When visiting Cape Town, you’ll inevitably find yourself at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. The city’s picturesque harbour that’s featured on virtually every postcard of Cape Town offers scenic views of the Atlantic, Table Mountain, sailboats, and the occasional seal alongside a ton of restaurants and shops.
Tucked in the midst of the action is the V&A Food Market, a vast open space that’s inhabited by indie food vendors offering up a myriad of food-stuffs. Everything is here including classic South African cuisine, a Bavarian bakery, Greek frozen yoghurt, a green juice bar, Tunisian fare, and sushi to highlight just a few. There’s truly something for everyone here – including craft beer enthusiasts.
The Bottle Bank draws you in immediately. A small space with wooden crates showcasing rows of bottles line both walls and a stocked fridge takes over the back. It’s simple and clean, with beer front and centre. Over 150 different beers are on offer in this small space, most of which are from craft breweries based in South Africa.
The proprietor of The Bottle Bank is a wealth of information on the various beers and breweries across the country, offering up tips on unique and limited bottles. Tasting events featuring breweries from the region are a frequent occurrence and offer visitors the opportunity to do a deeper dive into a specific brand.
On a somewhat unrelated note, though we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, South African breweries are extremely design forward. Stepping into The Bottle Bank is almost as much an artistic pursuit as it is a zymurgical one.
Grab a few bottles to enjoy on the outside patio or take a few for your personal collection. Regardless, the Bottle Bank is a worthwhile stop for any beer lover’s tour of Cape Town.
LocationV&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South AfricaContributorLauren Barth
