CBD businesses are making it happen

Writer & Photographer: Hedda Mittner.

It only takes a short stroll down Harbour Road for the reality of the economic fall-out of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations to hit home. And yet, despite the galleries, eateries and bars that remain shut, the Hermanus CBD is also filled with businesses that are rising to the challenge and reinventing themselves to adapt to the new circumstances we all face.

One of the earliest to close their doors, Lembu Gallery can now be found just around the corner in Warrington Place (also known as ‘Art Alley’), where owners Ian Macdonald and Ed Bredenkamp have set up their new gallery in what used to be their fabric-printing studio. With no tourists around, they have discontinued this line of their business, which was so popular with visitors, but in their new home you will still find the same superior quality South African-made products such as bead art, glassware, ceramics, jewellery and African artefacts, as well as fine art and photography.

Noel and Beth Hunt have happily settled into Hemingways’ new premises on Victoria Square.

Ian Macdonald and Ed Bredenkamp in the new Lembu Gallery in Warrington Place.

Rebecca Matthysen of The Eatery and Susan Roberts of Lilly Rose Florist are sharing space under one roof.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 4)