HOW IT ALL BEGAN

“Way back in 1974 I visited San Francisco for the first time, and the excitement of its burgeoning harbourfront reminded me of my childhood in rustic Hout Bay, the fishing village of my birth. My thoughts drifted back to the craggy-faced fishermen and how they used to jest about their catch as it lay shimmering on the jetty; the sounds of throbbing boat engines and wailing snoekhorns; the thud of the shipwright’s caulking hammer; the exhilaration of a Friday payday; and many other treasured memories, rapidly receding into the mists of time.

Reminiscing made me ponder. Was there not a last chance to encapsulate Hout Bay’s fascinating history for future generations by creating a special place? A place where you and I, old salts and locals, the famous and the not-so-famous, could enjoy each other’s synergy.

How then to transform my vision into reality? The concept was daunting and would need to be unique, authentic, distinctively Hout Bay. It would also need to be thoroughly researched. Thus it was that whenever I could during the following years I travelled the world, to distant wharves and far-flung fishmarkets. From Reykjavik to Tokyo, from Seattle to Sydney – collecting artefacts, researching ideas, evaluating heritage.

And, ever so gradually, Mariner’s Wharf, South Africa’s First Harbourfront Emporium began to take shape in my mind. In 1984 its world-famous Fishmarket opened and within the next seven years it had evolved into a time capsule of seafood Bistros, markets and nautical shops, culminating with the upgrading of the Wharfside Grill restaurant in 1991. As it is my sincere wish that you too will enjoy, experience and see, a place which is very special for me, do walk around and soak in the ambience of what has become a truly great venue. Then settle down and dine on seafood worth sailing the seven seas for.

Bon Appetit!”