Too late, too late was the cry!

The Jones's have long gone by

Table Mountain view 2010 ... the new World Cup stadium is by the water's edge. To the right is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

But it is still a superb city

SORRY, folks, but here’s the bad news. Mr and Mrs Jones, they who must be kept up with, have seen it, done and bought the Cape Town T-shirts. And they have also sent the T-shirts to the charity shop.

So forget about trying to impress your neighbours by name-dropping South Africa’s second-city. Ten years ago, even five, perhaps.

But now BA claim they alone will be sending 16,000 passengers a week there by the middle of January, providing, of course, that Heathrow remains open.

And if you add the other major players who also carry British passengers … such as South African Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates and Qatar … then you will not be walking alone on Table Mountain.

But the good news is that Cape Town remains one of the world’s great cities. So just enjoy it for its own sake and forget the projectors and laser pointers when you return to the UK.

Here are just a few snapshots and suggestions you may already have seen or are perhaps thinking of visiting.

The things you have to do

 Do please check both the weather and summit conditions before planning your ascent of the city's No 1 showpiece ... Table Mountain. It may look crystal clear from your hotel but the cars will not run if it is windy. And they can also stop if heavy cloud suddenly envelops the top ... not the wispy tablecloth but a thick mist.

Going up ... and coming down

And what you see at the top

Ferrymans ... a pub for all sporting seasons and reasons

If you’re looking for a chic or boutique-style or ultra bar with minimalist décor and furniture, high in style and price then walk on by when you reach the Ferrymans.

However, if you want a colourful, lively, friendly, traditional establishment with good service, good food and low bar prices, then this is one of Cape Town’s very best pubs.

 Ferrymans opened in 1989 but its retro design make it appear much older. It was the first tenant of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. It is still run by the original owner and the result has been a consistent level of fare and service.

And at prices which will definitely not make your eyes water.

 Over the years, it has established a loyal following of regulars, both from Cape Town and further afield. It is revered by many visitors from the UK and Ireland who make it one of their first ports of call when they return to the city.

This is particularly evident on big sporting match days when the pub is full ... whether it is rugby, soccer or cricket. And there is live music at the weekend.

Telephone: +27 (0)21 419 7748

Fax: +27 (0)21 421 4463
Email: info@ferrymans.co.za
Address: P O Box 50286 Waterfront, 8002, Cape Town

Please visit: www.ferrymans.co.za

Inside or outside ... the Ferrymans is a welcoming sight. There is an excellent view of Table Mountain from the beer garden

He's got a lotta bottle!

Eau portable ... a water carrier in Somerset Road


What's up at the Junction?

No, not dead ... just resting. Workmen take a break at Victoria Junction