My Perfect Weekend

How TV personality Alyson Le Grange spends her weekend

One of the perks of presenting the weather on TV is that news reader Alyson Le Grange always knows whether it's a good idea to plan outdoor activities on her days off

29 July 2018 - 00:00 By SUNDAY TIMES REPORTER

On the weekend I take it slow before heading out with my sister or a friend for a long, lingering breakfast at a favourite restaurant in Melrose Arch. I like Tasha's where I can sit outside on the square and just people-watch for a few hours.
Until recently I worked on Saturdays reading the news from 10am to 2pm, so it's a real treat to have weekend mornings off. I love places where you can sit outside and I present the weather every day on Afro Worldview so I tend to know whether it's a good day for an outdoor restaurant.
After some house admin I might spend some time in the gym if there isn't a special occasion like a friend or family member's birthday.
I love heading out of town for lunch. The most special place is Mount Grace Country House and Spa in the Magaliesburg because the scenery is so beautiful and you feel like you're a million miles away from the bustle of the city. The food is exceptional, the vibes are chilled and the staff take excellent care of you. After lunch I like to explore the great walks and take in the views.
I'm not much of a party animal so I tend to steer clear of clubs on the weekend. I prefer a sundowner in a bar or a movie in the evening. I love to go to Marble in Rosebank for a drink. They have excellent cocktails and a great view over Joburg.
My favourite place to catch a movie is at the Killarney Cine Centre.  They have previews and I love to be the first to catch a new movie. Last weekend I watched Mamma Mia 2 and I absolutely loved it. It's a total girl flick.I also recently went to The Living Room in Maboneng for a relaxing afternoon of listening to music and socialising.
I love to eat healthy, plain food, and sushi is one of my favourite kinds. The best place for sushi is The Fishmonger in Illovo.
Weekends are also meant for reading and listening to music. I like escapist books, a bit of nonsense to de-stress, like Marian Keyes. I just finished reading The Sorrows of Satan by Marie Corelli and really enjoyed it. I also like biographies, like George Bizos's Odyssey to Freedom.
My music choice is very eclectic. I like pop, old school, R&B and the top 40 - anything really.
To end the weekend I'll look at my diary before bed on Sunday night to get my head ready for the coming week. If I have a big interview coming up I'll do some research on the person. Finally, I'll give myself some TV time. I love watching local news or Sky News for a catchup on international events. If I watch a series, it's Big Bang Theory...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.