Paternoster.

Die Winkel op Paternoster.

This is the first entry in Foodie Places to Stay. In this section it’s all about visiting places that are a managable distance from Cape Town that will make for a good weekend away and, of course, have plenty of opportunities for good eating and drinking.    

Paternoster is our first destination. Under a two hour drive from Cape Town, Paternoster started life as a fishing village. White painted fishermen’s houses, a long rolling beach and Capetonians escaping for the weekend to their newly built holiday homes is what this place is all about. Add to that a splash of authentic local life with fishermen returning to the beach in their colourful boats, urchins on the side of the road flogging crayfish and you have a characterful place that will entertain a family and kids for a weekend or longer.    

Driving into the village you come across a small village shop, Die Winkel op Paternoster, a former whaling station. It’s now sells an abundance of deli treats and general haberdashery.    

Paternoster is bursting with B&B’s, self catering rentals and houses to let.    

Here are my three recommendations for staying in the village. A general tip is not to stay near the carpark above the beach as this   

Deli delights in Die Winkel

can be a bit noisy at night.   

1. Oystercatcher’s Haven.022 752 2193   

An idyllic location far from the maddening crowds. Check it out on www.oystercatchershaven.com. This place can be loosely described as an upmarket B&B.   

2. AH! Guest house. 082 464 5898   

On Mosselbank Street, this establishment is run by Arnold Hoon, a chef, and his partner, and actress Annalise Bosch. Word has it that Arnold is a mean cook, and that guests get to share one big table at night. These evenings are called Long Table Evenings. Sounds like fun.   

3. Hocus Pocus, 022 752 2660   

Hocus Pocus is a self catering option and is simple and quirky. A white washed, semi detatched beach cottage.They even allow you to bring your pet (4 legged ones, I mean).