Roeland Street boasts creativity & design, shops & cafe’s…
Seen as the main gateway from the city centre onto De Waal Drive, Roeland Street has been around since Cape Town’s earliest days. Also known as the most valuable of the three red properties in the Monopoly board game, this street has treasures among others and businesses ranging from motor vehicle services to creative graphic art studios.
Roeland Street is situated on the eastern side of town and starts right in front of Parliament where St. John’s Road and Plein Street meet.
The South African flags at the entrance to Parliament greet the locals and fascinate the tourist along with the statue of Louis Botha, a boer war hero during the second world war who became the first Prime Minister to the Union of South Africa.
After crossing Plein Street on your left, a large private parking area named Nieuwmeester Parking holds place for permit holders only.
On the opposite side of the road between St. John’s Road and Hope Street lies St. Mary’s Cathedral built in 1841 and completed in 1851…
There are also some public pay phones on the corner of Hope Street and opposite the public pay phones; the Sunrise Laundrette (021 4623722).
Situated at no.2 Roeland Street is the 12-storey Ruskin House, which gives space to commercial office and residential use. On the ground floor one will find Formula 1 Technologies (021 4617765).
This South African company has over 30 years experience in the Office, Automation, Telecommunication and Information Technology industry. Providing a complete office solution, Formula 1 Technologies work with brands such as hp, Toshiba, Sagem, Duplo, Xerox and Samsung to name a few.
Next door, still at no.2 Roeland Street, The Fitness Factory aka Fitness for Life (076 6466832) offer Karate, Modern Dance, Hip Hop, Yoga, Pilates and Fitness. All trainers are qualified and attend upgrade courses annually. The Carpenter’s Shop (021 4615508), originally founded in 1841 as the School of Industry, is seen at no.14a Roeland Street. This organisation functions as a care centre for the rehabilitation of destitute people.
The Carpenter’s Shop provide food, employment, clothing, accommodation and training in carpentry, panel beating and handicraft skills…
Find Du Plessis Panel Shop (Panel-beating and Spray-painting) and Roeland Service Centre (021 4620003) at no.16 Roeland Street and across the street on the left hand side of Roeland, the businesses unfold starting with Anouk Furniture (082 8564624) at no.37. This little furniture and décor shop is the perfect example of how Cape Town can be described- creative, vintage, modern and unique. Anouk also offers reupholstering and restoration and is open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00/Saturdays 10:00-13:00.
Continuing along the left hand side of Roeland, Perspectives (residential units) tower up into the sky and give residents that beautiful view of Table Mountain in its entirety. Also on this block one will find Pink23 Hair Salon (021 4611067) at no.39 Roeland Street.
Marisa Scholtz, owner of Pink23, left school to follow her dream of becoming a hair stylist. Years later she opened her own hair salon and continues living out her passion today…
Pink23 offers wash, cut, blow dry, colour, toner, highlights, foils, perm, relaxer, straightener, Brazilian Blow-dry and even manicures and pedicures. Make an appointment anytime from Tuesday-Thursday 09:00-18:00/ Fridays 08:00-19:00/Saturdays 08:00-15:00.
On the right hand side of Roeland Street there is a little driveway that leads to no.18, Costume Hire (021 4657026).
Costume Hire exclusively offers their services to the film, commercial and photographic industry…
Along with a 50 000 unique item wardrobe, Costume Hire offers four fitting lounges, stylist offices, production space, free wireless internet and secure parking. Open Monday-Friday 08:30-17:30/Saturdays 09:00-13:00, Costume Hire is also flexible to accommodate fittings and access after hours.
Also down this driveway, hidden from Roeland Street is Allelua “The Best Coffee in Caravan” offering Deluxe Coffee, Kupa Coffee, Food and Crepes.
The front end of no.18 Roeland Street houses The Bookery (021 4614189). The Bookery aka Home of the Equal Education Book Drive, strives to see every school in South Africa serviced with a functional library. This means that every library should be stocked with at least 3 books per learner per school and must be co-ordinated by a trained librarian.
Suitable books are welcomed as donations.
At no.20 Roeland Street, Buck Broadcast (082 5545543/021 4615555) specializes in the design and installation of radio studios, FM broadcast networks and hi-tech media solutions. Sharing no.20 Roeland Street, the following business on the left is Autochamp (021 465 4238). Autochamp specializes in motor vehicle service and repairs, tune-ups, exhausts, shocks, radiators and re-coring.
Next door at no.34 Roeland Street in a big symmetrical brown bricked building one will find Government Motor Transport (021 4674797).
On the left at no.59 Roeland Street, the Cape Persian Carpet House (021 4610034) manufactures, imports and exports genuine handmade Oriental and Persian carpets and Kelims.
Countries where carpets are produced include Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and each certificate of origin is provided…
Osman’s Halaal Take Aways and Indian Cuisine (021 4651198) is situated at no.63 Roeland Street. For Daily Specials one must enquire inside the shop, but their everyday menu includes sandwiches, gatsbys, hot chips, burgers, curries and salads.
Next door at no.65 Roeland Street, Roeland Liquors offer a great beer selection such as…
…Devils Peak, Boston, Triggerfish, Rogue, Brew Dog, Copperlake and many more local and international brands…
No.71 Roeland Street houses the last couple of businesses in its 100-year-old building before reaching Buitenkant Street. Find Blankspace (021 4619031) and The Book Lounge (021 4622424) on the ground floor, with Muti (083 3424131/076 4660330) on the first floor alongside Rozowsky Associates (021 4651934).
Blankspace is a small gallery showcasing limited edition prints, cards, stationary and other collectables. Run by the passionate graphic designer Charlene Walton, Blankspace is a platform for her own work as well as national and international creatives…
Most of the work comes in the form of photographs, quality prints and original pieces. Blankspace also stocks a beautiful range of hand printed gift tags, cards, notes, wrapping paper and ribbons. Open Tuesday-Friday 13:00-18:00/Saturdays 10:00-13:00 by appointment.
The Book Lounge is an independent bookshop that opened back in 2007. This bookshop is one of a kind with many interesting book related events that are hosted in their space and special children’s story time at 11:00 on Saturdays.
Find the warm and relaxing coffee shop and lounge down stairs and enjoy an incredible variety of books in the rest of the store…
Open Monday-Friday 08:30-19:30/Saturdays 09:00-17:00/Sundays 10:00-16:00. The creative studio named Muti, specializes in illustration, typography and design with large clients such as Smirnoff, Cadbury’s, British Airways, FNB and Nando’s just to name a few. Lastly Rozowsky Associates are structural engineering contractors and are all about construction and civil engineering.
The popular corner of Roeland Street and Buitenkant Street gives way to Kimberley Hotel and Back Packers (021 4612160) alongside Barney’s Bistro (021 4612160) at no.48 Roeland Street. The Kimberley Hotel, more known for it’s authentic and typical olden day pub is situated in a building built in 1895 that was once the starting point for horse-drawn carriages leaving the mothercity for Kimberley. Further on, the Kimberley Hotel and Backpackers offers 11 bedrooms, a large sunset balcony and a chance to…
…drink a beer at the same counter where eager diamond diggers ordered their beers more than a hundred years ago…
Barney’s Bistro opens early at 07:00 and offers your typical egg and bacon breakfasts under funny names such as Coal Miners; which offer 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, tomato and toast. This however escalates to Ruby Miners, Diamond Miners, Gold Miners and finally Platinum Miners which would be a plate served with 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, mushrooms, tomato, beef or pork sausage, 100g steak, potato wedges, 2 slices of toast and coffee! The rest of the menu is filled with omelettes, toasted sandwiches, pub lunches, burgers, pizzas, nachos, specials and a great Sunday Lunch. Closing time is around 22:00.
After crossing Buitenkant Street, you will find Bentleytex Carpets (082 3204173) situated on the left hand side of Roeland Street at no.75.
This company was established in 1995 and offer comprehensive in-store carpet selection.
Specializing in commercial flooring, new construction, remodels and insurance claims, Bentleytex Carpets also has several hundreds of samples of carpet, tile and wood flooring for their customers to browse through.
On the opposite corner at no.50 Roeland Street, Characters (021 4610830) does Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and Drinks. With a seating capacity of about 40-60 guests, Characters has it all… including a relaxing bar and some pool tables for those seeking some more action.
Characters also host events such as speed-dating nights, karaoke evenings, DJ evenings and quiz nights…
Open Monday-Sunday 07:00-02:00. Also on the corner of Roeland and Buitenkant Streets in the Temple House one will find R&L Architects (021 4659702).
R&L prides itself in producing good, functional design, aesthetics and quality buildings. Cross Roeland Terrace and walk up to no.56 Roeland Street where you will find LifeLine Counselling (021 4611113). LifeLine offers various services to the community in regard to emotional wellness. Services include a 24 hour telephone counselling service, rape, trauma, HIV/Aids counselling, face to face counselling by appointment, corporate training and counselling as well as training and outreach programmes.
On the left hand side of Roeland Street at no.79, The Blend East City Eatery (021 9273031) has a mini deli and wonderfully blended coffee that includes Deluxe, Origin, Bean There, Kupa and their own strong house blend. The Blend is open Monday-Friday 07:00-16:00/Saturdays 08:00-14:00 and as the owner says,
“aims to be a place where friends, creatives, lovers and workers meet to eat, drink and relax.”
79 on Roeland further has 6 floors of businesses. Eco Design Architects (021 4621614) and JobVine on the first floor. BR Castings Casting Agency (021 4610500), Nigel Deary Creative Director Constultant (082 5677724), Cape Town Media Web Marketing/Design/Development (021 461 6817) and The Rebellion Digital Ad Agency (021 4617180) on the 2nd floor. IBTC Professional Business Education (021 4612203) and Yuri Arcurs Productions Photography on the 3rd floor. Siyelo Software Web Design and Development (021 4612050), Iron Curtain Security (021 4612596), FXI Digital Content Generation/Video Production/Flash Animation/Interactive Marketing (021 6853721), Capacity Holdings (021 4656910), Accommodation Direct, ConeScan and Linea Architectural Dynamics (086 1765897) on the 4th floor. RW Design (021 4616130) on the 5th floor and Graphic Mail Email Marketing (086 0106153) on the 6th floor.
The last business before reaching Harrington Street on the left is Mike Hopkins Motorcycles (021 4615167); agent for Triumph, PGO, Kawasaki and Aeon. Between Harrington and Canterbury Street on your left, stands SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency (021 4624502). SAHRA is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture and is the body responsible to protect South Africa’s cultural heritage.
Crossing Roeland to the right, Vida e Caffe (021 4624641) at no.62 Roeland Street is one of the successful string of coffee shop franchises found throughout South Africa. Striving to capture a European feel and espresso bar culture, Vida e Caffe is a simple and modern take on a quick coffee pit stop.
Vida e Caffe’s mission is to strive to serve the best espresso or espresso-based coffee in the best atmosphere accompanied by the best food on the planet…
Open Monday-Friday 07:00-18:00/Saturdays 07:00-17:00/Sundays, Public Holidays 08:00-17:00.
Also at no.62 Roeland Street, the Cape Town School of Photography (021 4652152) is found on the 4th floor and the 5th, 6th and 7th floors belong to East City Studios (021 4611095). East City Studios offers a white screed floor finish Casting Studio on the 5th floor, Event Studio on the 6th floor and a Day-Light Photographic Studio on the 7th floor. All studios are available on short-term lease for projects and events.
The Cape Town School of Photography offers both full-time and part-time photographic courses and focus on providing quality teaching and learning experiences to all of their students. More businesses on level 3 include Warren Editions Print Making Studio (021 4616070), Platform Architects (021 4611095) and Shanti Cape Town Yoga (084 3589863).
Orms Print Room (086 1666767) is situated at no.66 Roeland Street and specializes in professional fine art printing, décor and business print solutions, customised photo gifts, high res scanning and instagram art. Cross Upper Canterbury Street to find Roeland Square and the businesses on Roeland Street’s side.
Orms Pro Photo Warehouse (021 4653573) is open Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00/Saturdays 08:00-13:00. Classic Trading (021 4659277) is known for offering the finest range of imported taps, tiles, sanware and accessories with international brands such as Hansgrohe, Grohe, Duravit, Catalano and Porcelanosa. Classic Trading offers special service to developers, architects and quantity surveyors and specializes in hotels, exclusive villas, duplexes, retirement villages and hi-rise developments. Open Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:00/Fridays 08:30-17:00/Saturdays 08:30-13:00.
My Camera (086 1111311) was launched in 2009 by GASP Colour Imaging as a low overhead alternative to the traditional retail environment. My Camera stands out from other retailers as offering great service and experienced advice when walking into their store. Expect to find a great variety of digital, instant and video cameras in store. They also offer film, lenses, memory cards, batteries, chargers, flashes, lighting, tripods, camera bags and other accessories. Open Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00/Saturdays 09:00-13:00. Eclipse Print (021 4626522) serves the business community and prints only on paper, board or canvas. Open Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00.
Digicape (021 4646800) is known as South Africa’s largest independent retailer of Apple products…
Stocking the latest Apple products and accessories, Digicape is also the authorised resellers of Adobe software and the Mac software range from Microsoft. Find iMac, iPod, OSX, the latest iLife software, headphones, speakers and complete systems in this store on Roeland Street. Open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:30/Saturdays from 09:00-12:30.
Harries Projects (021 4652233) consist out of a number of respected property practitioners such as engineers, property lawyers, architects and property brokers. Launched in 1980, Harries Projects has developed property in Cape Town and completed over 1500 houses in townships alongside their developments in the industrial, medium rise commercial, office and residential areas.
Kevin Bates & Albert Carpets supply and install interior flooring with a synergy of style and quality. Delivering a high-quality service, their trained sales and installation personnel is sure to get the job done. Expect to find residential and commercial products that include carpets, vinyl, wood and wood lock, natural fibres, access flooring and artificial turf.
On the opposite side of the road across Roeland Square, Fruit&Veg City (021 4620200) is situated between Canterbury and Drury Street. Accompanied by a large parking area, Fruit&Veg City offers good quality fresh produce of all forms.
Alongside the varieties in fruit and vegetables, the company sells fresh milk from a tap, has a juice bar that makes fresh fruit juices, a continental deli, dried fruit and nuts, a bakery and butchery!
Cross Drury Street to no.103 Roeland Street and find Harold Cressy High School (021 4613810) with sports fields and school buildings and situated on the right hand side of Roeland Street at no.72, the Western Cape Archives and Records (021 4830400).
Originally the site where the old Roeland Street Prison used to operate, this building was constructed for the Cape Town Archives Repository that moved into the new building in 1990. Open Monday-Friday 08:00-16:00/Reading room on Thursdays until 19:00/First Saturday of each month 09:00-13:00. Access to the archives is free and after signing a register one can view archives in the reading room.
The records involve maps, photographs, microfilms, books, pamphlets and official publications. The holdings consist of 33 thousand metres of archives and date back as far as 1651…
Crossing McKenzie Street, the Zonnebloem ENGEN Service Station (021 4611107) is situated on the left and on the right at no.78 Roeland Street, find Viglietti Motors (021 464 3560). In 1993 Viglietti Motors became the official importer of Lancia and Ferrari in the Western Cape and 16 years later the official importer and agent for Sub Saharan Africa. The Ferrari and Maserati showroom on Roeland Street was opened in 1998 and is open Monday-Friday 07:30-17:00/Saturdays 09:00-13:00. The following street named De Villiers only breaks out to the left taking one to CPUT.
On the corner at no.115 Roeland Street, find Buying Service (021 4611107) and Roark Gyms (073 7012304/083 3213707). Roark Gyms was started in 2012 with the goal of creating a strategic training venue in Cape Town. Roark Gyms focus on helping members reach their goals and pushing through their own perceived limits. Using a series of strength and intensity workouts, Roark Gyms believe that all a member is required to have comes down to commitment, hard work, integrity and discipline.
At no.117 Roeland Street, The Greek Merchant (021 4624146) is the largest official music merchandise company in South Africa. Offering apparel manufacturing, warehousing and distribution and retailing merchandise online. Also at no.117, Camera Stuff (021 2001334) sells anything from camera infrared remote controls to round Marumi polarising filters, flash gels and tripod rings to eye cups and viewfinders. Breaking up their goods into either Studio stuff, Computer stuff or Camera Stuff, one is sure to find anything required in this field. Open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00/Saturdays 09:00-13:00. Across the street on the right is also the administration and research hub of the Faculty of Informatics and Design (021 4691000) and is also part of CPUT.
The last business on the left before attempting De Waal Drive at no.121 Roeland Street is Stor-Age Self Storage (0861181818). Offering highly secure, DIY self-storage units for commercial and domestic clients, Stor-Age can also provide storage boxes, padlocks, bubble wrap, tape, packaging, free van service and insurance. Finally, when you cross Roeland Street and Brandweer Street on the right, you will find Roeland Street Fire Station (021 4651033) with the magnificent Table Mountain behind her.
Other great companies that very good at delivery services and courier services woudl be I am courier. Based out of Cape Town, this company is amazing with it’s great service and quick deliveries. For more information go to http://www.iamcourier.com/page/cape-town-delivery-services
Content: Ed Beukes