A new branch of Cafe Roux will be opening in Shortmarket Street on Friday November 25.
The family-style cafe has been operating in the Farm Village in Noordhoek for 10 years. Brother and sister team Paul le Roux and Lindi Green, alongside Paul’s wife Bernadette, opened the restaurant in 2006.
Cafe Roux always had a strong music culture, starting with weekly braai nights, which featured Matthew Mole strumming in the corner for the first two years. Lindi’s husband, Dan Green, of well-known covers and party band Me & Mr Brown, spent his early days creating a late afternoon Sunday vibe.
In 2013, Lindi began to experiment with staging weekly Wednesday Sessions. The first month saw Nik Rabinowitz, Arno Carstens, Watershed and Zebra & Giraffe on the lineup. This weekly night time offering quickly grew into four or five nights a week and the cafe Roux Sessions were born, attracting a diverse line-up of up and coming artists. “As a family, we have always been huge lovers of SA music” said Lindi.
“I grew up watching my favourite bands and musicians around the country. So, creating an intimate live music space has been the easiest and most natural progression for cafe Roux. The artists are looking for a room to deliver an authentic musical performance where people actually listen.”
Manager and host of the nightly cafe Roux Sessions Deo Rwagasore said: “We are so excited to take the great vibe from Noordhoek and bring it to the city. Live music is for the soul and comes from the soul. We have such fun every week, hosting these incredible SA talents and we can’t wait to bring this special experience to town.”
Deo is a partner in the new venture and is integral in the staff culture and customer experience at both venues. Joining the team in Cape Town are Lindi and Paul’s cousin Vanessa Bisschop-Louw and her husband Michael. Vanessa has over 10 years experience of running top London restaurants and for the last five years has been managing some of Cape Town’s top event companies.cafe Roux Cape Town opens its doors on Friday November 25 with recent winner of The Voice SA, Richard Stirton’s album launch. The month of December has a line-up including Nik Rabinowitz, Jimmy Nevis, Arno Carstens, Ard Matthews, Majozi, Watershed, Nomadic Orchestra and Hot Water. Tickets cost R160 and can be pre-booked online through www.caferouxsessions.co.za. Dinner is available from 6.30pm and the show starts at about 8.30pm.