Just up from the harbour, the city’s first neighbourhood has a new lease on life, with talented chefs and a community of artists and entrepreneurs moving in. Sean Brito, third-generation business owner, gives us an insider’s tour.
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Owner of The Granary
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‘PE is the best-kept secret in South Africa. The weather and beaches are great, and it’s not as congested as other cities. We say PE is a two-song town – that’s how long it takes to get anywhere!’ Sean has deep roots in the area – his grandfather Manual, the son of Spanish immigrants, arrived in 1910, started his own bakery at age 16 and moved here to Stanley Street in 1925. ‘In 2007 Matt Repton opened the first Vovo Telo around the corner, then Steven De Beer renovated Stanley on Bain, and we turned our old bakery into a multipurpose space for markets and functions.’ 20 Stanley Street, granary.co.za
Meaty Marvels
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‘The delicious kudu steak (R125) at Backstreet Grill, one of the renowned restaurants in Port Elizabeth, is the talk of the town, and you can enjoy it in a lovely ambience. I’m never disappointed when I go there. My other favourite is their T-bone steak (R155).’ 19 Bain Street, 0415823015
A good start
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‘Richmond Hill has some great coffee shops. When the wind is blowing in the right direction, you get the amazing aroma of roasting coffee. Groundfloor Café makes the best cappuccinos, with a marvellous Eggs Benedict with salmon for breakfast.’ 20A Stanley Street, 0415822081
Unique finds
Art on Stanley. Image supplied
‘Richmond Hill and Central have many old buildings, like the Opera House and 7 Castle Hill (0415822512), one of the oldest surviving settler cottages. Most are protected by the Heritage Trust. Shirley Pittaway of Art on Stanley offers fun art classes where you can order in food and drinks from the local restaurants.’ 1st floor, 20 Stanley Street, 0829333158
Drink up
‘Salt has some of the best jar and fishbowl cocktails, and is very affordable.’ The Chocolate Jar (a mix of vodka, Nachtmusik and Steri Stumpie) costs R38. 30 Stanley Street, 0415822402
The artist’s view
Usen Obot of Galerié Noko
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‘Richmond Hill is in close proximity to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum (1 Park Drive) and ArtEC (36 Bird Street), which ties into the city’s vision of a cultural and art precinct. With my 18-hour work days, I spend a lot of time here. For coffee there’s the original Vovo Telo in Raleigh Street. For food, I like Fushin’s delicate Asian cuisine (at Stanley on Bain) and Yiayias for savoury family meals (at 20 Stanley Street). Upstairs, at the same address, For The Love Of Wine has some of the best wines this side of the equator. A walk in Settlers Park (off Hallack Road) follows the route of PE’s last remaining stream.’ Galerié Noko, 109 Russell Road
