Happy Friday Somerset westers! Hopefully everyone is going to take full advantage of the good weather we are having this weekend. If you have nothing planned and would like something to do, take a quick squizz at our events section.
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Now in today’s edition:
Beach Road Traffic Changes
Local Hero Inspires the Next Generation
Good News for Coffee Lovers
Restaurant of the week
Events happening
Weekend’s Weather
-Karl Berger
News
Beach Road Traffic Changes
Motorists travelling through Strand are being urged to plan ahead as new traffic measures come into effect to accommodate the ongoing Beach Road seawall project. The changes are expected to remain in place until the end of January 2027.
A section of Beach Road has temporarily become one-way northbound, with access restricted to residents and patrons of nearby businesses, restaurants, and hotels. Drivers are encouraged to use Hofmeyer Street or Gordon's Bay Drive as alternative routes, as delays of up to 20 minutes are expected. Additional detours have also been introduced around the Strand municipal area to keep traffic flowing while construction continues.
The upgrades form part of the long-term seawall improvement project, aimed at protecting the coastline while improving the beachfront for residents and visitors once completed.
Click here: to read more about the traffic changes
Local Hero Inspires the Next Generation
The Helderberg community is preparing to honour Blitzboks star Tristan Leyds with a special street parade after he was named the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year. The celebration aims to recognise his incredible achievement while inspiring the next generation of local athletes.
The parade has been organised by Strand RFC, Strand United, and St George's RFC, with support from local authorities, schools, and businesses. It will travel through parts of Strand before concluding at Gustrouw Sports Ground, where the community will celebrate Leyds' success with speeches and festivities.
Organisers hope the event will show young people that international success is possible, even when starting from humble beginnings in the Helderberg.
Good News for Coffee Lovers
If you've noticed your favourite coffee or chocolate getting more expensive over the past year, there's finally some good news.
Global coffee and cocoa prices are falling, which could eventually lead to lower prices for South African consumers.
Better weather in major coffee- and cocoa-producing countries has improved supply, helping prices ease after months of sharp increases.
Global coffee prices are dropping
Cocoa prices have also fallen significantly
Improved harvests are helping increase supply
South Africans could see lower prices for coffee and chocolate in the coming months
While it may take some time for lower global prices to reach supermarket shelves, it's a positive sign for anyone who enjoys their daily coffee or sweet treats.
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Steffanie’s Place
A Hillside Restaurant With Some of the Best Views in Somerset West
If you're looking for a restaurant that's just as memorable as the food, Steffanie's Place should be on your list.
Perched on the slopes of Helderberg, this long-standing local favourite is known for its beautiful views over False Bay, warm hospitality, and modern South African cuisine.
Whether you're visiting for a long lunch or a special dinner, it's the kind of place where the setting is just as impressive as the menu.
A few highlights to look forward to:
Panoramic views over False Bay
Seasonal South African dishes made with fresh ingredients
An extensive local wine list
A relaxed, elegant atmosphere perfect for special occasions
It's easy to see why Steffanie's Place has remained one of Somerset West's favourite dining destinations for more than two decades.
📍 Steffanie's Place
Click here: To check out Steffanie’s place
Events coming up this week (6-12 July)
French Fête at Leopard's Leap | 17:00, July 10
Location: Leopard's Leap Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Description:
Celebrate the start of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Weekend with a festive French-inspired evening at Leopard's Leap Wine Estate. Enjoy an atmosphere filled with French flair, exceptional food and wine, live entertainment, and the charm of one of the Cape Winelands' most celebrated events.
Golden Oldies – Performed by Akkedis | 19:00, July 10
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Enjoy an evening of timeless classics as the legendary Akkedis Band brings its popular Golden Oldies show to the Lourensford Wine Cellar. Featuring beloved hits from decades past, the performance promises a nostalgic journey through some of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Franschhoek Bastille Festival | 12:00, July 11
Location: Franschhoek
Description:
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival, where French heritage meets the best of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy exceptional wine tastings, delicious food, live entertainment, and a lively village filled with French-inspired festivities.
Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament | July 11–12
Location: Dutch Reformed Church, Franschhoek
Description:
Join the annual Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament for a weekend of friendly competition and community spirit. Teams of three will compete in this traditional French game as part of the Franschhoek Bastille Festival celebrations, with all proceeds supporting the SPCA Franschhoek.
Events coming up next week (13 -19 July)
The Honky Tonk Hoedown | 17:30, July 16
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Pull on your boots for an evening of country and pop-country fun at The Honky Tonk Hoedown. Enjoy live music, line dancing, and even a mechanical bull rodeo in a lively atmosphere that brings a taste of the Wild West to Daisy Jones Bar.
Karen Zoid | 19:00, July 18
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Experience an intimate live performance by one of South Africa’s most celebrated rock artists as Karen Zoid takes to the stage at Lourensford Estate. Known for her powerful vocals, honest songwriting, and electrifying stage presence, Zoid brings a fresh, stripped-back performance to the atmospheric Lourensford Wine Cellar.
Citrus Festival 2026 | July 18–19
Location: Boschendal, Franschhoek
Description:
Celebrate the return of Boschendal’s much-loved Citrus Festival with a weekend of fresh citrus picking, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment. Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the festival offers visitors the chance to enjoy seasonal produce, outdoor activities, and the vibrant atmosphere of one of the region’s favourite annual events.
Here Be Dragons: Folk 201 | 13:00, July 19
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Experience an afternoon of captivating folk and Baroque-inspired music as the Here Be Dragons ensemble returns with the next chapter in its musical journey. Blending influences from cultures around the world, Folk 201 offers audiences a rich tapestry of traditional melodies, intricate arrangements, and masterful musicianship.
