Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City.
Michael Tsepo Jacobs is all about perceptions. As in, he likes to shake them up.
As the Art Concierge at The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, his role is to guide guests at this landmark Waterfront hotel through the hotel’s extensive in-house art collection, as well as acting as a culturally-connected concierge for their cultural exploration of the city.
It’s a role to which he brings immense passion, charm and humour, but also one he takes seriously when encouraging guests to engage with the context of Cape Town’s creative landscape.
And Jacobs is certainly no stranger to Cape Town’s art scene. Over the past decade, he has moved from managing the South African Market in Bree Street – a space that championed local design and art – to working as part of the founding team at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, working across the retail and visitor experience, as well as the curatorial department.
In moving upstairs to The Silo Hotel in 2023, Jacobs imagined his role not as simply an art guide, but to help create experiences for guests ‘that are generative, that are truly engaging with culture’.
That includes shifting guests’ perceptions and preconceived ideas of what ‘African’ art should look like. While many travellers arrive expecting a simple abundance of primary colours and everyday scenes, they are often happily overwhelmed by the diversity and depth of African creativity.
By curating and leading bespoke art tours of the hotel and the city, “you can see the shift in people’s perspectives on African art and creativity,” says Jacobs. “It’s very rewarding.”
From art galleries to the great outdoors, Jacobs shares the corners of Cape Town that inspire him.
MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS
As an art concierge cultural spaces are extremely important when people are visiting a city. Culturally, Zeitz MOCAA holds such significance. It’s always interesting to pop into, but more importantly, it represents Africa being able to have a conversation about art on a global scale. We can talk to institutions like the Guggenheim as equals.
Silo District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
This is such a lovely quaint cocktail bar, but what made a lasting impression on me was the hospitality from the owners. It’s not every day that you get to connect with the people who envisioned the space. And the cocktails at Talking to Strangers were amazing! I loved the flavour profiles, and watching them make the cocktails was entertainment in itself.
61 Loop St, Cape Town
We have so many guests here at The Silo who already have The Pot Luck Club on their list of recommendations when they arrive, and as far as dining experiences go it’s a perfect combination of food and setting. We eat with the eyes, and it’s a beautiful space and incredible food that only gets good reviews.
Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock
Kloof Street House is one of my favourites in Cape Town that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s always such a lovely place to dine, and the rustic bohemian décor is delightful. I’ll always recommend it, especially for guests who are exploring the city centre. The malva pudding, such a classic South African dish, is amazing.
30 Kloof Street, Gardens
I love the curation of AAFRICAA. Fashion and design spaces can be intimidating, but the way they’ve curated the store is so refreshing. If you want an overview of contemporary African design and everyday fashion it’s the perfect space. They have an array of high-end domestic design and collectable items, as well as fashion and perfume. It’s a feast. I love local spaces that are capable of having conversations on a global level when it comes to fashion and design.
Alfred Mall, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
I love nature, and one of the amazing things about being a Cape Town native is that you can watch the sunrise from the top of Lion’s Head, or a lesser-known trail. There’s a walk from the Platteklip Wash House around Deer Park that I really love. It’s also popular for folks to walk their dogs. Nature feeds and inspires a lot of the creative and cultural production in the city.
Deerpark Drive, Vredehoek
Cape Town has such amazing galleries that speak to a really diverse audience. For me the gallery having a conceptual social conversation is the Stevenson Gallery. I also enjoy SMAC Gallery. The artists they are working with have such an interesting way of working with materials. They are really exploring alternative materials in artmaking.
I can’t not include our rooftop at The Silo! The panoramic views across Signal Hill, Robben Island and Table Mountain are just incredible. We have a fabulous cocktail and wine list, and the menu is a fusion of local and international flavours. It’s just the perfect place for sundowners. In the summer the tables are usually booked up quite far in advance, so it’s really important to book ahead.
The Silo Hotel, Silo District, V&A Waterfront
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