I coincidentally met with fellow Durbanite and renowned tastemaker Neil Roake a few weeks after NOW SHOWING an independent atelier from the team behind The Space had opened.
An event I sadly missed and vowed to Mr Roake that I’d be sure not to repeat come the launch of his cafe concept and “Lighter Side Launch”
Decidedly so because my CIntron Pink Polo was shopped by ALC Menswear one of the many local creators housed in this historic home.
Neil is known in KwaZulu Natal for curated culinary spaces, from Larneys in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, The Famed Freedom Cafe a container creation that offers asian twists and local coffees to the ever eclectic Concierge Boutique Hotel, a project he has recently sold to focus on design gems like NOW SHOWING.
Now (showing-haha see what I did there), The Light Side Café has been set up upstairs in the NOW SHOWING building, situated at 109 Waterkant Street, and its evolution from the Dark Side to Lightness has brought some fresh change.
Known for colloquially quirky calling cards, Neil and his team lure guests with witty copy such as “Bitches love FD Coffee (the organically sourced African coffee on offer here), as well as “No Glove, No Love (Bruschetta with Coriander Hemp Seed Pesto, Coconut cheese & crushed tomato,” guests are set for a fun experience.
Dining Details
Mornings (07:00 – 11:00) offer a fresh take on breakfast bruschetta – sourdough with coffee, fresh squeezes, and happy-go-lucky music.
A Four-course Vegan tasting menu is introduced from 12:00, with which guests will have an option to enjoy a glass of Rosalie Rosé with their meal.
Rosalie is made in a pure traditional Provence style by Thierry Haberer the master behind one of my favorite elegant Franschhoek Roses Holden Manz.
The Rosalie with 50% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Franc / Cabernet Sauvignon which Theirry told me comes from Wellington a trend they will replicate with growing vintages and the addition of a Cab Sav’.
Booking for The Light Side Cafe can either be done telephonically with Miko – 076 375 8541, or via the Feastfox Inc. booking app.
Shop Upstairs
Upstairs the shopping experience continues with a brand new collection of bespoke items, such asresort wear by Luanne Toms – 1971; new botanical prints from plant master Clinton Friedman; homegrown stationary from Party bunch & Co; fresh pottery throws from Jade Snell; Hemporium’s new Lifesaver Hemp collection; African weave work from Design Africa; as well as contributions from Taiwan’s IZIPIZI; Adelade’s EVO; and Durban’s Natures Source.
Don Local Designers
Downstairs at NOW SHOWING, local clothing collaboration The Space’s first out of mall concept store, will once again premier garments and accessories by esteemed local design icons Colleen Eitzen, Amanda Laird-Cherry, Leigh Schubert, and ALC, as well as introducing local Cape Town menswear brand Zeitgeist.
“Fresh, quirk, humour, fun and quality” are the key words, and foodies and shoppers visiting The Light Side, will find food inspiration and gifts and treats galore.
IMAGES SDR Photo
