Next time you’re sipping on a freshly-squeezed juice or browsing hand-crafted jewellery at Bay Harbour Market, keep an eye out for their latest framed award for the “Best Weekend Market in Cape Town”.
The Cape Town Experience Awards, which were held at Nomad Bistro on Waterkant Street last week, is an annual gala event that salutes Cape Town’s best businesses in their individual fields.
There are six categories: Tourism, Adventure and Activities; Arts and Entertainment; Media and Biz; Wine, Beer and Spirits; Hospitality and Bar; and Restaurants and Dining.
In order to win the “Best Weekend Market” award, the market had to tick a few boxes. The selection criteria included a market with organic goods, boutique vendors, farm fresh food, local music and a great vibe.
The winning market also had to be “the best and people’s favourite”.
The public votes, which were conducted on the Cape Town Experience Magazine website, added up to 40% of the grand total scores, and 60% were made by the judges.
Other markets nominated were Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Mojo Market, The Root44 Market and the Old Biscuit Mill.
Since opening in 2010, Bay Harbour Market has emerged as a top tourist destination, not only in the Hout Bay area but in Cape Town as well.
Boasting over 80 stalls, the market offers everything from traditional koeksisters to kebabs to bunny chows.
“It’s a very unique location in terms of being on the water’s edge, overlooking Chapman’s Peak,” said co-founder Anthony Stroebel.
Fiona Lunt and Khali Natacher Stovell have been managing the seaside market since 2016.
“It’s a nice fusion of people that come here. It’s young and old. You can sit at a table and you could be sitting at a table with locals or foreigners, a different mixture of people,” said, Ms Stovell.
Tangy smells lingering from the Atlantic Ocean, coupled with the vibrant street art alongside the pathway can lead you right to the market in Harbour Road.
“I think we’re one of the most unique markets, because we’re almost nine years old now,” said a proud Ms Lunt.
Before being renovated into a market, the building was the old Sea Harvest factory, which had been worn out and vacant for over six years.
When the factory closed due to a change in fishing quotes, more than 400 women from Hangberg lost their jobs.
But Bay Harbour Market has recruited more 65 people from the Hangberg community and over 60 people from Imizamo Yethu.
“I hope we can continue to make a difference in the lives of others,” Ms Stovell said.
