Perseverance Tavern - a golden oldie that's still trending

VS

Vicky Stark

2 March 2026 | 16:35

Persies as it's known to locals, offers "good pub food", including breakfast from next week.

Perseverance Tavern - a golden oldie that's still trending
Cape Town's Perseverance Tavern, marketed as "the oldest pub in South Africa" is still going strong.
Owner Maarten van Doesburgh said the pub, which was built in 1808, got its liquor licence in 1836, which was "the first-ever issued in the Western Cape".
While they've changed things like plumbing, the facade remains unchanged and the building is sturdy.
"I built two new pizza ovens... but in the process of this last renovate, we've uncovered original walls made of slate and sandstone. And whatever materials would've been found on the beaches of Woodstock, probably. And we're going to have that authenticated and try to date that."
He's left some of the walls exposed for visitors to see.
Persies as it's known to locals, offers "good pub food", including breakfast from next week.
There's also a braai area at the back where people can bring-and-braai or staff will braai for them.
Van Doesburgh said the tavern at 83 Buitenkant Street in Cape Town's CBD is open seven days a week.
"A lot of people aren't aware that the entire Buitenkant Street has been entirely cleaned up. We've got our own CID. I mean people park right outside the door. And that's important because it wasn't like that for a long time."
Bookings can be made on their Facebook page.
To listen to Van Doesburgh's full discussion with CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson, click the link below:
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