When I read about a new initiative in Cape Town, inspired by the Open Streets Global Movement, I immediately called a friend and said ‘let’s go.’ Bree Street, in the heart of the city and usually teeming with traffic, has gone car free every Sunday for the rest of summer. Which means you can walk slowly along the street, notice the architecture and the art, pop in to the shops or galleries, enjoy a coffee and pastry on the sidewalk, take your time choosing a restaurant, and also, chat and have fun with the people around you.
We went quite early, the street is pedestrian friendly from 10 am to 5 pm, and loved strolling alongside the kids on skateboards, families playing ball, casual bike riders and a woman, wearing the most gorgeous yellow bellbottoms, knocking a tennis ball against a wall. It was quiet, which was lovely, although I am sure it grew busier as the day went on. There were several guided walking tours which were excellent to see; it's always fab to see tourists and locals alike exporing the city centre.
I particularly enjoyed the lone guy sipping a coffee while lazing on a blanket in the middle of the street, who I later discovered was from the Young Urbanists. This is the group who spearheaded the Bree Street Sunday Experiment, together with the city and the mayor. They’re all about reclaiming public spaces and making different parts of Cape Town, not just the inner city but suburbs and townships too, accessible, pleasurable and safe.
Bree Street on Sundays is just one of their many projects. They've done amazing things in Langa and they’re active in Johannesburg too.
My favourite restaurant Clarke’s is on Bree, I recommend the tomato soup, and my excellent hair stylists, Scar, are also on Bree. Whenever I go for my billion dollar haircut I get a bit stressed finding parking, then paying high parking fees on top of my blunt cut, so Sundays are divine without the usual city traffic and parking woes.
And there is no risk of getting knocked over by someone dressed in lycra. Also it's extremely cool to talk to strangers.
We chose Japanese Peruvian for lunch, the very stylish Nikkei. Beautiful decor, magnificent large windows overlooking the street, fabulous wait staff in hot pink satin kimonos, and a half price sushi platter. The saxophonist wandering around playing good tunes adds a cool and sexy touch.
I regret not having a Nikkei Sake cocktail but will keep that for next time. I will definitely go back. I think these open days are going to gain in momentum and if you are in Cape Town on a Sunday, I encourage you to go. Open Streets have taken off around the world and it would be fab to see them permanently in South Africa too.
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