Surfing the trend wave

WORDS Claire Jowell PHOTOS Fay Jackson


Lees in Afrikaans.

Food, fashion and art meet at Latitude 33, Cape Town’s latest inner-city hotspot where trendy and tasty are key. VISI loved the photos of this multifunctional surfer-style hangout and sent Claire Jowell to check it out.

“Bali, bintang and surf! Known to all living the surf lifestyle as a good time. This is what brought about the concept of Latitude 33.”

So declare Charles Post, chef Gareth Walford and British portrait artist Olivia Franklin, the co-owners of Latitude 33, which is basically an über cool crossing between an art gallery, clothing store and restaurant.

The spacious, bright space at the top end of Bree Street has been stylishly decorated with a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can chill on large leather couches or work, and with the restaurant downstairs and the shop cum gallery upstairs visitors can fit in a bit of art, shopping, coffee and lunch all under one roof.

After working as a fine – dining chef in Johannesburg for many years, Gareth dreamt of running his own place. Conveniently, so did his buddy Charles. The two took the plunge and move to Cape Town to open a restaurant with Charles’ girlfriend, Olivia. 

The surfing theme runs throughout the space with various relics from their travels as well as pieces by local designers bedecking the walls and surfaces. Several boards, shaped and styled by Glen Row of Explocean Surf Boards, are propped up against the walls to create a rather nonchalant “just been surfing” feel.

The upstairs section houses the shop, where Olivia stocks mostly Australian surfing brands, available exclusively at Latitude 33. Her portraits decorate the walls, and there is a couch and pouffe section to read a book (or a VISI magazine) with your coffee (from Truth.coffeecult, of course).

Petra Vonk Design was commissioned to design the interior of the shop. The main feature, which is also a big talking point, is the bar’s “Giant Wood Wave ceiling” with a complete back wall unit and front deli counter. Konstruct Exhibitions handled the manufacturing and installation of the “wave” in original shutter ply sheets, which fit the bright and airy atmosphere of the restaurant perfectly. 

When questioned about Latitude 33’s signature dish, Gareth who worked as chef at the Saxon and Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg, was undecided. “We’re trying a bit of everything right now, serving bistro-style food and incorporating elements from our travels, but the Asian pork belly sandwich and burgers are big hits.” 

Latitude 33 joins the ranks of several new galleries, shops and “be-seen-ats” that have popped up along Bree Street, which is fast becoming a hub for fashion, design and networking in the Mother City. A prime example of inner-city rejuvenation, this street has its own blog, Facebook page and Twitter group, and you can be sure to find something “happening” hanging around Bree, be it day or night.

More on Latitude 33 at  www.lat33.co.za

Keep abreast of the burgeoning scene on Bree Street on its blog, www.breestreet.co.za, or like BreeStreetCapeTown on Facebook and follow @Bree_Street on Twitter.