BREWERS MARKET

from FlyWestair March 2020

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

- creativity and ingenuity thrives at Windhoek’s new Brewers NOT JUST ANOTHER MARKET

Straying away from a purely music orientated venue, the Brewers Market is a melting pot of food, drink, art, fashion, crafts and culture. O ctober 2019 was a sad month for performance arts as the 30-year-old institution that was Warehouse Theatre was forced to close its doors without a glimmer of a hope that it could be saved. But, the mourning lasted barely four months: like the mythical phoenix rising from the (not yet cold) ashes, the Warehouse was reincarnated as the Brewers Market. Straying away from a purely music orientated venue, the Brewers Market is a melting pot of food, drink, art, fashion, crafts and culture. It is a space for entrepreneurs and SMEs to grow their businesses as part of a cultural hub that hopes to attract locals and tourists alike. Opening with a roaring party on Saturday, 8 February with some of the capital’s music regulars who amongst others included the likes of Sean K and Vaughn Ahrens, the Brewers Market introduced its market-like concept to potential clients. “The idea is that it’s all integrated,” explains Che’ Rousseau, the mastermind behind the resurrection of the venue. “It’s not just a bar anymore, we now have fresh juices, brötchens, churros and coffee all under one roof. If people come for a comedy show they can get something to eat from Market Lane and go sit on the deck or go listen to some live music at the Brew Room.” Set up as a collection of different venues and vendors all under one roof, it’s the type of place that you’ll go to for a quick bite to eat and three hours later catch yourself watching a band play. In Market Lane you’ll find food stands that range from the freshest sushi to the tastiest African cuisine and even a batter bar that serves churros and crepes. The Den (Designer Emporium Namibia) is where a collective of Namibian fashion designers showcase their ready to wear lines. A great place for upcoming designers to display their unique handmade and proudly Namibian products to a wider audience. Additionally, Market Lane houses an art exhibition space as well as its own wine bar for the more refined patron. More vendors are set to join soon, while an upperclass barbershop is also in the making. Apart from haircuts and styling, and shaves with cut-throat razors, gents will also be able to have a pedicure and manicure. According to Rousseau it will be a real man-cave, the perfect place to escape to after a tough day at the office. The Brew Room is the main bar and entertainment area hosting events such as quiz nights and comedy nights. A local band performs every Thursday followed by a larger band on Fridays. Above the Brew Room is the Deck, a venue that is suited for various events but will mostly serve as seating for Saturday markets. The Deck is also set to host acoustic sessions on Sundays that will be followed by a DJ session to round off your Sunday funday. The Warehouse Theatre is the only venue to retain its name and remain untouched. As Rousseau explains, the theatre is such an established brand, universally loved by performers and fans throughout Namibia, that to change the name would not make sense. The theatre will be what anchors everything and word is that there are some exciting acts already lined up for the year. Regular evenings like Free Your Mind and Song Night will all be retained and scheduled to continue at the theatre. Every Saturday will see the Brewers Market fill up with extra vendors, pop up stalls and live music to create a large market filled with fun and something not to miss. No more complaining there is nothing to do in the capital. The Brewers Market is situated in Tal Street and open daily from 11:00 until late.

Le Roux van Schalkwyk