Port Elizabeth. – I took a mini trip to Port Elizabeth, meeting up with the wonderful Going Somewhere Slowly for a morning of catchup, street art acquisitions, coffee and a delicious breakfast – also a visit to a micro brewery. Nothing like a super talented local travel blogger to bring a place to life with her insider tips.
Of the places Anje took me to was the Friendly Stranger on Bridge Street, an area rejuvenated and developed over the past years to become home to creatives, designers, renovators and the impressive Bridge Street Brewery. I loved it. We took a look at the Bridge Street micro brewery and added some street art by JoffArt and GN to the inner city finds.
About Friendly Stranger.
Housed in a cobblestone building that dates back to the 1820′s and believed to be one of the oldest in the city, the Friendly Stranger in Baakens Valley is accurately introduced as one of the best spots in the city for quality food, coffee, a look at the arts and even live entertainment. Their current exhibition featured GN and other local talents. But it was the warm atmosphere, underground cellar seating and chats with owner who suggested I try the dhaniya chutney with my omelette and boy, was he on to something. We were there for breakfast and the place was packed, I imagine it stays that way.
JoffArt, Steven ‘Joff’ Carter is a Port Elizabeth Street Artist and musician with profound talent. Do see more of his work at @joffs-art.
GN remains an unknown to me, but I love his description on IMGUR – ‘Wheat Pasting Stencils Pollution Awareness South Africa’ – and look forward to learning more and to seeing more of his pieces.
Right there, a micro brewery, restaurant and events venue where you can sample and sip a bitter, a pilsener, a stout and a cider. Besides the draughts on tap they also serve pizza, burgers, steaks and tapas style cuisine whilst regularly featuring SA’s finest acoustic artists and offer views of the city’s green belt.
Master brewer in the making who offered us a tour, Simpiwe.
I so look forward to returning to explore more of the lesser known gems of this friendly city. Thanks Anje my friend, for the delicious taster.
