Cape Town - Markets are a great weekend activity and the vast number we have to choose from these days attests to their popularity. Lourensford Market in Somerset West is particularly good, with plenty on offer to keep you busy the whole day.
Sexy Deborah and I went out there one Saturday – it’s now back to Sundays only and certain Fridays when there’s an evening market – and we had a wonderful time.
The stalls are all under a permanent structure which surrounds a piazza in a U-shape.
Here you can sit at tables under umbrellas (and very welcome spray misters on hot days) or, if you’re lucky, a plump couch with cushions.
We got the afternoon off to a fine start by cracking open a bottle of the farm’s pink MCC chilling in an ice bucket.
Before we even had a chance to explore all the food options, Ghenwa Steingaszner from Ghenwa’s Lebanese Cooking Club arrived at our table with plates of goodies she had selected for us. Her food is as gorgeous and generous as is she.
She spoilt us for the rest of the vendors, but we weren’t in any hurry so we picked a little bit here, a little bit there, and also bought lots of things to take home.
We snacked on freshly shucked oysters and big fat juicy German sausage and took with us chocolate cheesecake, honey and delicious carb-free lasagna, brownies and carrot cupcakes.
We also got our faces and parts of our bodies painted in pretty colours and glitter – a free service and not just for children.
I bought some beautiful jewellery from Forever Love and Romeo Foxtrot and was mightily pleased with my purchases, as well as that I successfully used Snapscan for the first time.
Other vendors sell clothing, books and art and the food and drinks range from bakes to burgers as well as coffee, craft beer, pizzas, and fresh produce.
Stallholders were friendly, engaging and keen to chat. We enjoyed the live music by Gerry Liberty. Musicians on rotation include Dave Ferguson, Chris Rain, Gian Groen and Jesse Jordan.
Dogs are welcome and there are lots of children’s activities and entertainment from jumping castles, sand art and free face painting to trail runs and sports coaching.
All in all, a fabulous day and I can happily recommend it.
l The market takes place every Sunday from 10am till 3pm, and on selected Fridays – the next Friday Twilight Market is this coming Friday from 4 till 9pm – at Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West. For more information, contact Vanessa Lampton on 072 284 1654, email [email protected] or see www.lfhm.co.za.
Weekend Argus