On the magnificent coastal drive from Cape Town to Cape Point is Hout Bay, South Africa and its world-famous Mariner’s Wharf, Africa’s and the Southern Hemisphere’s first harbour front emporium.
Conceptualised and built during the 1980s by Hout Bay’s very own Stanley Dorman, it has continued to grow under his and his family’s watchful eyes.
Its restaurants, shops and markets exude a maritime ambience as is nowhere else to be found, and has become a unique destination where the famous and locals, jetsetters and tourists, rub shoulders with old salts and venerable fishing captains.
On Mariner's Wharf's 21st birthday in 2005, Maritime Southern Africa summed up the experience in a few succinct paragraphs:
It's not just a fish shop; a restaurant, a bistro; an antique, curio or jewellery shop. It's not even a combination of all these - Mariner's Wharf is so much more to Hout Bay and its visitors.
Representing the first waterfront emporium development in Africa, Mariner's Wharf exposes visitors to a culture that's rich in its maritime authenticity. Certainly not ostentatious in its outward appearance, Mariner's Wharf has shunned all the usual trappings of themed waterfront developments where interior designers and clever architects effectively create watered-down versions of the real thing.
At Mariner's Wharf it is all real. From the figurehead that welcomes you to the restaurant upstairs, to the fishing boat and wheelhouse that overlook the fresh fish shop and deli. The antique shop bursting with maritime collectibles and the curio and gift shops both stock marine-related souvenirs. Everything there has a story to tell like so many of the seafarers that have and still do traverse our oceans.
It's not just about things though - it's about the people. Some of the employees date back to the old fishing days and the artisans and shipwrights have been retained to craft and build many of the decor items that now lend a sense of authenticity to the Wharf. From signage to candle holders and other furniture, they're kept as busy as if they were still working on the fishing vessels of the old days.
WHARFSIDE GRILL RESTAURANT
Africa’s very first harbour front emporium
The Wharfside® Grill is regarded as one of Africa’s best seafood restaurants, not only for its authentic harbour side ambience and spectacular bay views, but because of the amazing food it serves - the lobsters, the prawns, fisherman's baskets and innovations like Calaprawnia® and Houtbaisse® have made it famous.
Although seating more than 350 diners when full, privacy does not take second place. There are also six private dining cabins themed to seafaring history and famous ships, such as Queen Mary, Shipwreck, Navy and those of the Union-Castle line, including the actual 8 foot 11 inches model of the Pendennis Castle, their flagship which frequented the Cape.
With many olden-day maritime artifacts surrounding you, you can be forgiven for thinking you are taking a step back in history when entering the Wharfside Grill.
Besides which it’s good to know that Wharfside Grill has been open for over 35 years which few, if any, other local restaurants can claim - and still be pulling in the crowds.
CRAYCLUB BAR
The perfect spot for champagne, oysters and sushi
Upon arrival at the Wharfside Grill restaurant, you will be forgiven for wanting to linger a while to enjoy a drink at the aptly-named Crayclub® bar. Some drinks even come with a handsome souvenir glass to keep.
Here you will be welcomed by sweeping beach vistas, plush leather seating reminiscent of bygone-era seafaring days, complete with wood panelling subtly complementing this well appointed bar. Crayclub bar is superbly decorated with maritime artifacts including portholes, historic sepia photographs, repurposed fire extinguishers and interesting memorabilia from the local fishing industry.
WHARFETTE BISTRO
The Wharfette® Bistro is an extremely popular outlet serving piping-hot alfresco take-outs on wooden benches right on the wharfside. Its speciality is fish and chips, and other choices include grilled lobster, prawns, calamari, snoek, Surfburgers®, Lekkerbekkies® and combos.
Best enjoyed while watching the antics of seagulls on the harbour's edge or as a picnic on the white sands of Hout Bay beach which it overlooks.
36 years of delicious seafood
From day one when the Bistro opened in 1984, it has been hugely successful, with people flocking from near and far for a taste of our acclaimed seafood that so many say is the best in the southern hemisphere.
Next time you’re out for a Sunday drive and craving delicious, fresh seafood, meander to Hout Bay, where waves lap the shore, seagulls squeal with delight and a holiday atmosphere prevails throughout the year.
FRESH FISHMARKET
Built around the hull of the Kingfisher, an original 1940s wooden trawler from the Hout Bay fleet, this is the flagship precinct of the Wharf and purveys fresh fish, live lobsters, oysters, mussels, pates, bokkems, sushi, local and imported seafood. Daily-baked bread, rolls and biscuits are also available at its Bakery, as well as sandwiches.
Only the freshest of products are sold at Fisherman's Wharf® (the official name for its fish market), with fish cleaned, filleted and sold in full view of customers.
Nearby, old barrels and wooden crates display an extensive selection of sauces, condiments, oils and spices, together with cooldrinks, sweets, chips, nuts and nibbles for the drive home.
And, as in olden days, its Smokeries faithfully puff away producing the iconic Cape Coast® and Smokiesnoek® brands of smoked fish. Its Oak-Smoked Snoek recipe has been passed down through three centuries by one generation of the Dorman family to the next.
Check the story on its distinctive box to ensure having purchased the genuine product, as the only other official outlet Cape Coast® products are locally available is at domestic departures, Cape Town Airport.
LIQUOR COVE
The Liquor Cove serves up the best of the Cape’s wines, a full range of spirits, liquors, beers and ciders. Everything you need for the high seas.
SHOPS - MARINER'S CHEST
Hundreds of maritime and seaside curios for sale including captain’s caps, beach gear, shells, hand-made gifts and sea-art curios; plus whacky Republic of Hout Bay passports with a boatload of special offers.
Most items are themed to the Wharf’s harbour side ambience and are memorable keepsakes of a wonderful place.
