Real Spaces: Tamboers Winkel

WORDS: Remy Raitt  PHOTOS: Fay Jackson

Read this article in Afrikaans.

A contemporary country kitchen has recently opened its doors off the top of Kloof Street. You’ve probably heard the buzz about the food but we think Tamboers Winkel’s interior needs a bit of a commotion too.

Above the front door, a sign in gold reads: “Johannes Theobalt Halting van Niekerk: Local purveyor of quality goods”, and on entrance the screed flooring, floor-to-ceiling wooden shelving, and warm exposed lighting makes you realise the quality is not just focused on the food but on every little detail between the walls of the cozy restaurant and deli.

A turquoise wall at the back of the exposed kitchen cheekily contradicts the snug atmosphere the abundance of wood creates in the rest of the shop. But the wood is not all there is to look at. Vintage ornaments and pots of indigenous flowers add to the homely feeling, as does a classic display cabinet filled with ceramic table wear. The kitchen’s handiwork is displayed beautifully on the wall of wooden shelving, which makes shopping from the central table while you enjoy your meal a cinch.

Look up and a truly beautiful lighting arrangement of brass hoops and hanging light bulbs adds a slice of glamour, though not enough to make Tamboers Winkel seem pretentious. Owner Theo van Niekek has struck the balance between decadence and homeliness perfectly, making his store an everyday pleasure.

We chatted to Theo to find out more about his restaurant and deli. 

VISI: How long have you been in business?

Theo: We opened on the 2nd of June 2012 

Was the restaurant’s interior inspired by anything in particular?

I was born in a small Eastern Free State town called Ficksburg. My grandparents had a farm there called ‘Vorentoe’. I spent most of my weekends on the farm and loved their kitchen. I wanted to re-create that warm, friendly and cozy atmosphere.

Did you design the space yourself?

Marcii Goosen and her team helped to create the vision. My good friends Gareth McArthur and Niklaus Lutzeler did the signage and shelving respectively.

In your opinion, what are the key design considerations for a shop space?

I’m no designer but I think that colour is the first thing that you experience when you walk into any space. It needs to be inviting. That is what I aimed for whilst opening Tamboers Winkel; the food is fresh, free range, organic home cooked meals, and therefore the decor had to be inviting.

And lastly, what do you think Cape Town’s title of World Design Capital 2014 will bring to the city?

I feel absolutely blessed being born in South Africa; it is a beautiful country with tremendous talent. Cape Town World design capital will showcase that talent. 

You can find Tamboers Winkel at 3 De Lorentz Street, Gardens