Mowbray Area Information

Mowbray at a glance

Situated by the M3 and N2 freeways to the west and the north and eclipsed in the shadow of Devil's Peak, lies the popular suburb of Mowbray. Primarily a transitory suburb, Mowbray acts as a thoroughfare where many people pass through on their way in and out of Cape Town's CBD, with Main Road functioning as an interchange for taxi's, buses and trains. The famed Liesbeek River flows from south to north through the suburb of Mowbray, separating the area into two distinct sections. The western section contains most of the suburb's commercial development and lies along the lower slopes of Devil's Peak, while the eastern section, commonly known as "Little Mowbray" rests on the low hill between the Liesbeek and Black Rivers. At its core, Mowbray is a stylish and alternative neighbourhood with pockets of secluded, leafy residential areas in the Village, Little Mowbray and Upper Mowbray. Properties in the area are mostly comprised of gorgeous examples of Victorian terraced homes (some of which are national monuments) and stunning examples of Cape cottages that rest on the bank of the Liesbeek River; Several student accommodations blend into the area, all contributing to Mowbray's eclectic community feel. The suburb of Mowbray stretches from the famed Mostert's Mill (built on the Welgelegen farm in 1796) to the Rondebosch Common between the N2 and Rosebank, while the official boundaries of Mowbray also include the Mowbray and Rondebosch golf courses which lie beyond the M5, towards Pinelands and Sybrand Park respectively. There is also a less well-defined boundary to the suburb of Rosebank bordering Mowbray to the south. Mowbray's CBD has undergone significant change brought about by many eco-projects designed to improve the area through the planting of trees and plants; Many trendy new restaurants and coffee shops have sprung up a result. Mowbray lies in proximity to UCT (University of Cape Town) and Groote Schuur Hospital and is also close to the city centre. With so much happening in the area and its ideal location as a transport hub, it is no surprise why properties in the suburb of Mowbray are highly sought-after.

Brief History of the Area: 

The history of Mowbray begins in 1796 when the iconic Mostert's Mill was constructed as a farm windmill on the land where the original Welgelegen homestead once stood; The mill was built in accordance to new standards that would ensure its survival against the notorious winds of the Mother City. Characterised by its traditional thatched roof design to allow the windmill sails to be turned to the optimal angle for catching the wind, the Cape truncated-cone tower stands proudly as a testament to the constructive history of South Africa while traffic flurries past daily along the de Waal Drive (M3) motorway down below. Next to the windmill, a threshing floor and homestead can be found, that likely once belonged to the miller. The suburb's iconic name first appeared in 1823 and was likely derived from the new English owners of the Welgelegen estate who originally originated from Melton Mowbray in England. In 1853 a village of the same name was established on the Welgelegen homestead in the "Drie Koppen" area. Drie Koppen was directly translated incorrectly by the English who dubbed it "Three Cups". Today, Mowbray functions as an alternative and transitory suburb while Mostert's Mill is celebrated as a popular tourist spot for those who share an appreciation for South African history as well as those looking less conventional activities to indulge in during their stay in Cape Town. 

Schools in the Area:

Mowbray is situated in proximity to several respected public and private schools.

Public schools in the area include:

• Rhodes High School

Positioned on the slopes of Devil's Peak at number 25-27 Montreal Ave in Little Mowbray, lies Rhodes High School. This co-educational public high school seeks to instil in its students the belief that education is part of a life-long process and is essential to the transformation of our nation. Birthed in 1978, out of an amalgamation of Observatory Boys High and Observatory Girls High, Rhodes High School encourages its students to be well-rounded learners in sporting, academic and cultural activities. While offering mainstream (FET) and Arts related subjects, Rhodes High School places an emphasis on Physical Science and Pure Mathematics owing to its mantle a Dinaledi Mathematics and Science Focus School which strives for its students to attain excellence in these particular subjects. In recent years and thanks to generous WCED funding, the school building and facilities have been extended to accommodate growing learner totals and the school has been fortunate enough to be a part of projects such as the MSEP (Maths and Science Education Project) which is bolstered by UCT (University of Cape Town). At its heart. Rhodes High School aims to raise its pupils to be skilled, responsible and successful adults.

Private schools in the area include:

• St George's Grammar School 

Located along Richmond Road in Mowbray, lies the renowned St George's Grammar School, an Anglican Mainstream co-educational school that was founded in 1848 by Bishop Robert Gray on the grounds of the present-day St George's Cathedral - making it the oldest independent school in the country. St George's fully subscribes to the National Policy on Inclusive Education and as a result, has an inclusive and anti-bias approach in all spheres of school life, creating a positive and safe environment for its pupils and enabling a strong foundation for learning. The library and computer labs allow students to learn beyond the confines of a classroom, while small classes that allow for individual attention and an exceptional academic programme keep students focused within them. St George's also offers an excellent extra-curricular programme that includes space for ecological awareness, community-mindedness, spiritual growth and appreciation of the arts. The entire school is situated on a single campus with separate buildings for the Preparatory and High School but with specific shared facilities that include the library, sports fields and school halls. St George's Grammar School strives to create a vibrant, positive school system that offers quality education in a caring, sharing and challenging environment.

• St Joseph's Marist College

Situated just outside of Mowbray along Belmont Road in Rondebosch, lies the well-known St Joseph's Marist College, a multicultural, co-educational and fully independent school that extends from Pre-School level through to Matric. In true Marist tradition owing to its founder St Marcellin Champagnat, St Joseph's provides its students with an education that is both academic as well as morally and spiritually formative, allowing each child the opportunities and foundation on which they can achieve their absolute best. St Joseph's encourages its students to think creatively and critically during all learning activities and are also encouraged to develop beyond the constraints of the curriculum - from the classroom to the concert hall; From the chapel to the sports field, St Joseph's Marist College demonstrates that learning can be a relevant, practical and fun experience. In addition to offering mainstream classes, St Joseph's also offers Montessori classes from Pre-Primary level through to Grade 6. With beautiful buildings and grounds that mirror the character of the college itself, there is no better place to send your child than St Joseph's Marist College. 

Shopping Centres:

Mowbray is situated in proximity to several popular shopping centres, including the Riverside Mall, which is located just outside of Mowbray on the corner of Belmont and Main Roads in Rondebosch. The Riverside Mall offers its patrons a convenient residential shopping experience with renewed vigour owing to its recent refurbishment valued at R16-million - which included the installation of wider escalators, new flooring, ceilings, lighting and revamped public toilets equipped with baby changing facilities and which now also accommodate disabled persons. The mall is anchored by Checkers, Absa, FNB and Standard Bank but also houses many specialised stores that include Vitacare Pharmacy, Lightsail Education, Danneberg Optometrist, The Italian Art Shop, and Sure 2 Travel (Travel Agency). With ample parking space (that is free for the first hour) and an eco-friendly car wash service available to its patrons, the Riverside Mall is the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy. 

Distance from Key Points: 

Mowbray is situated in proximity to several key locations, including a quick 1km drive to the nearby Mowbray train station, which gives visitors and residents easy access to the rest of Cape Town and the CBD. The Cape Town International Airport is only a 12km drive (or Uber ride) from Mowbray.  

Restaurants/Entertainment:

• The Fat Cactus 

Positioned at number 47 on the corner of Durban Road in Mowbray, lies the institution that is the famous Fat Cactus, offering some of the best quality TexMex food in the entirety of Cape Town. The Fat Cactus is vibrant and always brimming with activity, be it for a celebratory dinner out, jugs of margaritas specials during their popular happy hour or even a quiet lunch with family or friends to indulge in their delicious cuisine. With generous portion sizes, patrons dining out at The Fat Cactus will never leave hungry or disappointed as their substantial menu offers up a variety of dishes designed to delight the taste buds. Menu favourites include the Greek Lamb Fajita, Happy Hog Quesadilla, Fat Boy Burger, Big Boy Texan-style Nachos and of course their classic Chili Poppers. For those looking to indulge in a more decadent manner, The Fat Cactus offers up some delicious milkshakes, waffles and their signature Frozen Margarita's and Gingerbread Tequila, which are sure to send you home more than happy. With friendly, accommodating and attentive staff who are more than willing to offer sound advice on what to eat, drink and more, you'll be planning your next visit to The Fat Cactus in Mowbray before you've even left their premises.

• Bruegels Pizza Studio

Located at number 99 Durban Road in Little Mowbray, lies the famous Bruegels Pizza Studio, which was first opened in early 2003 and is widely recognised as being one of the premium local and independent pizzerias in Cape Town for over 15 years. Bruegels Pizza Studio combines traditional preparations with local ingredients for pizza, pasta and other dishes to ensure authenticity to both their Italian origins and Cape Town setting. Bruegels endeavours to serve up the finest handmade thin-based pizza cooked in a traditional wood-burning oven, using the freshest toppings. Bruegels has an excellent and varied menu that caters to every taste including hearty meat-lovers and passionate vegetarians. Menu favourites include the Nash Pizza, Michael Angelo Pizza, Cesari Salad and Chicken Lasagne. At its heart, Bruegels Pizza Studio is a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant; With welcoming staff and impeccable service in a unique setting with a vibrant atmosphere, you will not leave Bruegels Pizza Studio feeling hungry or disappointed.