CAPE TOWN THROUGH THE EYES OF A TOUR CURATOR

Tour Curator Kate Crane Briggs shares her top spots in the city – from where to grab breakfast to the unmissable corners of Cape Town.

WORDS: KATE CRANE BRIGGS

Through Culture Connect, Kate has been revealing Cape Town’s hidden gems to locals and visitors for 10 years. “The tours are all about enjoying and learning about art, architecture and history, and where possible I’ll include experts and enthusiasts like artists, curators and collectors into the mix,” says Kate. “They can range from general walks in town or delving deep into a specific area – think street art in Salt River, migrant labour accommodation at the Lwandle Museum in Somerset West, or monumental art in the CBD.”

With a background in art history, Kate worked in London’s art world for over 20 years before moving to Cape Town with her husband. She soon began organising visits to studios and exhibitions, and as interest grew she gained her qualifications as a tourist guide, registered Culture Connect and the rest, as they say, is history.

What should be on every tourist’s radar when visiting Cape Town? A lot! For nature, take in the mountain, sea and flora, the views from Table Mountain and Lions Head, the Cape peninsula and its penguins, and not to forget the beaches and gardens – especially Company’s Gardens.

Those interested in history and getting a feel for the place would do well to visit the city centre, the V&A Waterfront, District 6 and Bo-Kaap. There’s a huge variety of art and architecture to take in across the city, and, of course, food and wonderful drinks, from rooibos to wine.

Do you have a favourite spot? It changes, but I do like places with art, design and spirit – something quirky, often changing and ideally with some nature, like trees and a good mountain view. Top of my list at the moment is Harrington Street, Upper Bree, Salt River and Woodstock’s Albert Rd, on the side closest to Salt River.

Breakfast spot? Home, but I have heard the Gardener’s Cottage in Newlands does amazing breakfasts – I do love sitting beneath those mighty old and magnificent trees.

And for coffee? Nigiro Teacafe in Plumstead. I don’t drink coffee, but tea is my thing (I drink about 12 mugs a day of various infusions and teas), although the coffee here is good too. (Did you know that Nigaro spelled backwards is Origin? That’s because Origin Coffee helped spark this top place for tea culture and making.)

How about Sundowners? Mount Nelson – I love the garden, class and central location. I often take their guests for city and art tours, so I know the staff well and like the gradual changes happening there. The gently warmed up nuts and succulent olives go superbly well with a Gin and Tonic!

A building that always catches your eye? Zeitz MOCAA and City Hall.

What gallery should all Capetonians make a point to visit? Norval Foundation in Tokai. It holds fabulous exhibitions and has a wonderful sculpture garden, mainly planted with indigenous species. It is still quite new and was designed specifically to be a museum.

An underappreciated corner of Cape Town? Upper Bree, with its galleries, street art, independent retailers, cafes, and tree-lined centre. Langa is also well worth a visit lots to see, such as Bridges for Music, Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre and Langa Pass Office (now a museum).

Is there an overlooked heritage/art spot that you always recommend a visit to? The Truth to Power exhibition at the Old Granary about Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

What’s your ideal way to spend a summer’s day? Walk with sea views, perhaps on a beach or ending on a beach. Recently we went to Sandy Cove from Llandudno – my teenage kids were not amused by the thought of nudism, but we didn’t see any nudists, except in the very far distance (one day I will skinny dip here!)