I love Cape Town in summer, but Cape Town in winter is just as good. As winter sets in many of us like to hibernate, leave town or gravitate towards cosy places and things to do. Whether or not it’s to go, eat, stay, do, or see here are some of my favourites in winter for you to do.
Stay: IKhaya Safari Lodge just off the Constantia Nek is a favourite of mine. This small intimate family run lodge, ‘Out of Africa’ is as authentic in atmosphere as it gets. Overlooking the Constantia Glen the views are breath-taking. 
In winter the lounge boasts an enormous fireplace and a wine cellar with the main dining room in open thatch. Kudu and Wildebeest heads adorn the walls with Zebra skins scattered on the wooden floors. Great get away and hide away.
Eat: At Pastis the cuisine is French classic/contemporary. The Plat du jour is always a good option. I love the onion soup, snails, steak tartar, entrecote and the fish cakes. The wines are from in and around the area. 
The atmosphere is relaxed on any given day. In winter you can enjoy a blazing fire while watching rugby in the bar, or a meal in the restaurant with another fire place burning. This is one of my favourite local comfort zones.
Eat: Chapman’s Peak Restaurant is an institute and well known to many, their calamari is famous and the succulent Portuguese steaks are a must, they have a good wine list and traditional white table cloths. 
In winter an atmosphere that is bathed in the warmth of an indoor fireplace. You will not be disappointed but keep in mind you cannot book. This is another one of my local hangouts
Hout Bay Tel:+27 (0) 21 790 1036
Go: To the Harbour Market. It runs all week-end from Friday night through to Sunday evening. Wonderful fresh produce, food stands, homemade cakes, wine, merchandise, arts and crafts,
artisans, music, Creative African objects and so much more. It’s a growing market in Hout Bay and the hippest hangout joint for everyone and anyone who just wants somewhere to go. The Harbour Market is at….
Go: To the Union Bar at The Table Bay Hotel on the ground floor. This is the perfect place for a night cap and cigar after dinner. Cosy and comfortable with wood panelled walls, maps in frames and copper finishings with an overall maritime feel.
Feel at home in an atmosphere that fits the mood at the end of a busy day.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 406 5000
Go: The Wild Fig restaurant/bar on the Valkenburg Estate is only 10 mins from town, the original barn is now the bar. Gluhwein in winter and a roaring log fire is part of this charming historic Cape Dutch house, which sits under a 180 year old fig tree.
The menu is vast with traditional dishes. The roast duck is delicious and the bread and butter pudding a must.
Valkenberg Estate
Mowbray, Cape Town Tel: +27 (0) 21 448 0507