The Watershed is the V&A’s very own local craft and design space, home to over 150 makers and 365 brands. There are shops selling a wide variety of products, including traditional jewellery, sustainability-minded clothing, and dedicated workspaces for professionals on the go. Open 7 days a week, The Watershed is an ideal space for Waterfront visitors to explore, work, discuss, and find their next wardrobe staple.

With a mixture of up-and-coming entrepreneurs and franchise businesses, there is no shortage of stalls and experiences available at The Watershed. These are some highlights:

Food & Drink Options

Whether looking for a quick bite or a sit-down lunch, The Watershed has plenty of options available. Those wanting a sweet treat and a quick coffee can visit Crumbs and Cream, whose menu includes an array of cookies and tarts, as well as its iconic Ice Cream Sandwiches and Ice Cream Cakes.

There are healthy options too, with Pure Good serving fresh juices and smoothies alongside filling salads and classic toasties. Cooked is a Middle Eastern eatery with recipes passed from generation to generation and a menu that includes everything from souvlaki to latke. They also serve all-day breakfast, toasties, and bagels, making it an ideal brunch spot to stop at while shopping.

Working at the Watershed

The Watershed is open to the public, with shared seating areas allowing for informal work every day of the week. Visitors can step in during trading hours, find open seating for short-term laptop use, or even make use of the wider Waterfront’s public Wi-Fi and nearby cafés for flexible “work-from-anywhere” setups.

For those who need a quieter, more professional space to take calls, answer emails, and finalise admin tasks, The Watershed offers a dedicated solution.

Workshop17

Workers from all sectors come to Workshop17 to work independently, aided by fast wifi and dedicated workspaces, and supported by the vibrant craft market below.

The space offers a professional workplace with hotdesks, private offices, virtual phone booths, and meeting rooms. Additionally, there are social areas for quick chats among colleagues and a cafe for re-energising in between shifts.

Workshop17 is the workplace of more than 240 entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals, and of 80 companies. It offers four membership packages, starting at R2280 per month, with higher tiers offering better services and greater flexibility.

The basic “On The Road” tier includes access to fast, uncapped internet, discounts on venue hire, and up to 60 hours of on-site hotdesking. The following “Your Own Boss” and “Adventurer” memberships include complimentary cafe credits and all-day hotdesking access, and the latter also gives members credits for meeting room bookings. The final “Rooted” tier includes all other benefits, a dedicated seat in the shared work zone, and access to all Workshop17 locations nationwide.

Clients can find out more about membership on the website.

Venue Hire

Those needing to organise work functions can choose from multiple venue options, including small meeting rooms for more intimate discussions, two seminar rooms with microphones and TVs, and even an all-in-one event space with multiple large screens, four microphones, and LED lighting.

Ideal for anything from a board meeting to a large-scale conference, Workshop17’s spaces are adaptable to fit the needs of any event, with multiple room configurations for renters to choose from. Depending on the size, rooms can be hired per hour, day, or half-day. For more information on booking a space, visit the website or fill in the booking form.

Meet the Makers

The Watershed is all about the designers, crafters, entrepreneurs, and business owners who fill the space every day. With a focus on local ownership, sustainability, and ethical consumption, these shops produce items that are often handmade and rooted in local culture.

There are numerous options for luxury, ethically sourced leather accessories and clothing. Project Dyad offers a variety of bags and small charms, with numerous colourways to suit the season. Campbell Armoury sells similar accessories, alongside aprons and shoes, all hand-stitched and handcrafted.

The Watershed is also home to many innovative, forward-thinking clothing brands. Sama Sama’s soft and simple pieces are made with 100% natural base-cloths, while Ogun‘s minimalist menswear prioritises locally sourced and sustainable materials. Something Good Studio features an even wider array of textile-based products, from luxury coats and skirts to premium, artist-designed blankets.

Beloved Beadwork is an option for those looking for jewellery, as their hand-woven earrings, necklaces, and bracelets mix tradition with experimentation. Parents looking for educational kids’ toys that last should likely swing by Envirokid, as their products are sustainably and locally produced.

There are many more shops at the Watershed, covering a wide array of sectors, niches, and products. The full list of stores can be found on the website.

Exploring outside The Watershed

With its relatively central location in the V&A Waterfront, The Watershed is an ideal starting point to explore nearby attractions.

The iconic Waterfront Mall is only a few steps away, boasting scenic views alongside a diverse range of shops, restaurants, events, and experiences. Among its many core features, the Cape Wheel’s panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Amphitheatre’s live entertainment are among the most celebrated.

Just a short walk away, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa offers an award-winning contemporary African art experience housed within a converted grain silo, while the One&Only Hotel is a luxury resort with numerous dining options and a dedicated spa.

Lastly, the Two Oceans Aquarium is Cape Town’s premier window into marine life, hosting numerous exhibits with many aquatic species, with a particular focus on ocean education and conservation among South Africa’s youth.

Everything need to know about the Two Oceans Aquarium

Need to know

With everything from premium skincare to sustainable leather goods, The Watershed is an ideal space for shoppers to discover proudly South African products, with an emphasis on eco-friendliness and ethical sourcing. Whether catching a conference call at Workshop17 or grabbing something to eat, there’s always something to do at this curated design market.

When: Daily | 10am – 7pm
Where: Watershed, next to Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront
Website: waterfront.co.za
Facebook: V&A Waterfront
Instagram: @vandawaterfront

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