It’s Friday and we drop off the kids and head out for date night. It’s becoming a regular occurrence which is AWESOME! We get to have adult talk without teenagers butting in knowing EVERYTHING!!! Why do teenagers think they know it all?
Anyway, we talked about a couple places and then decided on Barstaurant. The old Glencairn Hotel got a lovely makeover and a new name and menu and I think I love it!
We arrived just before the light completely disappeared behind the mountains and I managed to take a couple photos.
Source hotelGlencairn.co.za
The original Hotel Glencairn was built in 1904 by a local South African Architect but was used as a private residence before it actual started taking guests. The hotel is nestled in the Glencairn valley situated neatly between Fishoek and Simon’s Town on the coast of False Bay on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa.
A friend had told us about the renovation of the old building and we were excited to see what had transpired. The extended and enclosed patio added a huge frontage to the building and gives more visitors the opportunity to admire the view of the wetlands and the ocean beyond the beach.
This little valley, although the slopes are now completely residential, still has that small town feel with very little else here other than the beach and mountains. You have to drive to the mall near Simon’s Town or into Fishoek to do a reasonable grocery shop.
So this investment into the remodel of the old place is now a real draw to the area. They’ve done a brilliant job meshing the old architectural finishes with the new patio area. Say hi!
I took a little stroll through the old section before our meal arrived - I think my husband’s getting used to me leaving him alone for a few minutes every time we visit a new restaurant.
First up was the stylish sports bar area with a couple locals watching the game. It was far larger than it looked from the outside. The room extended the full depth of the building to the fireplace on the back wall and booth seats along the left wall leading to the back.
Next was the sitting beautiful sitting room with its own fireplace. I’m so keen to sit here in winter with a coffee and good piece of cake while I read a book.
This are backs onto the Sushi Bar where you can also sit and enjoy your meal at the bar or grab a table. There seems to be loads of options.
The next area looked like the old dining room and my favourite part was the large oval table by the window. This section led to a door out back to a massive courtyard with a whole lot more table and a kids play area. I can imagine they will get busy mid Summer, but after opening 1 December 2020 during the pandemic and zero tourism, they will need to make it through Winter before they get that opportunity.
I pass the original wooden staircase as I head back to the patio and my waiting husband. I am completely obsessed with the mix of old and new and how they’ve blended it so beautifully, maintaining the charm of the old building, but celebrating the new extension so well!
Just as I take my seat my pizza arrives. Hallelujah!!! I’m starving and I couldn’t wait to dig into my vegan Roast Vegetable (no cheese) Pizza. I’m no vegan, but it just looked so tasty! They have a bit of everything on the menu including grills, sushi, breakfast and a vegan section.
Funnily all our conversation was around hive and crypto and how hysterical it is that it’s me getting us into crypto and not my husband the information security specialist. He finds it all quite intriguing and is giving me the space to explore this community.
We needed to waste a little more time before fetching the kids so we ordered a decaf coffee.
I’ve come to really like it when restaurants use an interesting coffee cup rather than the same old small white thing that holds very little. These guys got me hook line and sinker with this gorgeous beauty.
Time to head back to our own valley and village over the mountain, only a 10 minute drive (we should really visit more often). It looks even more special lit up in the evening.
I would highly recommend Barstaurant (I don’t know how they got their name but someone had a sense of humour). Their staff were efficient and attentive enough without being annoying (yes I’m one of those people who don’t like being left waiting ages to order, but also hate being interrupted all the time - great waiters know that balancing act well).
The food came out reasonably quickly after we had ordered and was decently presented; everything was spotless and encouraged a relaxed environment.
Our final view as we got into the car was the almost full moon hiding behind the clouds and reflecting on the water in the bay. The still night was perfect.
If you happen to make it to Cape Town then add Barstaurant to the list of places to eat / drink / hang out. Ooo us a message and we will join you! I’m definitely up for another roast veg no cheese pizza (as long as go for a decent hike the next day - we can do it all!)
Next time I’m having dessert! Who’s going to join me?
