Photography for Beatnik Bazaar

This week I took photographs for my shop in a vintage style, for catalogues and for use online.

article on stanford

A Long Weekend in Stanford

It is only in the country that we can get to know a person or a book. ~Cyril Connolly, The Unquiet Grave, 1945

Described as the place that time forgot, Stanford village in the Overberg, is only one and a half hours from Cape Town, yet is worlds away. Its dusty roads and weathered historical cottages seen from the high road on the way to some place else, are only a misleading façade, for this quaint village evokes the poet in every weary man’s heart and stills the roaming.
Floating slowly down the river on a summers afternoon, you’ll realise why the languishing country bug is so catchy, that most weekend visitors to the small town end up leaving owning a piece of real estate.
In Stanford, afternoon teas are a treasured daily meditation and books are still favoured to television - walking is a daily activity and bicycles are the favoured means of transportation. With beautiful scenes around every corner, Stanford is certainly one of the most aesthetically pleasing towns in the Western Cape region and world class country restaurants and antique stores draw people from Cape Town through to the interior. Marianas Deli has won many awards, including ‘Best Country Restaurant,’ where the establishments namesake, Mariana Esterhuizen, not only spends most of her time producing fresh ingredients and deli items for the restaurant from her herb and vegetable garden, but also finds time to contribute monthly to Woolworth’s ‘Taste’ magazine. Marianas husband, Pieter, is the front-of-house personality who explains the sumptuous delights on offer for the day while you’re entranced by the aroma of roast lamb shank wafting through from the kitchen......Excerpt from my article on Stanford for www.sa-venues.com

Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay
Article and photography by Thaya Bedford of Beatnik Journals
Excerpt from my article on Kalk Bay:

Clutching sun faded towels and cloaked in floaty kaftans, the more adventurous residents of Kalk Bay make their daily pilgrimage down to the tidal pools that generously grace the False Bay coastline. Splashing in refreshingly cold sea water every morning could be the secret to the youth and vitality of the people in Kalk Bay, although perhaps it has something more to do with the mysterious atmosphere of abundance and relaxation that infuses its visitors..........

..........Massive facelifts to the area, prompted by the impressive multimillion Rand ‘Majestic’ residential development, have given rise to a luxury book store, ‘Kalk Bay Books,’ the exquisite ‘Majestic Spa’ and ‘Klipkantien,’ the gorgeous tapas venue overlooking the sea which hosts jazz evenings twice a week and is a Kalk Bay staple. Residents and holiday maker’s alike delight in the midsummer magic, dancing barefoot with glasses of wine in hand, under the heavy moon, as if a spell were cast upon them by the land itself. For to be a part of the essence of the village, is to be unravelled and freed, if only for an evening.

The Neighbourgoods Market

The Neighbourgoods Market
Article and photography by Thaya Bedford of Beatnik Journals

The Neighbourgoods Market based at 'The Old Biscuit Mill' in Woodstock, is Cape Town’s answer to world renowned markets such as Portobello Market in the U.K. It has a dedicated following of fashionistas, families, chefs, singeltons, hippies, yuppies and just about any other person who appreciates great food and atmosphere and something truly unique to fill a Saturday morning. A busy hub of organic offerings including meat, cheese, beverages, chocolates, cakes and desserts, it offers even the most discerning palate a treat for the senses. With barely enough space to breathe on a Saturday morning, this thriving market place was the brain child of a local art gallery owner and has blossomed and flourished into one of Cape Town’s most wonderful attractions.
Artists and crafters who pledge solidarity to the handmade and home crafted revival sweeping the world, also display their wares and the market showcases top emerging designers as well as organic and handmade children's products.

A far cry from consumer driven busy malls, this space is eco friendly and encourages recycling and living organically. Radiant flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables are displayed at the entrance to the market space, pleasing to the eye and tempting to the appetite! The simple beauty of ripe red tomatoes and fragrant fresh herbs immediately tempt one into creating reasons to make these vegetables the star attraction of your next meal. With organic cheeses within reach you can almost taste the caprese salad you’re going to make, drizzled with the finest olive oil and washed down with an organic white wine. Fresh salmon sushi and zesty fresh tuna burgers make an unusual yet recommended start to the tasting journey around the market, whilst champage and oysters wait to excite your endorphins with their wicked wildness! The gourmet ciabatta stall always boasts a long queue as does the Parisian influenced tart and patisserie stand. Prepare to be educated with tastings of dessert beers on offer, as well cured meats and a selection of unusual organic chocolates, sure to make its way into your handbag as a present for a loved one, such as yourself! The curries offered at the market are the best I have ever tasted, and I lived in London, so I know my curries! Butter chicken and frangrant jasmine rice is an absolute ‘must have,’ so please save yourself for this. Crispy thin based pizza’s topped with fresh rocket, parmesan shavings and proscuito are also not to be missed and should be accompanied by much swilling of beer and people watching. Nutella pancakes are another firm favourite and are a delightful treat for the young and old, so set yourself down on a hay bale and rest your feet before you plunder the craft section and the shops.

The Old Biscuit Mill is a massive renovated mill that once churned out family favourite biscuits, but fell into a state of decay. Investors saw the opportunity for upliftment and created working spaces where artists could be viewed at work, whilst also selling their creations. Exquisitely renovated in an industrial style with red brick facades, the Old Biscuit Mill stayed true to its vision and offers a string of specialist shops. Strolling from one to the next, one can experience some of the immense talent that this small town offers, with high end décor stores, to designer children’s stationery, clothing, photography, imported children’s books and a bead shop and gallery space, amongst others. Come back again in the evening for a swinging good time at the retro inspired night club, sure to have you on your toes getting on down to the sounds of the 80’s! A restaurant and coffee shop also provide a respite for the crowd weary.

Back inside the market, Cape Town’s savviest crafters, collectors and designers sell their individual and unique pieces such as soft furnishings, retro furniture, jewellery, crockery and edgy baby wear.

The Neighbourgoods Market is open every Saturday between 9 and 2pm and enquiries can be made through their website. Be sure to make this a part of your Cape Town experience and return with an arm full of fresh flowers, breads, wine and gourmet cravings satiated.

(you can view my published article on SA venues here)