine
And then there’s the morning, when, after an early stroll, you’re practically obligated to have a cappuccino and a little something to nibble on. Keep it speedy with Cascades on the promenade, where you can pick up a tasty bistro breakfast, or go to the other extreme and spend a luxurious three hours soaking up the ambience and the delicious buffet options from the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Winchester Mansions. A live jazz band entertains patrons in the courtyard around a central fountain, complete with complimentary glass of bubbly and a fabulous feast: everything from a classic breakfast buffet to sushi, sirloin, roast Sunday lunch, pasta and a fabulous array of exotic salads. There really is something for everyone.
And then there’s just time (and energy) left for a bracing swim in the Sea Point Pavilion pool, right at the end of the promenade and one of the indisputable highlights of the area, with its unmissable views and family atmosphere.
So going for a jog is definitely one of the ways to experience the Sea Point promenade, but it’s certainly not the only one. Which will you choose?
Experience it for yourself: Winchester Mansions, 221 Beach Road, Sea Point, 021 434 2351, winchester.co.za