Cool Creative Places | The Old Biscuit Mill In Woodstock

Stepping into the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, you’re instantly enveloped by its vibrant atmosphere and the smells of its many food choices. A stark contrast to the quiet city streets outside. Once a humble biscuit factory, this dynamic marketplace is now a celebration of the city’s industrial heritage and the creative spirit of the people that live here. This is where you can meet some of South Africa’s most innovative and creative designers, artists, and connoisseurs of fine taste and décor. In addition to many eateries, with foods from around the world, it’s also filled with art galleries, clothing, and jewelry shops, most with locally made items. This post covers the Old Biscuit Mill, how to get here, and what to expect.

The Old Biscuit Mill

Neighbourgoods Market

The Neighbourgoods Market is the liveliest part of the Old Biscuit Mill. It comes alive on weekends, with dozens of food stalls, and more locally-made clothing and décor items. This means that the weekend is the best time to visit.

The food market is in a large covered space to the right of the entrance, full of various food stalls and desserts. There is Malay food, crocodile, zebra steak, lobster, sushi, Korean, paella, sandwiches, pastas, pastries, Swahili donuts, cakes, and so much more. You can eat halaal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, raw and organic food. There truly is something for everyone here.

There’s also a market for fresh fruits and vegetables and one for flowers. In the flower market, you’ll see the beautiful national flower of Cape Town, the King Protea, as well as other protea flowers.

To the left of the entrance you’ll find unique clothing and other specialty items in front of the weekday shops. At least for me, it’s very refreshing to see well-designed and unique items when I travel, instead of the same old chain store stuff. Plus, I feel better knowing my dollars go to locals rather than large corporations.

On top of all this, there is usually DJ playing some soothing, but hip music, creating the perfect, relaxed, atmosphere.

The Neighbourgoods Market is open Saturdays 9 AM to 3 PM. It’s also open Sundays 10 AM to 3 PM, but may not provide the full experience of a Saturday.

Art Galleries & Boutique Shops

There are several art galleries at the Old Biscuit Mill, most with art from established local artists. You can find ceramics, paintings, photography, and contemporary art.

There are also over a dozen boutique shops here to explore. There’s furniture, including live edge tables, and unique interior decor. There are several clothing stores, including locally designed and constructed, daywear, resort wear, and swimwear. You can also find locally made jewelry, handcrafted baskets, bowls, planters, bags, and more. I found the art and products here to be nicer than typical market-type items.

Most of these shops and galleries are open daily, Monday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM. See theoldbiscuitmill.co.za for full details.

Restaurants & Cafes

If you arrive on a weekday, when the Neighbourgoods Market is closed, there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from. For Potluck and Salon, reservations are recommended. Of course, these are open weekends too.

• The Potluck Club – this award winning restautant sits in the top floor of the silo.
• Salon – fine dining by renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts.
• Redemption Burgers – delicious burger options and some breakfast items.
• Pavement Special Wine Bar – excellent flatbreads, and small and large plates.
• Espresso Lab Microroasters – a coffee shop.

Tip: for the best view of Table Mountain from the Old Biscuit Mill, take the elevator up to the top of the old silo to the The Potluck Club level.

How To Get To The Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill is located at 375 Albert Road, Cape Town. It’s about a 5-minute drive east of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or about a $5-6 Uber ride.

During the week there is parking available where the Neighbourgoods Market is held on Saturdays. See parket.co.za for parking information.

Because this space is not available on weekends, parking is limited, so it’s best to take an Uber. I found Uber to be a very inexpensive and safe way to get around Cape Town. Especially as the roads can be very congested in Cape Town.

Woodstock Street Art

While you’re visiting the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, make sure to explore the street art and murals down the street. See my post on the Woodstock Street Art to learn how to get there and what to see.

Want More Of South Africa?

Some of my other favorite spots in Cape Town.

• South Africa Travel Guide
• Top 25 Things To Do In Cape Town | Beaches, Mountains, Wine, & Adventure
• Discovering Llandudno Beach | A Hidden Gem In Cape Town
• Secret Sunset Rock | Cape Town’s Hidden Gem For Spectacular Sunsets
• Hiking Lions Head | A Scenic Ascent To A Breathtaking Summit
• South Africa Wine Country | Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek
• Exploring The Woodstock Street Art Scene In Cape Town
• Inside Robben Island Museum | Walk In Nelson Mandela’s Footsteps
• Penguins, Cliffs, & Coastal Views | Tour To The Cape Of Good Hope
• Hiking The Majestic Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
• Castle of Good Hope Museum | Unveiling Cape Town’s Rich Heritage
• Skydiving In Cape Town | Soaring Over The Cape

Safe Travels!

Julie