July 2021 will go down in the history books for likely, all the wrong reasons….
The devastating third wave of Covid-19 caused a Level 4 lockdown to be implemented resulting in our restaurants having to close their doors to sit-down patrons. Riots followed by wide-scale looting in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal and we experienced the coldest winter in a decade with temperatures dropping to below freezing levels (even our ponds froze over).
It’s been a seriously challenging time but it will also be remembered for the small acts of kindness and hope that reverberated through South Africa and was seen across social media and in the press. It is a testament to how anyone can affect change and take action and it points to a collective focus and civil action not seen in some time.
Having witnessed all of the ups and downs during this winter, we hope that our visitors will start returning soon and enjoy our space, which we hope feels like somewhat of an oasis.
The past couple of months have also seen some changes to our space and new addtions to our community:
The XL Cafe replaced Salvation Deli (also known as Three Mary’s). The deli was acquired from the Salvation Cafe team and you’ll recognise the team who have carried on working there.
Ifuku a menswear store incorporating rugged denim and workwear including one-offs and vintage pieces alongside locally manufactured items.
Coco-Mat have closed their South African retail stores and are focussing on their lofts in the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town. Look them for a great place to stay when you’re next in Cape Town. The talented team from Acre Studios, an interior design studio and furniture showroom will be moving in over the course of the next couple of weeks and we’re thrilled to welcome them.
Glow Theory specialises in K-beauty (Korean beauty products) and will open the first dedicated store of its kind in South Africa.
It feels like he’s been part of our community for ages, but Ashleigh Machete’s JFF Plant shop opened in April. Ash is the farmer and plant doctor behind the JFF Rooftop Farm in Braamfontein, and him and his team will provide you with house plants and all the necessary advice needed to keep them healthy and alive.
Artist Kudzanai Chiurai’s archive ‘The Library Of Things We Forgot to Remember’ is a collection of artistic materials including vinyl, artworks and soundbites drawn from private collections. It is open from Thursdays to Saturdays and provides a space to look at and listen to this amazing collection. Follow the Library to find out more and find them on the first floor above The Atelier.
Odrin closed their doors at the end of July. Although we are so sad to see the end of the brand as we know it we are excited that a new menswear and lifestyle concept Kin opens in August.
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