The space underneath the church on Bree St, just before Heritage Square (travelling away from the mountain), has been converted into several units and the one at the end is & Union. Brought to you buy the guys who originally bought you Vida e Caffe, & Union is not your typical restaurant, but nor is it your typical bar or pub (which is probably why they call themselves a beer salon / charcuterie) and depending on your mood and your needs, it can be any of them and more.

& Union is hoping to educate Capetonians about fine beer. Instead of serving the usual mass production stuff we are normally offered, & Union only serves artisinal beers. You may have seen CSG beers which are available at selected restaurants and outlets and up till now have been available at the Neighbourgoods market. These three beers are available along with three new ones; two Brewers & Union beers and a very strong (10%) beer. The staff will gladly assist you in pairing your beer with the correct food or vice versa. For those who are not into beer, there are two whites wines and two red wines available. The food on offer is a selection of meats and cheeses served with a side salad and homemade crisps. There is gemsbok or tuna carpaccio, grilled sausages and a selection of sliced meats and sausages. It comes on a wooden board with fresh Knead bread.

After a brief introduction we ordered the one each of the two (500ml) Brewers & Union beers (R40 each – yes, you read correctly, you’re not going to go there and smash these things 6-love). To accompany the beers we were given tapas of nacho chips and grilled spicy chorizo, a perfect complement. We ordered a charcuterie plate (R65) which includes your choice of three of the meats on offer. We also ordered the grilled semillion sausage (R65) and a bottle (750ml) of Rafael CSG (R70) to wash it down. I really enjoy eating like that, having a whole selection of things to try and sharing the platters amongst people (must be my Spanish blood). Everything was fresh and the meats are made by hand locally.

Inside & Union, the are no tables, only a bar counter running around the perimeter of the place, some of it high and some of it low and with funky bar stools to sit on. Outside are tables with benches for al fresco dining on sunny days.

We ended off the meal with a good organic coffee, accompanied by organic sugar and organic milk. These guys are going environmental, everything is local and/or organic. This is the way it should be.

As I said earlier, & Union can be what you want depending on your mood and your need. Looking for a nice lunch spot? This is the place. Looking for somewhere to have a post work snack and a beer? This is your spot. Dinner? A coffee or a drink before going out? Why not & Union? Plenty of parking and centrally located, it is what you need it to be. They have only just opened so I can’t tell you when it’s busy or quiet. Why not go check it out and give them some support?

& Union
110 Bree Street, Cape Town
021 422 2770


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