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/26806 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26806 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25790
The location caters for those seeking tranquillity and offers every comfort including five star facilities and a private cinema for after dinner screenings. Besides the Leopard Room bar, popular for sunset cocktails and an envious collection of vodka and port, a café offering light meals, or the option of afternoon tea, the main draw card is the Azure Restaurant which promotes cape-fusion cuisine utilising indigenous plants known as fynbos, herbs, seasonal ingredients and local seafood. It also offers visitors the opportunity to sample pickled fish, incorporating Cape Malay style cooking, a favourite of the BoKaap. It has won acclaim as one of the best places to stay in the world and is on the Conde Nast Traveller Gold list for 2010.

The view of the ocean, Lion's Head and the craggy Twelve Apostles to the rear in wild surroundings makes this luxurious establishment well worth a visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25790 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/25788
Offering fresh seafood specialities al fresco, standard pub fare as well as eastern culinary delights, the restaurants, pubs and pizza terrace occupy different levels leading to adjacent tidal pools and the Indian Ocean. Choose from The Main, The Cabin, The Waters Edge, The Pavilion or The Bikini Deck. The nautically themed pubs offer a selection of beverages both imported and locally sourced. The crowd is unpretentious, the atmosphere is very relaxed and the staff friendly.

It is open all year round and even popular in winter, thanks to an open fireplace when the Western Cape experiences its seasonal rainfall and the seas can be rough. Bear this in mind if heading to the Western Cape for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup.

With Silvermine nature reserve as a backdrop, it is uniquely positioned sandwiched between the crashing surf and the Cape Town to Simonstown railway line. Access is by pedestrian subway under the main railway line. The sandy white beach and station are on its doorstep but there is nearby parking for patrons wishing to take in the views of this superb coastline by car or motorbike.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25788 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/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/20433 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20433 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18940 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18940