Kalk Bay, just a few minutes from The St James is a fabulous place to spend a lazy afternoon browsing through all the antique stores and quirky little shops which this little seaside town is known for.

I will often drive through to Kalk Bay from Cape Town just for some delicious hot chocolate from the Olympia Cafe (also known for their decadent pastries) or to check out any “new” furniture at one of the antique stores.

Last weekend I decided to go down one of the little alleyways which branches off the main beach road and discovered an interesting vintage clothing store and a bead shop, which are both hidden gems in their own rights...

Take Boyes Drive from Muizenburg to avoid the road works although the beach road is still very picturesque if you are willing to be patient at the stop-and-go section of the road.

A theatre, delicious ice-cream parlour and the popular Brass Bell restaurant and bar gives Kalk bay a charming “old town” feel to it – don’t be shy to poke around the little alleys and pop into the stores, you won’t be disappointed and I can guarantee at least one unique discovery in one of the many quaint little shops.