Last week was my dad’s 69th birthday and we celebrated with a good old fashioned lunch at the Chapmans Peak Hotel in Hout Bay (Cape Town, South Africa). This specific hotel is special to us because it was the spot where my Grandfather enjoyed the best Calamari in the country on a regular basis.
He passed away at the age of 90 (almost two years ago) and I guess the tradition has been passed to my dad.
Grandpa with the family at “Chappies” back in 2016
The Chapmans Peak hotel has a long history by South African standards. It was built in the late 19th century and was the first of its kind - a hotel and pub with a beach that came up to its front door. Back then it was called The Beach Hotel. It unfortunately burnt down one evening when a lamp fell over while the manager was counting the nights takings. Luckily it was insured and the hotel was rebuilt in the very early 1900s.
both source Chapmanspeakhotel.co.za
Over the years it has changed hands been modernised with the times with the name changing to The Chapmans Peak Hotel as the famous Chapmans Peak Drive was built along its front door. The current owners run it as a family business and Mr Nobrega, who ran it for many years recently passed away, leaving to his children to continue running.
We have been lucky to live in Hout Bay, the home of the Chapmans Peak Hotel, for the 12 years and enjoys lunches regularly. You really cannot get better Calamari and steaks. The old bar is more lively in the evenings but just as beautiful and well kept as ever with its heavy reclaimed wood bar and beautiful elegant fireplaces that are cosy in winter.
For my Dads birthday we sat out on the newer veranda and dived into the Chook & Calamari combo, Battered Fish and Chips and my dad went all in for Prawns.
Not too many establishments serve the Eton Mess so when you find one you just have to give it a try! This berry, cream and crushed meringue mess is too good to explain in words and disappears far too fast.
One last walk through the beautifully restored hallway through the old front entrance to the original hotel. How gorgeous is this stairwell!!!!
Today you will find crafters selling their wares, that are well made, across the drive to tourists and locals.
It’s been a difficult year for our traders with tourism shut down and boarders closed. Please support them when you pass through.
Now that we have moved from Hout Bay to Kommetjie we took advantage of a quick stroll along the beach feeling nostalgic on our old local beach. Both my kids have grown up and gone to school in this village so it is very special to us.
Kayak Lessons
Life Saving Club
My kids with “Chappies” in the background
There is just so much to offer in Hout Bay from Surf and SUP hire and lessons to free morning beach Yoga, or simple walks on the 2.5km beach. I’ll have to do a separate post on the local harbour and fishing history too.
My folks - dad the old surfer dude
Chapmans Peak up ahead
As always, if you ever make it to our little tip of Africa, then don’t miss the Calamari at Chappies our world class Chapmans Peak Hotel.
#happybirthdaydad
All photos my own unless otherwise stated
