About 15km east of Cape Town’s city centre lies a hidden gem of a neighbourhood that thrives as a hub of creativity and culture.
Salt River’s role as the City’s industrial epicentre has left a lasting legacy that resonates with many manufacturing operations today, including breweries.
Also read: Triple sip delight: 3 liquor tastings in Cape Town this weekend
The area has become a hub of craft beer activity and beverages, including rum, gin and spirits.
Visitors can explore breweries and distilleries in revived historical buildings that blend the area’s industrial past with contemporary creativity.
If you’re looking for the fusion of history and innovation in a setting where enthusiasts can savour a variety of flavours, then look no further.
Here are three of Salt River’s top spots for a unique beverage tasting like no other, and as a bonus, we’ve included three amazing deals for you to enjoy a tasting of your choice at one of these establishments!
Beerworks At The Yard
In October 2021, Beerworks founder Tim Bugler set up his own brewery in one of many small units in a converted industrial complex close to the heart of the Salt River/Woodstock craft beer scene. Tim’s 400-litre brewing system has now found a permanent home and the establishment has since expanded to brew large volumes and ‘home-brew’ quantities.
Don’t be put off by the container trucks that often fill the road near the entrance. Stop by for pizza and beer or learn how to brew your own beer! There is ample parking.
- Contact: 061 533 6622 | [email protected]
- Location: The Spice Yard, 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River
- Website: beerworks.co.za
Cape {town} Etc discount: Indulge in three classic mini martinis from Hope Distillery’s StrangeLove’s list of Nine Classic Martinis for just R159. All martinis are served in a one shot martini glass with a garnish. Get the deal for two here.
Hope Distillery
Hope Distillery was the first licenced small-batch distillery to open in Cape Town. The artisanal distillery has mixed free-spirited determination with a serious desire to produce spirits of exceptional quality since 2014. Production and recipe development are overseen by resident Gin and Spirit Maker Lucy Beard.
The StrangeLove Cocktail Lounge is available for private events and tastings. Resident bartender Decks serves carefully curated cocktails, which can be paired with delicious food platters.
- Contact: 021 447 1950 | [email protected]
- Location: 7 Hopkins Street, Salt River
- Website: hopedistillery.co.za
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy Hope’s London Dry Gin, Mediterranean Gin and their African Botanical Gin served with The Good Mix as well as Indian Tonic and a Dehydrated Citrus Garnish pairing for just R309. Get the deal for two here.
Cape of Storms Distilling Co.
The Cape of Storms Distilling Company was founded by the Meiring family, who originated from Cape Town but returned from all over Africa to create the City’s very own craft rum. Their tastings include a tour of the distillery. Apart from their three different rums (The Great White Rum, Fyn Botanical Rum and Oak Infused Rum), they also offer non-alcoholic mixer and beverage options.
Ensure that you book a designated driver or make use of an Uber service when you attend a tasting!
Contact: 078 233 8375 | 083 453 3338
Location: The Spice Yard, Unit RS01, 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River
Website: capeofstormsdistillery.com
Cape {town} Etc discount: Get three Hope spirit and craft soda tasters for two for just R365. Includes: Hope Small Batch Vodka, Hope Rhum Agricole, Hope Esperanza Agave (Tequila), served with The Good Mix Craft Soda and a Garnish. Get the deal here.
Also read:
It’s salt and lime time: Where to drink a margarita in Cape Town
Picture: Aleisha Kalina / Unsplash