Murray’s food trails: Andringa Street, Stellenbosch

  • 0

Stellenbosch’s visitors, tourists and residents will certainly find a great deal of attraction in the area of Andringa Street, Stellenbosch, particularly the leg between Dorp and Plein Streets.

There is a great deal to discover there, and lots to do  ̶  everything from ice cream parlours, fashion boutiques, a book shop, to antique stores and a range of restaurants/eateries.

On streets lined with oak trees, which are a national heritage, one is assured of walking alfresco and close to nature under the beautiful oaks and, at the same time, experiencing the urban energy.

Andringa Street, lined with one of Stellenbosch’s principal heritage features – oak trees

At the heart of this area is the intersection of Andringa Street and Church Street, another of Stellenbosch’s favourite streets among tourists.

Perhaps starting from here and pacing oneself, one might find going either left or right to be a good way to go.

A point that immediately strikes one (lamentably so), however, is that this leg of Andringa Street is not lined with heritage buildings, as some of the other Stellenbosch streets are. For further details on these, go to “Plein Street, central Stellenbosch” and “Dorp Street, central Stellenbosch”.

A feature of Andringa Street is its sidewalk eateries – more than half a dozen of them, each with its own characteristics and specialities.

Craft Wheat and Hops serves artisan beer and tapas dishes from a small but tasty menu created by well-trained bakers and chefs. Patrons can sit at tables on the sidewalk, or inside, for a vibey meal with friends or colleagues. Telephone: 021 882 8069. Hours: Monday to Thursday 3:00 – 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 12:00 noon – 9:30 pm.

One of the eateries worth experiencing for its excellent table is the Stellenbosch Kitchen on the corner of Dorp and Andringa Streets.

It’s situated at the historic Stellenbosch Hotel, a landmark of the town. There, one can experience real, classic dishes from around the world, made as much as possible from local produce – from a spicy veggie burger to braised Karoo lamb, or fresh pan linefish with veggies in season. Choose to sit at tables outside or inside. Telephone: 021 883 2893. Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30–10:30 am, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm and 5:30–9:30 pm.

Fabio’s Gelato Restaurant, on the corner of Andringa and Church Streets, is more than just an ice cream parlour. See the menu here, from which you can select breakfast, lunch, wine and pizza – not just ice cream. It’s a great place to meet and is centrally located. Telephone: 021 886 5123. Hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Africa Silks has an interesting history. The outlet at Stellenbosch is part of a nationwide operation. The company started when Ronel Swart began working with silkworms in conjunction with the South African government as a job creation initiative. Unfortunately, the government eventually closed down the project, as it considered it to be using up too many resources. Ronel took up the project herself, and travelled to Taiwan to learn more about the industry. Local demand for this product has increased greatly, hence a number of branches opening across South Africa. Telephone: 021 882 9701. 

Thérèse de Villiers showcases her fine and contemporary jewellery collection at her store, which is also online. Her trademark is to combine art and elegant design in her products. Gold and platinum are her medium, along with diamonds and a selection of precious gemstones. 

Shop times are Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, closed Sundays. The address is 7 Andringa Street, the telephone number is 021 883 3819 and appointments can be made at therese@theresedevilliers.co.za. For examples of designs and products from Thérèse de Villiers, visit the website

E Gallery at no 7 Andringa Street is a great treat for the visitor. It combines colourful decor with really lovely things to purchase as gifts and for home decoration. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. The telephone number is 082 909 1446. Many objets d’art are available at the gallery. This is an excellent venue for purchasing gifts to take home.

Pour La Vie sells Cotonnier cotton clothing and textiles. All products are designed locally and characterised by their product quality. Classic and current trends merge – with an Eastern twist – creating “a unique and relaxed range comprising vibrant colours, exotic prints and textures that are hand block printed on cool, breathable, 100% cotton”. The range comprises dresses, skirts, trousers, shirts, blouses, kimono gowns, kaftans, sarongs and scarves. The shop hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm; the address is 5 Andringa Street (near Dorp Street), and the telephone number is 021 887 3723 (email: plvstellenbosch@gmail.com).

Augenta at 7a Andringa Street manufactures homemade jewellery. The proprietor, David Evans, emphasises natural and rarer gemstones to create unique, handmade jewellery; yet, it’s simple and functional. Colour is essential for his design, as is consultation between the manufacturer and the client in order to get what you want. The phone number is 021 883 8288, and trading hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 2:00 pm, closed Sundays. Contact dylan@augenta.com

Jardine (1 Andringa Street; telephone: 021 886 5020) was closed on the day I walked down the street to take photographs for the site. However, it seemed to be popular on the days I looked in. View sample menus here. Lunch is served Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm, and dinner Tuesday to Saturday 6:00–8:30 pm. 

Stellenbosch Antiques at 17 Andringa Street has been dedicated to supplying “high quality antique merchandise for the past 40 years, and is the oldest antique store in Stellenbosch, making use of the same premises from which it began operating”. The majority of the stock is English and Continental furniture, with a selection of antique items, a vast array of oriental rugs and woven kelims, as well as silver cutlery, fine porcelain and Art Deco jewellery. There are some amazing bargains to be found here. The telephone number is 021 883 3917.

Courage and Candy at 18 Andringa Street displays its love for the “rebellious freedom of self-expression, ... [and] allows for recreating yourself every day”. It was founded in 2009 in the town and, after its initiation, it soon became known for sourcing well-established lifestyle brands in footwear and sports apparel. Trading hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. The telephone number is 021 883 3029.

The Missing Sock is a laundry and same-day dry-cleaning operation, with a coffee shop attached, at no 20 Andringa Street; telephone: 079 481 7928.

While you wait for your laundry, under the portico (on the stoep) is a yellow bench on which to sit and enjoy some freshly ground coffee. Tribe coffee is served here.

There are certainly going to be surprises as you wait and watch, such as a yellow and white 1950 Ford Zephyr possibly driving past, resplendent in concours condition.

There is an Exclusive Books at 14 Andringa Street, with a wide range of travel and other books. Telephone: 021 886 9277. 

The Red Teapot Gallery is on the corner of Church and Andringa Streets. It offers funky, colourful, joyful, exquisite items, and is “so much, much more than your ordinary art gallery”, offering “an explosion of beautiful paintings, sculptures, jewellery, handmade objets d’art and designer cushions”. A phrase on its website reads: “If you walk into this gallery and don’t feel creative, you’ll never be creative in your life.”

Man’oushe is a Lebanese restaurant at 14 Andringa Street. Tables overflow from the restaurant onto the sidewalk, and it’s popular with students. The telephone number is 021 886 7545. It opens each day from 8:00 am to 9:30pm, except Sundays (12:00 noon – 9:30 pm). See items from the menu here.

Fidders specialises in designer lighting and is ideal to buy gifts to take home. This shop was founded in 1945 as an electrical repair shop and gifts outlet, and “has grown into one of the oldest landmark establishments in Stellenbosch”. Here, you can buy anything from fine glassware, tea services and a selection from the widest variety of paper serviettes, to designer lighting and decor, exclusive gifts and kitchenware. Email: info@fidders.co.za. Telephone: 021 886 4655. Trading hours are Monday to Friday 8:15 am – 5:15 pm, Saturday 8:30 am – 1:00 pm.

Love Wine is a quaint wine bar where a wide selection of wines is available; it is nice to sit outside on a lovely evening and try a selection of South Africa’s best. Telephone: 082 897 9757.

Wijnhuis in Stellenbosch has become an institution and pairs up with its sister restaurant in Newlands, Cape Town.

Dining on the portico, alfresco. Wijnhuis has an Italian-international menu.

.......................................

Stellenbosch
021 887 5844, 021 887 5833, 021 887 7196
Corner of Church and Andringa Streets 
Stellenbosch 
South Africa ‎
wijnhuis@mweb.co.za

Newlands
021 671 9705, 021 671 9706
Corner of Kildare and Main Streets 
Newlands 
South Africa
wijnhuisct@mweb.co.za

.......................................

There is a downstairs wine bar for those wanting to sample South Africa’s wines, particularly the local brand (left). Try different wines – a very big selection is available at the restaurant (right).

One of the specialities is the seafood pasta, divine with a crisp, dry chenin blanc.

Stellenbosch has much to offer the visitor and locals. Andringa Street has an intense concentration of shops, design and food, among other things, that can keep you going for many a day, come rain or shine.

  • All photographs are by the writer.
  • 0

Reageer

Jou e-posadres sal nie gepubliseer word nie. Kommentaar is onderhewig aan moderering.


 

Top