Walking through the corridors of The Winchester Hotel, it’s clear that the property’s appeal lies not only in its rich history but also in its ability to move with the times, offering guests a blend of heritage and contemporary luxury. The grand central courtyard, which once housed vehicles, is now the bustling Shoreditch restaurant – the heart of the hotel – featuring details like the iconic black-and-white chequered floor and vibrant purple bougainvillaea, a lively and Instagram-worthy space that’s a far cry from its practical origins. This 1920s architectural gem is not just a place to rest your head – this matriarch of the Atlantic Seaboard is a symbol of classic luxury in the Mother City. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering its many treasures, The Winchester Hotel is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and savour everything that Sea Point has to offer.
An Enviable Position on the Prom
The Winchester has the most enviable position along the famed ‘prom’. The steady hum of Sea Point’s activity – locals jogging, tourists strolling, and the constant presence of the Atlantic – creates an ongoing buzz in the hotel’s foreground.
The courtyard is undeniably one of the hotel’s most enchanting features. The hotel rooms are built around this central space, but once inside your room, the bustle of the restaurant magically disappears.
The Grande Dame of the Atlantic Seaboard
Originally built during the roaring 1920s, the hotel is a striking example of Cape Dutch Revival architecture, and was first constructed as a residential apartment block on the Sea Point beachfront. Yes, on the beach itself, not across from the bustling prom and Beach Road as it stands today. Over the years, as Cape Town’s landscape evolved, so did The Winchester.
The hotel’s famed sea-facing terrace overlooks the ever-vibrant prom and is the perfect spot to enjoy the timeless elegance of this classic hotel.
The Winchester Mansions, as it was previously known, entered a new chapter in 1958 when it was purchased by Mr and Mrs Harvey, the namesakes of the hotel’s Harvey’s Bar. They took the apartment block and reimagined it as a hotel. Under their ownership, The Winchester grew in reputation, becoming a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
The hotel’s famed sea-facing terrace overlooks the ever-vibrant Sea Point Promenade and is the perfect spot to enjoy the timeless elegance of this classic hotel.
The most recent evolution of The Winchester came in November 2021, when it reopened to the public after a two-year refurbishment. This carefully executed transformation, under the management of Newmark Hotels, breathed new life into the hotel, while retaining the grandeur and charm that made it famous in the first place. The reimagined Winchester Hotel is a blend of past and present, reminding Capetonians why they fell in love with this hotel all those years ago.
Dining at Shoreditch
Meals at The Winchester are served at Shoreditch, where the ethos is clear: flavour-packed dishes, many of which are cooked over open flames. You can opt to sit in the sea-facing front terrace, cosy interior, or outside in the central courtyard. The menu features small plates for sharing, as well as big plates, and the food is comforting yet elevated.
Crafted Cocktails and Sea-Facing Sundowners
Before dinner, there’s no better place to unwind than Harvey’s Bar, a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The bar, known for its meticulously crafted cocktails, has an impressive menu that reads like a love letter to mixology.
I opted for a gin cocktail infused with fresh herbs and citrus – refreshing, crisp, and perfectly balanced. Sitting out on the sea-facing terrace, cocktail in hand, I soaked in the last light of the day as the sun began to dip below the Atlantic.
There’s something magical about this terrace. It feels like the best of both worlds: the bustling promenade on one side, filled with life and energy, and the calm of the hotel on the other, offering a serene retreat to watch the world go by. It’s no wonder that Harvey’s Bar has such a dedicated following.
Whether you’re there for a quick sundowner or an evening spent people-watching, the terrace promises an experience as memorable as the cocktails themselves.
Whether you’re there for a quick sundowner or an evening spent people-watching, the terrace promises an experience as memorable as the cocktails themselves.
We had started the evening with cocktails and a Shoreditch cheeseboard, which we followed with a dish of creamy burrata paired with charred tomatoes and basil that melted in the mouth. Chicken wings with a butter chicken glaze and lime amasi were a crowd-pleaser, balanced by the lime’s fresh zing.
But the star of the show was undoubtedly the Short Rib Sando – sourdough with pulled short rib, peri-peri mayo, onion marmalade, and salt and vinegar fries. Yum!
The restaurant, with its wood-fired focus, offers a dining experience that feels both innovative and nostalgic. Sitting there, surrounded by the soft evening light and the low hum of happy diners, I couldn’t help but feel that Shoreditch is a perfect reflection of The Winchester itself – rooted in tradition, yet ever so slightly rebellious in its modern twist.
Pampering at The Sanctuary Spa
Before heading home, I couldn’t resist indulging in a little self-care at The Winchester’s Sanctuary Spa. Tucked away within the hotel, the spa feels like a hidden gem – a peaceful escape designed to pamper, relax, and rejuvenate. I opted for the hot lava shell massage, a treatment that uses self-heating lava shells to melt away tension and encourage circulation. The combination of warmth and deep pressure is magical.
The skilled therapists at Sanctuary Spa have mastered the art of relaxation, and by the end of the treatment, I felt completely renewed. If you have the chance, this is an experience not to be missed – whether you’re staying at the hotel or simply stopping by for some much-needed pampering. If you’re looking for a spoil for both you and your special someone, the spa’s couples’ room is perfect, offering a shared experience of ultimate relaxation.
If you have the chance, this is an experience not to be missed – whether you’re staying at the hotel or simply stopping by for some much-needed pampering.
A Seamless Blend of Classic and Contemporary
From the grand architecture to the thoughtful service, from the vibrant dining at Shoreditch to the crafted cocktails at Harvey’s Bar, everything is designed to make you feel relaxed and at home. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat or just a quick escape, this Sea Point icon should be on your list.
221 Beach Rd, Sea Point. Western Cape, South Africa | Phone +27 21 434 2351
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