Meet the Salt River food and culinary businesses shaking things up!

The Salt River District is an ever-changing area located within a short drive from the Cape Town CBD. This suburb, which got its name from a river with the same name, was once known as the industrial centre of the city and has long been a diverse and integrated urban area. Over the years, the area has gone through some ups and downs as it has evolved and adapted to the changing times.

‍

Interestingly, the old suburb has become a hub where new food and culinary ideas are emerging. The area has a growing diversity of spaces available and can house businesses from large established roasteries and breweries to small local eateries. As businesses rebuild after the Covid-19 pandemic, they are finding ways to use spaces creatively, adapt their business and choose location wisely. Salt River will no doubt continue to change and evolve as new developments move forward but for now, take a look at a few food businesses shaking things up!

‍

‍

Cultivate Collective

‍

A real gem for the City’s wine lovers, this inclusive, black owned business established by Zahira Asmal, is a popular wine initiative based in Salt River. At Cultivate Collective, they believe that “wine represents an opportunity for all South Africans to contribute, develop, and celebrate”. You can either visit their online marketplace, drop in to their store in Salt River for a wine tasting or attend one of their wine focused workshops and masterclasses where you will get a chance to hear from an industry expert!

‍

‍

Table Seven

Table Seven was created by husband and wife team Luke and Katie Wonnacott, two chefs with loads of culinary experience in international restaurants including Gordon Ramsey’s Maze at the One&Only and Ossiano at Atlantis in Dubai. This versatile restaurant is perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a unique chef’s table experience for those special occasions. This restaurant will definitely leave you with a truly memorable culinary experience!

‍

‍

Rosetta Roastery

This specialty coffee roasting company was the winner of South Africa’s Best Coffee Roastery in both 2018 and 2019! Sourcing their coffee from South & Central America, Africa and Asia, their roastery has something for everyone. The roastery has recently moved to Salt River with two coffee shops - one on Bree Street and another at the V&A Waterfront. Whether you choose to drop in at one of their locations for a fresh cup of coffee or buy a bag of their roasted coffee beans, you will not be disappointed!

‍

‍

Shackleton Brewing Company

‍

At Shackletown Brewing Company, the head brewer, Steve, was inspired by the life of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, while researching climate change and oceanography in Antarctica. Shackleton was an Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic and embodies the brewing company’s values: exploration, innovation and adventure. They produce craft beers and vodka iced teas while positively impacting the local community around them. Head over to their taproom to enjoy a craft beer while watching a sports game or hire out the brewery and taproom for a special occasion!

‍

‍

Food Jams

‍

Food Jams is an exciting food initiative that offers catering, food workshops, virtual cook-offs and much more. The founder of Food Jams’ developed the concept while studying jazz - realising that learning new ‘jams’ was easiest with other musicians, they decided to create a space where people could jam, not to music but food! At Food Jams, you are assured “a party where cooking and eating is only half the fun!”. They have three venues, one of which is located in Salt River and is named Soute Studio. The beautifully decorated studio is available to rent out for a variety of events.

‍

‍

Buns Bakery

‍

Lastly, Buns Bakery bakes and delivers amazing baked goods across Cape Town from their bakery in Salt River. Buns Bakery opened in 2019 and is run by Lauren Case, who works alongside her talented team who are dedicated to baking scrumptious cakes, brownies, doughnuts and more!