The Good Life

The First Life Grand Cafe In The Mother City Is A Striking Blend Of Contemporary Cool And Classic Cape Style, All Wrapped Up In One Of The V&A Waterfront’s Loveliest Heritage Buildings.

- Robyn Alexander

When visiting the V&A Waterfront, it can be easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a working harbour. Whether you’re window-shopping in the mall or negotiating groups of tourists, glimpses of the boats that throng the water’s edge can be few and far between. Happily, this is not the case at the new Life Grand Cafe, which occupies one of the oldest buildings in the harbour and, from its pierside location, also enjoys panoramic views.

Life Group of Companies founder Maira Koutsoudakis says, ‘We identified this gem four years ago and instinctively knew that it would be the ideal home for us. Situated on an arterial flow between the heaving V&A Waterfront and the new, edgy Silo district, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the Robben Island departure point, the heritage building dates back to 1902 and offers guests unparalleled natural and architectural beauty.’

You may find it difficult to notice the world-famous views, however, because the interior design of this new venue is likely to demand your attention. From the pretty entrance courtyard, you step into a refined reception area and wine cellar. This space in turn opens up to the light Conservatory where Life’s signature ‘theatre bars’ – Salad, Crudo, Forno, Coffee and Cocktail – are clad in patterned marble slabs with brass details.