The Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill has become a steady favourite for Cape Town locals and tourists alike. So you could imagine my surprise when I was invited to The Earth Fair Market, where? What? Yes! There is another market in town!
Based in Retreat / Tokai, you would never imagine this market even existed. Tucked away, behind Marshall Music I was told, this market is REALLY hidden from the public. Unless you’re given good directions, you wouldn’t stumble upon it. Having said that, it was a wonderful surprise to find a warm room full of eating, drinking, laughing patrons and stalls all on a Wednesday evening.
MUCH smaller than the Neighbourgoods Market, the Earth Fair Market is a joy to navigate. Since it’s so hidden, one doesn’t have to struggle with the regular masses to get something to eat or drink. With the stalls clearly arranged in a square shape, acting as a buffer between walk way and patron tables, one is easily able to make ones way around the fair.
Within an hour I had surveyed the circumference twice, eaten a steak and Guinness pie (fresh but unfortunately there was no ale flavour), bought some chocolate macaroons (Very Gossip Girl in right now xoxo) and drank a cider from the microbrewery in the corner! Crepes, nuts, baked goods, knife sharpening (yes!), organic fruits and vegetables, are just a few of the many items available.
Stalls start packing up just after 8pm, lights flicker at 8:30 and by 9pm, the lights are out. A great place to stop by, take a peek, grab a drink and a nibble and head home…a perfect week night venture.
