Sundays in Windhoek can be a little tricky.
Entertainment is scarce. The babalas may be kicking. The new week is looming and ahead of it comes the realisation that you habitually binge watch your way through your off days.
While it sounds like a terrible time, the sage among us know that Sundays are for lovers, friends, family and The Village Local Sunday Market.
On at The Village Garden between 09h00 and 15h00 every week, this laid-back bazaar is a neat new addition to Windhoek’s social calendar.
“Saturday is always such a scramble with parties, birthday celebrations and dinners so often I feel like Sunday is a bit of an odd day. You’re either at home or you’re really looking for something to do. So, we try to provide something for people to do but still with a very laid-back and chilled atmosphere,” says The Village Garden’s Elzaan Otto.
“I think the great thing is that we really try to focus on local products. We’re supporting our local economy by having local vendors while providing entertainment so it’s a win-win for everyone.”
On a recent brunch mission, my family and I find mimosas fizzing, musician Cecil Ellitson singing and The Village Opera House transformed into a local market.
Inside, foodie favourite Indolicious does its delicious thing with a selection of lumpia, rissoles and assorted Indonesian street food. Local farms offer a wealth of fresh produce, including mint, spinach, carrots, eggs, oyster mushrooms, honey and olive oil, while Bake Afrika’s “silver baker” and “curly chef” entice with jalapeno-cheddar sourdough and moist rye bread.
Their bread has its breadfellows in Deli Meats’ selection of cured meats, including a moreish spicy hand salami. Condiments can be found in a variety of zesty /Na basco sauces, in Gloria’s homemade chilli sauces and pastes and, for those looking for something milder, Home Made’s aioli may be just the thing.
With its cocktail bar opposite the Roof of Africa Craft Brewery, which serves draughts, pilsners and dark lager, The Village Local Sunday Market’s drinks will certainly satisfy anyone seeking hair of the dog while The Village Garden restaurant takes care of brunch.
Think potato rostis topped with smoked salmon, poached egg and hollandaise sauce or challah bread French toast with crispy banana, bacon and buttermilk sauce.
Boutique beauty businesses are also in the mix, including Healing Habit, whose herbal soaps, hair butter and baby cream are neatly packaged and presented. The Sunday market additionally features a revolving selection of art, clothing, jewellery, candle and accessory vendors such as Go Dreams inspirational tote bags and Mary Blessed Aunt’s African print earrings, colourful batiks and clothing.
A place to discover new musicians and quality local brands while your young children descend upon the vibrant Kidz Republik, The Village Local Sunday Market, which will have its last instalment of 2022 this weekend, is a family friendly day out with a diverse crowd, a local focus and an easygoing ambiance.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
