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Our Guide to Old Biscuit Mill with Art and Other Delights
Sometimes I take a little escape from the city to go on a trip to the market and take in the sights and the crowd—not just any market but a bustling hub of artisan enterprises and gastronomic experiences in one convenient place.
I’m talking about the Old Biscuit Mill! With vibrant signages and nicely decorated outdoor stalls, it’s the place to be for artistic pursuits and foodie adventures. Here’s what you should check out there.
Things to Know
Address: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/
Phone: 021 447 8194
Background
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Before it was this vibrant market, the Old Biscuit Mill was the biscuit mill for the Pyott’s biscuit company. It was founded by John Pyott in the 1900s and continued its operation until 1946.
Fast forward to 2006 when two entrepreneurs, Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro, opened its doors again as a hub for artists and chefs to serve Cape Town citizens.
It has grown and attracted budding artists and celebrated restaurants, like the Pot Luck Club.
How to Get to Old Biscuit Mill
By Bus: Take the #261 bus, and it will stop just outside of the Mill.
By Car: There’s a dedicated parking space for visitors on most days.
On Saturdays and Sundays, however, when the Neighbourgoods Market takes over the parking space, there’s secured parking available in the College of Cape Town in front of the Mill. Note that there’s a ZAR 10 fee for all-day parking.
What to Do
Check out the Neighbourgoods Market
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Operating hours:
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10: 00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you want to browse artisan crafts that range from crockery to outfits, then the Neighbourgoods Market is your stop. Besides artisan goods, there’s live music, good food, and outdoor seating.
The best part about this weekend getaway? I don’t have to leave Wasabi (my beloved Shiba Inu) alone. The market is open to your fur babies, but they have to be on a leash.
Admire artworks at the Hamilton Gallery
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Website: https://www.hamiltongallery.co.za/
Contact info: 073 888 9366
Operating hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Explore stunning art made by emerging and popular artists in Hamilton Gallery. With its cozy lighting and a stunning array of art that ranges from paintings to photographs, Hamilton Gallery is a place every art-lover should visit.
You don’t even have to be an avant-garde to enjoy this place. I had the time of my life making my own interpretations of their artworks!
Where to Eat
The Pot Luck Club
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Website: www.thepotluckclub.co.za
Contact info: +27 21 447 1398
Operating hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Award-winning chef Luke Dale-Roberts started The Pot Luck Club as a haven for foodies to enjoy his delicious fusion dishes. With its warm and cozy interior and friendly staff, the restaurant has become one of Old Biscuit Mill’s popular establishments.
I went there once with a few buddies to see what the hype was about and ordered their Masa Taco dish, which is filled with lamb shank curry goodness. The taco was smokey with a playful taste of spiciness that was highlighted by the refreshing taste of mint salsa.
| Tip: You need to make a booking on their website or email to reserve a table for your group. You have to shell out ZAR 350 per person within 24 hours of the provisional booking. For bookings of 5 or more people, the restaurant requires you to put in a deposit of ZAR 500 per person. |
The Test Kitchen Fledgelings
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Website: https://ttkfledgelings.co.za/
Contact info: 021 447 2337
Operating hours:
Monday to Saturday:
- Dinner: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday:
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Test Kitchen Fledgelings, also known as the TTK Fledgelings, is more than just a restaurant. It’s also a training ground for budding chefs with no formal training. It’s one of the busiest restaurants here!
I went there with my sister a while back, and I ordered their TTK Wagyu Burger while she had the pork belly. My burger was juicy and well-seasoned with pepper, while my sister’s dish had a hint of sweetness from the coconut and savory decadence from the butternut sauce!
| Tip: This restaurant also requires you to book a reservation. You have to put in a deposit of ZAR 350 within 24 hours of the provisional booking period. For bookings of 8 or more people, you’re required to deposit a ZAR 550 per person. |
Redemption Burgers
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Contact info: 079 476 3648
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you want something less fancy and more (yummy) grease, Redemption Burgers might be your food stop in Old Biscuit Mill. They source their ingredients and craft beers from local artisans to showcase the flavors of Cape Town.
My go-to is their El Borracho Mexicano combo, which comes with a burger, fries, and a cold beer. Their jalapeño mayo adds a punch to their savory and smokey patty. The fries are also crispy and well-seasoned!
| Tip: For dinner reservations and evening events, you can contact them for bookings. |
Where to Shop
Influhks
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Website: www.influhks.com
Contact info: 021 422 0436
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Influhks is more than a shop that serves colorful (and daresay the drippiest fits) in Old Biscuit Mill, as they’re also a platform for budding artists to show off their artworks. Their outfits mostly portray youth culture in the form of stylish garments and unique designs.
They also have live music to hype up their newest merch drops. Not only can you buy their iconic shirts in their store, but you also get to meet art enthusiasts and enjoy local beats.
The Silk Lady
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Website: https://thesilklady.com/
Contact info: +27 83 443 2254
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you’re looking for the comfiest silk outfits and goods in Old Biscuit Mill, The Silk Lady is your place to be. Most of their silk products, ranging from sleepwear to scrunchies, are made of mulberry silk and are hypoallergenic—perfect for sensitive skin!
I bought one of their silk pillowcases before, and it has treated my hair kindly for all these months I’ve used it. I’m excited to try their eye masks and pajamas!
Botanica Jewellery
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Website: www.botanicajewellery.com
Contact info: [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Looking for trinkets that are handmade and inspired by Cape Town flora and fauna? You absolutely need to visit Botanica Jewellery to find your newest favorite accessory. They have a wide selection of earrings, necklaces, and rings available in different stones and metals.
If you want something more unique, they also offer customization services to create the accessory that truly represents you. They have helpful staff ready in their Old Biscuit Mill store to provide assistance and recommendations that fit your personal style.
