By Daniëlle Gerber
Since ‘The Square’ (Drostdy Square) closed in 2020 due to Lockdown, and in 2021 due to new developments, the social culture in Stellenbosch has shifted. 2022 will host its second round of first-year university students who do not know ‘The Square’, an integral part of many prior students’ university experience in Stellenbosch. Is this causing a new era of going out?
‘The Square’ was night-life central bustling with four clubs within close proximity, namely Terrace, Tin Roof, Catwalk and De Lapa, and then also Stones for playing pool and a calmer atmosphere. The Square’s close in 2020 led to the extinction of Terrace, Tin Roof, Stones, and, temporarily, Catwalk in Stellenbosch. Catwalk did reopen on 5 May 2021 at a new location, however, the buzz surrounding it is gone. While up for debate, but based on the past lengthy queues, Catwalk was one of the most popular clubs in Stellenbosch.
In February 2020, before Lockdown, @stellies_does_deals, (an Instagram page sharing the best deals in Stellenbosch) conducted a survey to find the best party place in Stellenbosch – the winner came out to be Catwalk. So why is it not so popular after returning? While it may be due to a new location, by looking at the new successful going-out places, a trend is noticeable.
New places like Fool’s Gold, Centraal, Dorp (Happy Oak under new ownership), and even Cantina Chicka, a Mexican Restaurant, are all the hype now in Stellenbosch. A common thread of these places shows that they are not meant solely for dancing. Up until 8 pm, subject to change, people are seated and enjoying drinks and meals. Then, seamlessly, people begin to dance and it becomes a party-like atmosphere.
This new set-up might be the consequence of our curfews and the ban on dancing that establishments faced during stricter South African Lockdown. These hybrid establishments can serve multiple customer bases throughout the day, and is therefore not dependent on the dancefloor or hours after sunset.
The aesthetic appeal of these places, especially Fool’s Gold, Centraal, and Dorp, can also be contributed. They are not only the places to be, but also the places to see and be seen. These places are attractive in person and on social media, increasing the appeal and lines queuing. Will this change stand the test of time or will the traditional clubs reign supreme with the new influx of first years?
