by Heidi Olivier
Three things are fundamentally true if you're a human being on this planet: we all need to work, we all need to eat, and we all like to have a little fun on occasion. Shopping malls are technically the solution to this trifecta, but we're here to give you a little tour of a spot that's significantly more interesting. If you haven't been to 44 Stanley, you've been missing out! From fashion to food, art to adventure, and vinyl to vintage, everyone’s tastes are catered for.
The Taste Tour
First...Coffee
If, like us, you consider coffee a major food group, then Bean There Coffee Company is the first stop on your 44 Stanley visit. This is South Africa's first roaster of Certified Fairtrade, Organic African coffee. The space is gorgeous; it's open, airy, and bright, with a dedicated meeting room that's perfect if you need to get some work done. We loved it here!
Where do we even begin with this one? The minimalistic Japanese décor, the hand-selected coffee beans, and the artisan pastries bring all the simple pleasures in life together at Kōhī by IFUKU.
Scrumptious Plates
In the mood for some French cuisine while watching people wandering around? The quirky and charming French-inspired café, Saint Germain, has nailed the art of turning simple and delicious meals into something moreish and elaborate. Roast beef baguettes, Niçcoise salad, and filled croissants are where it’s happening. Heads up: their espresso packs a serious punch!
North Italian dishes with a hint of France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can be found at La Pergola. Vegan and plenty of vegetarian options are available, as well as a number of mocktails. This space has all the charm of a European bistro, and somehow manages to feel both comforting and fancy at the same time.
Something Sweet
Afters Treats & Eats is where the afternoon decadence lies. (And the morning decadence. And the evening decadence. We're big on being honest here.) Their home-baked cakes, desserts, and fresh pastries throw all sense of self-restraint right out the window.
Salted caramel brownies ooze golden deliciousness that words can't quite describe, and there are interesting toasties and paninis to munch on if you're after something savoury. Don't forget to grab a loyalty card on your way out. You're going to need it.
Forest Gelato make their own gelato, sorbet, and frozen treats from scratch. Their creations are so freshly made that even the herbs are grown in their own gardens. It's impossible to dislike gelato, and even more so when you get to watch someone churning it in front of you.
Not a food, but it certainly complements the abovementioned restaurants, so we're putting it here. Vinosity is a wine merchant that stocks some of the greatest wines and bubblies from producers across the country. You’re likely to leave with a bottle or two…or three.
Let's Talk Fashion
Because there's nothing worse than arriving somewhere and realising everyone's dressed the same.
Fields is a modern menswear brand that combines modern chic for work with outdoor physicality. The clothing is made from natural fibres and is biodegradable, durable, and recyclable.
In contrast to Fields, we have Guillotine by Lisa Jaffe. Known for timeless designs using luxurious fabrics, this fashion line is made for women with all body types.
Gone Outdoor is the exclusive stockist of Patagonia in South Africa. The Patagonia brand has always been involved in environmental activism. Their men’s and women’s clothing brings the outdoors to the adventure enthusiasts with a passion for nature.
If you’re into everything denim, and we do mean everything, then Ifuku is your shop. The style is bold, versatile, timeless and confident.
The mother and daughter duo of Me&B recognised a need for local fashion that was true to the essence of South African women. What does that mean, you wonder? You'll need to pay them a visit to find out. If you're looking for trendy, size-inclusive fashion, make your way to Me&B.
Vibrant colours, high-end accessories, and leather goods showcase the talent of both emerging creators and established designers at Yä-dé. Even the outside walls are spectacular, so you can imagine what the actual wares are like!
Out with the adult fashion info and in with the kids. Nunukids is all about confidence, comfort, and colour. The clothes are quick and easy to get on (which you know is a big deal if you've ever tried to dress a young child), and once on, there's enough room to move in, even for the wiggliest of kids.
Creative Currents
44 Stanley boasts some exceptional talent. Here are a few mentions that will tickle your fancy.
Ad studio presents the work of Arthur Dlamini, celebrated for his portraiture photography and fine art. His images, steeped in raw human emotion, make you reflect on your own emotions. Have a chat with Arthur himself; he's every bit as interesting as his creations. You'll also find works from other artists at the studio!
A small selection of adult and children’s books and a framing studio specialising in archival framing make The Atelier a rare find. There's an opportunity to educate and entertain your kids here, too; bring them along to see how the antique printing press works.
If we told you that there's a place where, instead of ordering food, you order an art experience, would you believe us? Well, you should; it’s called Artwave. Try out knitting, painting, ceramics, making friendship bracelets, and more.
Last, but certainly not least, we've got Storm Ceramics. Known as ‘the little store on the corner’, Storm Ceramics is full of African crafts, jewellery, baskets, and of course, ceramics. 30 minutes in here and you'll have all you need to turn your home into something straight out of Pinterest.
Lost Treasures
Technology seems to have taken away much of what ‘those of us of a certain age’ grew up with. 44 Stanley is restoring that, one eclectic shopfront at a time. Linger for as long as you need to in these nostalgic magic places.
Mr Vinyl – old school record store.
Looking for books? Here's where you will find peace between the pages: L’Elephant Terrible, Pulp Paperworks, Drum Archive Shop.
A unique twist on dinner and a movie: The Bioscope. Not sure what to expect here? Read our article for the inside scoop here.
We've done our best to highlight establishments at 44 Stanley that we reckon will tickle your fancy, but this list is by no means exhaustive! There’s so much more to explore, and it seems like there's something new to do, eat, or buy there almost every week. Do yourself a favour. Take a stroll. Shop. Stop for coffee and a bite to eat. You never know what treasures await you.
