The central Cape Peninsula suburbs have long been recognized as ideal places to invest in residential property. Well-established schools with good academic results, close proximity to the city and a high standard of design throughout the residential areas have ensured that for over half a century Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont, Kenilworth and Bishopscourt have been highly sought after.
More recently, says Tony O’Brien, Manager of the Rawson Property Group’s Commercial and Industrial Portfolio, these suburbs have gained a reputation as gourmet food destinations.
“We have found that when letting out space in any of these suburbs, in addition to the usual demand for office accommodation, there is a growing call for premises that can be used as delicatessens, bakeries, butcheries or restaurants – and the best example of this, I believe, is Cardiff Castle, situated on the corners of Main Street and Kildare Road in Newlands.
“This building has traditionally always had one good restaurant in it. Today it has four, including: Barristers Grill Room, Melissa’s, Cassis Paris Patisserie - and the latest gourmet food provider to sign on for space in the building is Christo Bornman’s The Sushi Box which prepares and sells an extensive range of sushi dishes in its small restaurant and through its take-away outlet.”
According to O’Brien, Bornman has signed for five years and has taken 44 m2 at the back of Cardiff Castle. To this, at his request, the Rawson Property Group have added a 40 m2 wooden deck where alfresco meals are served.
“The demand for sushi throughout this area,” says O’Brien, “has surprised even the most sceptical among us, including myself. Christo Bornman now employs three chefs and stays open until 8 p.m. every night. The standard of sushi is exceptionally high, with the result that Christo has already built up a regular clientele who order from him once or twice a week.”
“A particularly satisfying aspect of the new lease,” says O’Brien, “is that it has enabled the Rawson Property Group to transform an unused side alley into a semi-secluded retreat where meals can be enjoyed in peace and quiet, amidst decorative surroundings.”
“Our tenants have helped us to make this building one of the most popular dining venues in Cape Town. On any Friday or Saturday evening you are quite likely to find anything up to 300 people visiting us here.”
