Last week The Pottery opened next door to Dizzy’s on The Drive in Camps Bay, after a much-needed renovation of the space, which served as Dizzy’s Bar for many years. Two of the three owners of The Pottery live in Camps Bay, and have promised that at least one of them will be at the restaurant at any time.

Camps Bay is the fourth The Pottery branch to open, other branches being in George, Ballito, and Jeffrey’s Bay.

The food and beverage offering is limited but its quality and pricing is excellent, a bonus for Camps Bay locals.

The greeting by co-owner Shaun Ham was friendly and welcoming, remembering me from chatting to the three owners during their renovations.  He explained  that one can sit down or take foods away.

The Pottery Camps Bay is a space that is predominantly a coffee shop, but also has a retail part, selling Wonki Ware crockery, as well as plates and figurines, which adults and children can decorate with materials supplied, and then baked in a kiln in the restaurant. A small space is dedicated to some beachware by Vissla, sponsors of co-owner Dillon Marshall, a surfing champion.

The interior is beachy, light and breezy, with stacking doors, and a partial view of the ocean. Tables are stone tops with funky blue, yellow and pink shapes. Each table has a pottery surfboard fin, looking like that of a shark fin to me initially, each in a different colour, possibly to denote a specific table for the order. An earthy element has been introduced with pot plants, hanging baskets, and woven basket lampshades.

Coffee is an important offering of The Pottery, coming from a Jeffry’s Bay supplier, with 11 options and Hot Chocolate available, and costing R25 and more, but surprisingly it does not offer tea! Six milkshake options cost R60.

A separate Menu is dedicated to cocktails, beers, and wines. Cocktails start at R55 for a Bloody Mary, include a Cosmopottery, and peak at R85.  Devils Peak Lager and Bloedlemoen Gin can be ordered on tap. G&Ts cost R30-R40. The wine selection is limited but the prices reasonable, all wines offered also sold by the glass, starting at R50. Unforgivable is the number of spelling errors on the Drinks Menu!

The Food options are limited to Sandwiches and Toasties, Wraps, and Waffles.  Five Sandwiches and Toasties are available, on a choice of breads: plain or seed bagels, ciabatta, whole wheat, and gluten-free bread. Prices range from R65 – R85.  Three Wraps options range from R65 -R70. Waffles come with vanilla ice cream, with additional elements such as Bar One and Oreo. I loved the sound of a strawberry and berry waffle with ice cream (R70), and was impressed with its presentation.

What is not on the menu is a selection of croissants supplied by Woodstock Bakery, the plain croissant costing R23, which is served with butter, lovely strawberry jam and grated cheese. A similar offering at the nearby Firefly Café used to cost R25, but has now doubled in price, the croissants served can be a day old, and the ‘jam’ and ’butter’ of a questionable quality. It is a no-brainer to go to The Pottery instead.

As a dedicated cyclist, co-owner Taig Marshall assured me that a cycle rack is coming outside the restaurant. The bathroom has been c9mpletely renovated, it previously being the worst in Camps Bay!

The Pottery is a welcome friendly, good value, and informal addition to Camps Bay.

The Pottery, The Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town. www.thepottery.co.za Instagram: @the.pottery Monday – Thursday 8h30 – 17h00. Fridays – Sundays 8h30 – 19h00.

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whaletalesblog.com www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide