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.
The acclaimed musical ‘DEAR EVAN HANSEN’ dazzled audiences at Cape Town's Artscape Theatre in early-2025, and playing the show’s title role was Stuart Brown, who follows in the (rather impressive) footsteps of Ben Platt, who took the role on Broadway, and Sam Tutty (who did the same in London’s West End).
A graduate of the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town, Brown is a past Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner, who brings inimitable energy and empathy to the role.
‘This show is an incredibly special story that speaks to so many of us about the impact of social media, mental health and what it means to truly belong,’ says Brown.
And although he was born in Johannesburg, Brown certainly feels he belongs in Cape Town, the city he has called home for decades. It’s been a busy few years for Brown, who has recently wowed audiences in the We Will Rock You international tour, MAMMA MIA! and Janice Honeyman’s pantomime Beauty, Beast and the Enchanted Castle.
But when he’s not in the rehearsal room, Brown loves nothing more than getting out to discover Cape Town's quiet spaces. From daytime bars to the best beaches for sunset, here is Cape Town as Evan Hansen – I mean Stuart Brown – would want you to discover it. #youwillbefound.
MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS
This is a tiny little wedge on Kloof Street, but Zuney serves the most amazing Wagyu burgers, and fries that are cooked in Wagyu oil. It’s just unbelievable. The prices are great, they serve quite quickly, and it’s a tiny little place, but oh my goodness such great food.
69A Kloof St, Gardens
[Brown is on the money! Zuney made Time Out's list of the Best Burgers in Cape Town. What's more, Matthew Mole also raves about Zuney in his Local Intel!]
I love spending time in Exclusive Books, even if I don’t buy a book. Most Exclusive Books’ have a Vida or Seattle Coffe Co. attached, and I can sit and have coffee or do some work in a really peaceful environment.
This is the place I went on my first date with my partner. It’s very much a neighbourhood café, and they also sell rusks and baked goods in the space. Limetree Café really for the locals, especially an older generation, and it’s one of those wonderful spaces where you can sit and watch people. It’s bright and warm and cosy, and the food’s not too expensive.
Oh my goodness, I’m so glad this venue reemerged after Covid, because the setting is just so beautiful. The architecture and the history of the place are wonderful, and watching shows at any of the small theatres in the Homecoming Centre there is such an all-encompassing overwhelming experience because you just feel so enveloped by what the space is.
Caledon Street, District Six
This cinema in town is just so wonderful. It’s much cheaper than going to the big cinemas – just R90 a ticket – and the Labia theatres are smaller. They’re not quite as well-kept as big cinemas, but that just adds to the vibe of the place. You can also order a slushie and add vodka! And the popcorn is not wildly expensive. It’s a wonderful experience, and a great date place.
68 Orange Street, Cape Town
I mostly go to this bar during the day. I’m not a big crowd person. I like chill things. I like it when things are quiet and not too busy, so The Power and Glory is really nice in the daytime.
If I’m going to order anything to eat it’ll be the hotdog on those pretzel rolls that are so good! And the coffee’s good too. You can also plug your laptop in and do some work. It’s a great vibe day and night, but it’s a lot busier in the evenings.
13d Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof
This is such a cute little café in Kenilworth, and a lot of the food that’s served here is gluten-free and dairy-free and caters so well for vegans and vegetarians. It’s a quaint little place, and there’s plenty of space to plug your laptop in and do some work. There’s a little grocer at the back that sells a lot of gluten-free produce. It’s beautiful for lunch, or meeting up for a coffee with friends.
278 Main Road, Kenilworth
Such a great place to exercise. It’s a gym that is class-based; functional exercise and 45 minutes per class. They have classes throughout the week. I used to work at F45 on Kloof as a trainer, and I try my best to go there whenever I can. It’s convenient and quick. The staff and the space are just wonderful, so if you’re looking for a place to work out it’s great. They focus on cardio and wight training, and they realise everybody is individual, so they understand you and your limits and goals.
Well, to be honest, this is great at any time of day. But by sunset the sun’s been on the water all day so it’s a little bit warmer. And when it’s not windy the reflections on the water are just so, so beautiful. I studied at LAMTA, at Theatre on the Bay across the road, so I spent a lot of time here in the three years I was there.
Victoria Road, Camps Bay
I’ve lived in Hout Bay my whole life, and I‘ve been going here since I was young. Recently I’ve discovered that I focus the most when I am being creative in my painting, so I’m always really happy to go to Clay Café on my own and listen to my music. I’ve got so many mugs from there, but it’s just a really peaceful place. And the food is great; simple and delicious. Obviously it’s really busy, there are lots of kids, so take your headphones or go with friends.
Main Rd, Hout Bay
[It's a celeb thing! Jamie-Lee Domburg also rates Clay Café]
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