http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25791
Picnic among some of the Cape's oldest camphor and yellowwood trees in the extensive grounds that showcase South Africa's chequered history and Cape Dutch architecture. Experience the sensory beauty of the cultivated rose and herb gardens, the original Van der Stel Winery, the Library, mill, ruins and Slave Lodge as well as authentic Pigeon House.

Breakfast al fresco at The Rose Terrace Bistro, open November to April or sample the fish, meat and vegetarian dishes which are served in the Lady Phillips restaurant together with a selection of premium Vergelegen wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties. Cellar tours are also offered.

Combined with good weather an outing to Vergelegen is well worth its R10 entrance fee. As it is very popular, booking is advised. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and well worth a visit especially if heading from Cape Town to Hermanus to enjoy some whale watching.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25791 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25789
The recently revamped River Café offers a menu of affordable seasonal produce from Uitsig's own organic garden which is accompanied with specially sourced home-made breads, meats and cheeses. Understated and relaxed this bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea throughout the year bar New Year's day.

La Colombe is the winner of numerous awards for both its service and predominately French cuisine but also offers diners a selection of Asian- inspired dishes. The estate's selection of prestigious wines only heighten the experience of fine dining.

Situated in the original manor house on the estate, The Constantia Uitsig restaurant focuses mainly on rustic Italian favourites for lunch and dinner. The best quality ingredients are used and this heartfelt approach adds to the convivial ambience.

With the option of three restaurants, fine wine, stunning scenery and a slice of Cape history this dining experience fails to disappoint.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25789 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25765 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25765 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25710
The best burgers and Cape Town. Buzzy, great atmosphere and perfect location where you can rub shoulders with the "who's who" in Cape Town.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25710 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25706 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25706 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25700 My Capetonian partner took me there a few years ago. It was one April evening and one of the clearest skies Ive seen anywhere in the world, you could see millions of stars.

Book a table by the window like we did, and you can watch the tide come in over the harbour and out again.
You can't visit Cape Town without tasting some of the fresh seafood, and The Brass Bell is a great place to do it!
We had delicious tuna steaks and fresh calamari.

In my opinion, it's the best place to have a romantic meal or even a few bottles of Stellenbosch wine with friends in South Africa.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25700 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25698
The resident live act, Three Tuns of Fun, is a trio of singers with, how shall I put it, fuller figures, who belt out a mixture of Motown classics and acapella numbers straight out of the townships. Makes for a memorable trip every time.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25698 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25677 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25677 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25633 We treated ourselves to dinner there on our last night in Cape Town and enjoyed it immensely.
We had a delicious rack of lamb, accompanied by a serious red blend from Springfield Winery ('The Work of Time'), recommended to us by the very friendly (and unintimidating) sommelier, Dom.
It's not cheap - we paid R900 for two courses (for two of us).
Well worth the visit though!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25452
If you don't want to commit to a large expensive game steak, try the smoked venison platter starter.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25452 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25451
Salad portions are generous and colourful]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22441 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22441 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21821
The food is simple, with Cape Malay dishes the speciality.

Booking at weekends is recommended]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21821 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21819
They cater for both small and large parties of people with surprising ease. The steaks melt in your mouth, and if you have a sweet tooth, the duck & cherry pie is very good. For dessert I've never got past the creme brulee, but they all look very good]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21819 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21448 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21448 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20558 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20558 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20433 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20433