The First Life Grand Cafe In The Mother City Is A Striking Blend Of Contemporary Cool And Classic Cape Style, All Wrapped Up In One Of The V&A Waterfront’s Loveliest Heritage Buildings.
When visiting the V&A Waterfront, it can be easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a working harbour. Whether you’re window-shopping in the mall or negotiating groups of tourists, glimpses of the boats that throng the water’s edge can be few and far between. Happily, this is not the case at the new Life Grand Cafe, which occupies one of the oldest buildings in the harbour and, from its pierside location, also enjoys panoramic views.
Life Group of Companies founder Maira Koutsoudakis says, ‘We identified this gem four years ago and instinctively knew that it would be the ideal home for us. Situated on an arterial flow between the heaving V&A Waterfront and the new, edgy Silo district, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the Robben Island departure point, the heritage building dates back to 1902 and offers guests unparalleled natural and architectural beauty.’
You may find it difficult to notice the world-famous views, however, because the interior design of this new venue is likely to demand your attention. From the pretty entrance courtyard, you step into a refined reception area and wine cellar. This space in turn opens up to the light Conservatory where Life’s signature ‘theatre bars’ – Salad, Crudo, Forno, Coffee and Cocktail – are clad in patterned marble slabs with brass details.
This story is from the April 2017 edition of House and Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2017 edition of House and Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
At The Breakfast Table With Jonty Rhodes And Family
Recently renovated, the historic Cape Town home of Jonty and Melanie Rhodes is an adaptable base for an active, clean-eating clan of six
LUNCH IN THE GARDEN with siblings Bronwyn and Jonathan Cane
Alfresco gatherings are the order of the day at this updated century-old semi – the home of a design-centric sister and brother in Brixton, Joburg
IN THE KITCHEN with Karen Dudley and family
For Karen Dudley, food informs the family dynamic and her home is as multilayered and as delicious a delight as her colourful personality and cooking style
THE TRADITIONAL KITCHEN
The perfect piece to pull together a country-style kitchen is a beautiful wooden table that will age with time and hold its place in the memories made around it.
IN THE FRAME
'The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.’
DRINKS AT THE TABLE with David Cope and Donné Bullivant
A dream kitchen renovation meant wine lovers Dave Cope and Donné Bullivant could finally settle down in their wondrously moody City Bowl apartment
THE MODULAR KITCHEN
DECOR TIP Modular elements like these USM Haller systems are a great way to create interesting, non-permanent storage that can be customised to your needs.
SUPPER IN THE BARN with the Thatenhorst family
Munich-based interior designer Stephanie Thatenhorst transformed the barn at her parents’ farm in Bavaria into an eclectic family retreat
BREAKING BREAD
The pendulum has swung back for this nutritious, crusty staple of flour, yeast, water and time – the much-beloved artisanal loaf
SNACKS ON THE TERRACE with sisters Vicky Crease and Maira Koutsoudakis
The traditional Cycladic home of dynamic sisters Vicky Crease and Maira Koutsoudakis on the island of Serifos is a reminder of what it means to be a part of a close-knit family