Tucked against the shoulder of Table Mountain, with Victorian townhouses jostling for space amongst a variety of old and new industrial and commercial architecture, Woodstock’s sloping streets are nothing if not filled with character. A recent explosion of interest in the area, however, has added a new element to this already diverse neighbourhood, and it’s got Cape Town’s foodies more than a little excited.
Gilfillan attributes these positive changes largely to the rejuvenation of the Old Biscuit Mill on Albert Road, which triggered Woodstock’s hipster makeover with the launch of the ever popular Neighbourgoods Market just a few years ago. These days, the mill is home to a variety of workshops, studios, boutiques, offices, and even an artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate factory.
It also houses South Africa’s most famous fine dining restaurant and number 28 in The S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants of 2015 – Chef Luke Dale Robert’s flagship enterprise, The Test Kitchen. “The Test Kitchen is one of those once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences,” says Gilfillan, “and it shows in their reservation books – they’re taking names six months to a year in advance these days!”
The Test Kitchen’s sister restaurant, The Pot Luck Club, is also housed at the Old Biscuit Mill, and reservations are equally hard to come by for this tapas-style eatery. Luckily, for those of us who aren’t likely to plan next year’s meals today, there are also plenty of less sought-after – but no less delicious – food options nearby. These include Burrata, Shout and Redemption Real Burgers, also at the Old Biscuit Mill, as well as the Cinta Food Market and Café within easy walking distance.
The rest of Woodstock is no less heavily populated by restaurants, from chic lunch spots like Superette and The Kitchen, to the uniquely South African aMadoda Braai (where the “who’s who meat”). The suburb has become a veritable haven for the gastronomically-inclined, which, in combination with its CBD-adjacent location and multitude of trendy businesses, has also made it an increasingly popular place to live.
“The Woodstock property market is very active right now,” says Gilfillan, “and stock just isn’t keeping up with demand. We’re seeing realistically-priced properties moving exceedingly quick, both in the traditionally popular Upper Roodebloem Road area and the previously less sought-after Lower Woodstock region.”
According to Gilfillan, properties in the Upper Roodebloem area sell for up to R4.5 million these days, depending on size, features, views and security – an element that remains very important to buyers in Woodstock. Apartments lower down in the suburb, however, start at around R900 000 – great value considering the neighbourhood’s proximity to the city and the vibrant local lifestyle.
“The area between the Old Biscuit Mill and the Woodstock Exchange is really trending right now,” Gilfillan points out, “but we’re seeing excellent growth across the board – often from 12% to 15% per annum. The best spots do tend to coincide with pockets of fashionable eateries,” he admits. “Great food and great atmosphere have become a big part of the Woodstock experience.”
If you’re looking to get in on the action with a property of your own, Gilfillan’s advice is to do plenty of research and educate yourself on the market before you jump in. “You need to be able to make good decisions quickly,” he says, “or you’ll lose out to a foodie who was faster than you!”
For more information on properties in Woodstock, you can contact Craig Gilfillan at the Rawson Property Group’s Observatory franchise on 021 447 9890, or find him enjoying a bite to eat at his personal favourite Woodstock eatery.
