Melville – a bohemian nook in the West of the city
The suburb known for its nightlife has much to offer day visitors with a vast array of stores selling everything from handmade items to amusing gifts and more.
Gugu Xakza is the manager at the popular Six bar. She said the area is ideal for visitors because it offers a wide variety of options for people to enjoy from their first cup of coffee in the morning to their last after-dinner cocktail at night. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
Melville is a quirky, fun, and proudly South African suburb where people from all walks of life mingle in an unpretentious and often amusing environment.
One of many side-street views of patrons enjoying a meal outside in the lush suburb. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
Known for its bustling nightlife, during the day it has much to offer locals and tourists alike. Coffee shops and restaurants serve scrumptious treats and shops sell a vast array of unique and often handmade items for shoppers.
Sanmarie Auret and Steven Sawyer live in the area after buying a house in 2016 and say they love the cosmopolitan atmosphere and safe streets in which to peruse local shops and restaurants. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
Lara Britz from U-turn, a non-profit that assists the homeless transition off the streets said, “Melville doesn’t deserve the negative press it sometimes gets. I wish people knew that the many offerings for night-time revellers are not all the suburb has to offer. During the day there is so much happening and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
U-turn has a second shop selling homeware that has been donated to help with their fundraising activities to assist the homeless transition off the streets. Photo: Emily Wellman BainIf thrifting is your thing, Melville has a wide variety of options for shoppers. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
Fundi Mnqali moved his leather goods store to Melville after Yeoville became unsavoury due to crime. “I love the bohemian atmosphere of Melville where all races, income brackets, and backgrounds come together in the way the rainbow nation was dreamt of.”
Fundi Mnqali owns a leather goods store and loves the artistic atmosphere where musicians and actors live in or visit the suburb frequently adding to its artistic look and feel. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
Nestled to the west of the CBD, Melville is worth a visit, whether you are looking for a fantastic cocktail, breakfast of kings or to do some shopping for gifts.
Nolly Ndlovu is a charismatic lady who sells gorgeous fresh-cut flowers to local stores and the public. Photo: Emily Wellman BainAndile Sangweni and Alex Skakane look forward to their delicious burger at Dukes. Photo: Emily Wellman BainSome of the tasty treats on sale at the De La Creme bakery. Photo: Emily Wellman BainEduan Haasbroek and Lara Britz from U-turn sell gorgeous and high-end second-hand clothing and more, the profits from which support the homeless. Photo: Emily Wellman BainJimmy Gaudin and Ryan Mudliar enjoy breakfast at a street-facing table at the De La Creme bakery. Photo: Emily Wellman BainDe La Creme has a busy shop floor where patrons enjoy freshly baked goods and scrumptious meals. Photo: Emily Wellman BainRomario de Freitas works at U-turn after he was assisted by them to turn his life around after he lost his way. Photo: Emily Wellman BainThe iconic Hillbrow tower can be seen in the distance when walking around the delightful suburb. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
