Notes from the Cape

This week I experienced a wonderfully sad evening. It was wonderful because I got to spend an evening having a great dinner with some of my very close friends in one of my favourite restaurants. It was sad because it was the last time that I could have dinner there.

The reason for this is not because I do not wish to go back, rather because I cannot go back. After being steered in very good hands by Hans and Marion for the past 16 years, The Boardsail Inn is finally closing its doors for good this week.

In its infinite wisdom, The City of Cape Town has cancelled The Boardsail’s lease. They have all sorts of reasons for this which have been discussed at length in the local newspapers, some of which are to “allow parking for council vehicles, to allow a service road, an emergency exit, for increased parking for the community”. The premises have been used for over 50 years, and it is a sad moment seeing it close for good.

No longer will I be able to enjoy a quiet dinner in the week. I am going to miss the winter curry evenings, where Hans would serve up a batch of warming curries. And in summer, I am no longer going to be able to sit on the porch, enjoying a beer or two, watching the sun as it sets over the vlei. Most importantly, my dogs are going to miss hearing Charlie barking at them from across the vlei when they enjoy their daily walks.

I am not the only person who is going to miss the Boardsail, and I think that many people will be happy to join me in raising a somewhat virtual glass to Marion and Hans while we say “thanks for all the good times – we are going to miss you”.