Bar Code: The Village Idiot casts a curious misspell

24 June 2015 - 02:07 By Andrew Donaldson

The idiot in question is apparently the stuffed ostrich that looms behind the oddly sterile, marble-topped bar in the centre of this massively popular space. But it could just have easily been whoever supposedly proof-read the menu. It's a small OCD thing I have, but that's not the way you spell "shabeen". Or "potatoe", or "artisinal", and there's no such thing as a "pepperdew".It could, of course, be an age thing. The recently-opened Idiot draws a 20- to 30-something hipster crowd and Friday and Saturday evenings heave with the trendy darlings.If it was a gamble to open a place like this in the city's "financial district" and so far from the club hub around upper Long and Bree streets, it has paid off handsomely.It does help that the Idiot's first-floor premises are cavernous - think bohemian gentleman's club-cum speakeasy: exposed brick, low lighting, enormous fireplace, hunting trophies and a pool room with a decent library - but its biggest attraction is its huge wraparound balcony. The late afternoon sun on the Waterkant Street side and a bottle of red (R110-R400) make for serious chilling.Arrive early if you want to eat. Food is South African: braaied meat, grilled mealies and chakalaka. Come summer, the Idiot will be the city's go-to after-work drink spot. If it isn't already.32 Loop Street, Cape Town, 021-418-1548..

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