21 Feb 2025 CAPE TOWN’S CRUISE TERMINAL READIES FOR BIG NUMBERS IN MARCH The 2024/2025 cruise season, which began in September 2024, has already brought significant activity to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. To date, the terminal has welcomed 44 vessel visits, with a total of 80,376 passengers and crew passing through. March is expected to reach this combined passenger total, with 24 scheduled vessel visits accommodating anywhere from 192 to 5,224 passengers per ship, making it the busiest month yet. With departures from local ports like Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and Mossel Bay, as well as international arrivals from Europe, Kenya, and Namibia. Visitors can look forward to seeing impressive vessels such as Swan Hellenic Diana, Costa Smeralda, and many more as they make their stop in Cape Town. List of confirmed cruise ship arrivals include: Silver Dawn MSC Musica Europa Costa Smeralda Costa Deliziosa Arcadia Zuiderdam MSC Musica Aidaprima Bolette TABLE BAY CLOSES FOR MAJOR REVAMP The iconic Table Bay Hotel has officially closed its doors as it embarks on an exciting transformation. Following a major revamp, the hotel will reopen as InterContinental Table Bay, Cape Town, marking a new era of luxury hospitality at the V&A Waterfront in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Guests can look forward to a refreshed, world-class experience when the hotel reveals its new look at the end of 2025. Read more about this development, here. MAKERS LANDING PARTNERS WITH SA CHEFS ASSOCIATION TO BRIDGE CULINARY SKILLS GAP Congratulations to Chef Jodi Gillespie, Executive Chef at Newmark Hotels, a leading hotel management company based at the V&A Waterfront, who has been appointed as the SA Chefs Chairwoman for the Western Cape – a well-earned recognition for her 20 years of industry experience spanning both local and international kitchens. In addition, Chef Jodi leads the culinary direction at GINJA and Native Coffee Roasters at the V&A Hotel, two must-visit foodie destinations in our neighbourhood. At the heart of her new role is a bold commitment to tackling the skills gap in the culinary industry—an issue that directly impacts food businesses and the broader hospitality sector. Makers Landing, a V&A Waterfront initiative and a thought leader in food business incubation and sustainability, is proud to collaborate with Chef Jodi in addressing these challenges. The team behind this initiative (left to right): Nathene Samuels (Lecturer, International Hotel School), Carl van Rooyen (Executive Chef, Newmark Hotels), Jodi Gillespie (SA Chefs Chairwoman, Western Cape), Allistair Esau (Food Lead & Curator, V&A), Danielle Barkhuizen (Chef Instructor, CPUT), June Steenekamp (Hospitality Consultant & Contractor, CPUT), Annadia Van Der Merwe (Conference & Hospitality Manager, False Bay College), and Katie O’Connor (Manager, Topbet). As a first-of-its-kind food incubator and event space, Makers Landing has been at the forefront of empowering food entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and championing sustainable food practices for the past five years. Leading this mission is Allister Esau, Food Lead and Curator for the V&A Waterfront, who was recently appointed to serve on the Worldchefs – World Association of Chefs’ Societies “Feed the Planet and Sustainability and Inclusion” committee. His role further strengthens Makers Landing’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and the future of food. Jodi identified some of the biggest barriers to success for local food entrepreneurs: “The biggest problem we’re facing is that many culinary graduates, regardless of the institution, are entering the industry without essential skills. The first workshop will focus on sanitation and waste management, teaching participants how to minimize food waste, repurpose waste into new products, and maximize profitability. We want to bridge these skill gaps by focusing on the industry’s actual needs.” Highlights from the SA Chefs Western Cape’s first workshop of the year: insightful sessions on sanitation and waste management, and attendees received goody bags and participation certificates, and a presentation on waste management by Petro Myburgh, Senior Manager for Sustainability at the V&A. Through a series of free industry-driven workshops, Jodi and Makers Landing will equip aspiring and established chefs with practical, business-relevant skills, helping to bridge the gap between traditional culinary education and real-world industry demands. Workshops will cover essential topics such as food waste management, sustainability, and business skills for chefs. Jodi’s appointment strengthens the collective vision of Makers Landing, which is to develop a more skilled, sustainable, and future-focused food industry—one that not only drives economic growth but also nurtures talent and champions sustainability. V&A RESTAURANTS SHINE AT THIS YEAR’S LUXE AWARDS Coy, Marble Cape Town, Pier, and Tashas group, were earlier this week announced as winners at the annual Luxe Restaurant Awards which celebrate excellence in South Africa’s dining scene. Photo Credit: COY Coy, one of Cape Town’s most exciting new fine-dining destinations, known for its intimate setting and innovative tasting menus, was awarded New Restaurant of the Year and earned an impressive two-star rating. Photo Credit: Marble Cape Town Marble Cape Town, the much-anticipated Cape Town counterpart to Joburg’s famed live-fire grill, received the Style Award for its breathtaking design and refined yet bold approach to open-flame cooking. Photo Credit: Tashas Group Tashas was recognized as Restaurant Group of the Year, a testament to its continued excellence in delivering beautifully curated dining experiences across their many locations, including the V&A. Photo Credit: La Colombe Restaurant Group – Pier Lastly, Pier, renowned for its impeccable seafood-driven tasting menus and breathtaking harbour views received a prestigious three-star rating, solidifying its place among South Africa’s top dining destinations. EXCLUSIVE DAILY ART TOURS AT CAPE GRACE – INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR The Investec Art Fair is here and art enthusiasts across Cape Town will be spoiled for choice when it comes to art experiences across the city. Joining the activity is The Cape Grace Hotel, in our neighbourhood, who have put together daily art tours curated by renowned art expert Lezanne Van Heerden, visitors can expect intimate tours offering a unique glimpse into contemporary South African art, featuring work by artists such Maya Marx, Lulama Wolf, Galia Gluckman, and more. Guests will have a chance to engage in discussions with artists and gain insights into the stories behind their work. In collaboration with the Norval Foundation, the hotel will also showcase additional artworks by other artists to add to the experience. Tours start daily at 10h30 and conclude with a glass of bubbly at the Bascule Bar. Artist Appearance Dates: Friday, 21: Emma van der Merwe from Everard Read Cape Town with Leila Abrahams, Tafadzwa Tega and Tusevo Landu Sunday, 23: Ashleigh McLean from Whatiftheworld Gallery INFO & BOOKINGS: T 021 410 7100 | E elri.steenkamp@Fairmont.com | Info on the Cape Grace art collection E emma@narrativepr.co.za NEW STORES: Total Sports has recently opened their revamped store, offering a refreshed space with the latest in athletic gear, sportswear and technology. The North Face has arrived at the V&A Waterfront, bringing its renowned range of high-quality outdoor apparel and adventure gear to our neighbourhood. OTHER EVENTS AT THE WATERFRONT: V&A WATERFRONT TAKE THE STAGE SERIES PRESENTS – BHEKI KHOZA QUARTET Join us at the V&A Waterfront’s Take the Stage series, a platform for emerging South African artists for an unforgettable live performance by Bheki Khosa, a renowned left-handed guitarist from Umlazi, Durban. A recipient of a Talent Award and scholarship to study music in America in 1991, Khosa trained under jazz legend Jackie McClean and performed with the Larry Ridley Jazz Legacy. He made a name for himself in New York’s jazz scene, gracing iconic venues like Blue Note and Smalls, and collaborating with legends like Kenny Barron, Hilton Ruiz, Nigeria’s Floxy Bee, and South Africa’s Thuli Dumakude. Don’t miss this extraordinary talent Date: Sunday, 23 February Time: 18h00 – 29h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free For more information, updates and events, visit our website:www.waterfront.co.za or follow us on social media @VANDAWaterfront.
