A visit to the Paternoster Waterfront is an opportunity to do more than explore the West Coast. It is also a chance to support the restaurants, artists, shop owners and activity providers who make this part of Paternoster a destination in its own right.
Located at the former crayfish factory, the Paternoster Waterfront brings together places to eat, browse, shop and enjoy local entertainment. From a meal at Whale’s Rib to artwork at the Art Shed or an e-bike tour with WOW eBikes, there are several ways to support the businesses operating here.
In this guide, we look at local businesses to support at the Paternoster Waterfront, organised by category so you can discover what each has to offer. Bring your appetite, leave some room in your shopping bag and remember that supporting local can start with something as simple as ordering a coffee.
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Supporting local food businesses is one way to experience Paternoster while contributing to the businesses that serve its visitors. The waterfront offers places to stop for a meal, coffee or something to enjoy between shops.
Whale’s Rib Restaurant
Whale’s Rib is located at the Paternoster Waterfront and serves a menu that includes seafood, ribs, burgers and other meals. It also offers waffles and drinks, making it a stop to consider for breakfast, lunch or a meal during your visit. Visit Whale’s Rib to find current contact details and opening hours before you go.
Koekemakranka Coffee Shop
Sometimes supporting a local business starts with a cup of coffee. Koekemakranka Coffee Shop is among the coffee stops associated with the Paternoster area. Confirm its current location and trading hours before including it in your waterfront itinerary.
Art and Galleries
Buying art from a local artist gives you something to take home while supporting creative work. The waterfront’s art spaces provide opportunities to browse paintings and other works, learn about artists and enquire about purchasing pieces.
Magda Art
Magda Art is one of the art businesses identified for the Paternoster Waterfront. Visitors can include it in their gallery stops and enquire about the artwork currently on display, available pieces and the artist’s work.
Wilko Roon Art Gallery
Wilko Roon’s work includes paintings inspired by landscapes, animals, fishing boats and life around Paternoster. His artwork is also featured at the waterfront’s Art Shed. Visit the Wilko Roon website to explore his work and learn more about his art.
Homeware, Décor and Design
Local design shops give visitors the chance to find gifts, homeware and items to take home from the West Coast. Shopping at these businesses also supports the people behind the products and their retail spaces.
Maneki
Maneki is a gift and lifestyle shop associated with the Paternoster Waterfront’s Crayfish Wharf. Its range includes homeware, décor, gifts and South African-inspired items. Make time to browse the shop when visiting the waterfront, and ask about the products and makers represented in its collection.
Studio SEA LOVE
Studio SEA LOVE draws on the ocean for its design inspiration, with products spanning décor and lifestyle items. It is worth visiting if you are looking for items connected to coastal living or a gift to take home. Explore the Paternoster shopping guide for information about local shops and creative businesses.
Jewellery and Handmade Products
Handmade products offer another way to support artists and makers. Rather than choosing a mass-produced souvenir, you can look for jewellery and other items created by people working in design and craft.
MW Design Jewellery and Workshop
MW Design Jewellery is associated with jewellery artist Mel Waters and is located at the Paternoster Waterfront. The business focuses on handmade jewellery, giving visitors an opportunity to browse pieces created by an individual designer. Visit the Paternoster shopping guide to find the business listing and check for current contact details.
The Vintage Toy Museum
Located on Kreeftegang at the waterfront, the Vintage Toy Museum adds a different kind of interest to a visit. Check its current opening arrangements before travelling specifically to see the collection.
Activities and Entertainment
Supporting local businesses does not stop at shopping and dining. Booking an activity or attending a performance is another way to spend time and money with businesses operating in the area.
WOW eBikes and eBike Tours
WOW eBikes operates from the Paternoster Waterfront and offers guided e-bike tours in the surrounding area. Tour options include coastal routes and trips towards Cape Columbine. Booking a tour gives you a way to explore beyond the waterfront while supporting a business that provides cycling experiences in Paternoster. Visit WOW eBikes for tour information, bookings and contact details.
Die Koelkamers
Die Koelkamers Teater is located at 1 Kreefte Street at the Paternoster Waterfront. The venue hosts live music, theatre, comedy, exhibitions and other events. The building was previously used for crayfish cold storage before being converted into a venue for the performing arts. Today, visitors can support the venue by attending a show, booking tickets and including a performance in their Paternoster plans. Visit the Die Koelkamers Teater website to check the programme and book tickets.
Kayak Paternoster
Kayak Paternoster is confirmed as a guided sea-kayaking operator based at the Paternoster Waterfront, with trips launching from the waterfront dock. Its tours offer a chance to explore Paternoster Bay and look out for seabirds and marine life. Trips depend on sea and weather conditions, so advance booking your Paternoster Kayaking is recommended.
Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters
Local businesses form part of the experience of visiting a destination. Restaurants provide places to eat, artists share their work, shops give visitors opportunities to buy locally available products, and activity providers create ways to explore the surrounding area.
Choosing to spend money at these businesses helps sustain the services and experiences available to visitors. It also gives you an opportunity to meet the people behind the business, ask questions about their work and discover products or experiences you might otherwise miss.
You do not have to make a large purchase to support a business. A coffee, a meal, an entry ticket or a gift can all form part of your visit.
Make the Paternoster Waterfront Part of Your Visit
The Paternoster Waterfront brings together food, art, shopping, jewellery, activities and entertainment in one location. You can stop for a meal at Whale’s Rib, browse artwork by local artists, look for a gift at Maneki, explore handmade jewellery or book an e-bike tour with WOW eBikes.
Plan your stops around the businesses you want to visit, check opening times in advance and leave some time to browse. You may arrive with one thing in mind and discover another business worth supporting along the way.
Next time you visit Paternoster, make the waterfront part of your itinerary. Explore the shops, enjoy a meal, book an activity and support the people who help keep the local business community going.
