Waiting to be discovered in the alleyway between the Hermanus Waterfront and Main Road, ‘Off the Record Lounge’ is the latest venture from husband-and-wife team Ingrid Louw and Anton van der Valk. From early-morning espresso to casual afternoon meet-ups over smoothies, the coffee-to-cocktail bar offers a relaxed space to connect. Cocktails are set to appear on the menu in the near future once their liquor licence is approved.

The story begins with ILBespoke. Ingrid, a self-professed “maker at heart” with over six years in the design industry, has built her reputation on seeing design as a vehicle for improving people’s lives. Her projects are characterised by a love of craft, innovative use of materials, and a commitment to finding meaningful solutions to every brief. While Ingrid leads the creative vision, Anton, a certified accountant, manages the administrative side of the business and keeps operations running smoothly.

What started as a search for office space for Ingrid led the couple to a premises on Main Road that required a retail component. Ingrid established her office at the back and curated a beautifully considered shop at the front, filled with South African brands.

Shoppers will find favourites such as Haus tableware and textiles, Jangi jewellery and bags, Purely Porcelain diffusers, and Chommies leashes, collars, keyrings, and lanyards, with ILBespoke the only place in the Overberg to stock them. The store was also the first to bring the Fieldbar brand to a physical space, alongside miniature sculptures by local artist Carl Krim. Every piece is carefully curated, reflecting Ingrid’s keen eye and love of design and craftsmanship.

A few years later, Ingrid relocated her office to a more suitable space in the alleyway behind ‘Die Biltong Ou’, while ILBespoke’s retail shop remained on Main Road. When the Die Biltong Ou closed its doors, Ingrid and Anton seized the opportunity to move ILBespoke into the alley and create something entirely new. Off the Record Lounge now occupies the former biltong shop, with ILBespoke’s retail space located at the back.

Around the same time, the sustainable outdoor lifestyle brand, Sealand, was looking to open a store in Hermanus. Known for responsibly made bags and apparel crafted from upcycled and ethically sourced materials, Sealand took over ILBespoke’s Main Road location, with Anton stepping in as store manager.

Off the Record Lounge has been designed by Ingrid to feel modern and sophisticated without feeling pretentious. Comfortable chairs, warm lighting, and inviting tones create a space where conversation flows easily. Unlike louder, high-energy bars, this is a spot where you can chat effortlessly with the person next to you – a deliberate choice which reflects how Ingrid and Anton want people to gather. 

The coffee-to-cocktail bar’s name captures that vision: a place where friends and family can relax and converse freely, comfortably, and candidly... or “off the record".

By day, the lounge serves locally-roasted Dawn Coffee, poured by Allen, a familiar face in the Hermanus coffee scene, alongside Patricia, who also works on the ILBespoke retail side. When Patricia is off, long-term employee Janine steps in to manage the shop.

In the meantime, while awaiting their liquor licence, Anton has added smoothies to Off the Record's menu. A former mixologist before his accounting career, he is especially excited for the next phase, when the space will transition into a cocktail lounge in the evenings, offering classic favourites alongside seasonal creations. Beer will also be available on tap, and there are plans to host tastings with local wine farms.

Although the lounge will not serve meals, visitors can purchase snacks from The Treat Co and award-winning cheeses from Klein River Cheese to enjoy at home – a nod to the couple’s ongoing support of quality local producers.

Off the Record Lounge and ILBespoke are open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00, and Sundays from 09:00 to 15:00. Once their liquor licence is approved, trading hours will be extended into the evening. While their social media presence is still taking shape, Anton is available to assist directly with any enquiries on 082 729 9785

BY LEA SMIT

PhD Candidate, University of Pretoria MRI Whale Unit

Humpback whales are the ultimate long-distance commuters. Every year, they travel between the icy waters of the Antarctic to the warm, tropical waters to breed and give birth. 

In South Africa, we are positioned at the intersection of two distinct “stocks” of whales: stock B, which migrate along our west coast toward breeding grounds as far North as Gabon, and stock C, which travels up our east coast toward Mozambique and Madagascar. 

For decades, the “unwritten rule” was that these two stocks stayed on their respective sides of the continent. However, the discovery of massive feeding “supergroups” on the South African west coast challenged this theory. It raised a captivating question: is this feeding opportunity so good that even the east coast stock isn’t willing to pass it up? 

In an attempt to answer this question, we used two very different complimentary tools. The first is photo-identification (photo-ID). Every humpback whale carries unique markings on the underside of its tail (the fluke). The patterns of black and white pigment, along with the jagged edges, are as unique as a human fingerprint. By using platforms such as Happywhale, we can match photos taken even decades apart. 

While photos can tell us where a whale was, genetics can tell us where a whale comes from. This brings us to the second tool. By analysing a small skin biopsy, we can look at two specific sets of data. First, mitochondrial DNA, inherited from the mother, allows us to trace the maternal lineage back for generations. Second, microsatellite markers, inherited from both parents, can give us the “genetic fingerprint” of the individual and show us how closely related they are to other whales. 

For my Master’s research at the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit, I combined these tools to look at the movements of both stocks and if they were mixing in these supergroups. The photo-ID analysis confirmed that whales are indeed moving between the east and west coasts. However, the genetic data added a crucial layer of complexity. It showed that while these whales are happy to swim and feed alongside each other in supergroups, they are not breeding with each other. 

Essentially, while these whales enjoy taking a detour, they still return to their separate breeding grounds. This distinction is vital for conservation, as it tells us that while the supergroups look like one giant mass of whales, we are actually looking at two different biological stocks that require their own unique protection strategies.

It had already been one of those weeks, best described as an ‘of course’ week when one is totally overwhelmed and life continues to add to it – ‘of course’ the basin is blocked, ‘of course’ the sink’s waste pipe is dripping. To escape from life for a while, every evening I walk my dog around the complex in Sandbaai where I live. “Walking” is a generous term as a lot of the walk is spent stopping and waiting as my dog simply lies down when she doesn’t want to go in the direction I am headed.

During one of these stops, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. A dassie, aka rock hyrax, was lying by the drain, watching me intently. I snapped a photo and shared it on our complex WhatsApp group with a message that, in hindsight, was vague at best. The message was something along the lines of, “There is a dassie, but I am walking my dog.” Somehow, I had expected the interpretation of this message to be: “There is a dassie in our complex; it shouldn’t be here as it is unsafe and he doesn’t have any friends. I cannot deal with this problem right now, not only because I’m at the limits of my capabilities in general, but also because I have my dog with me. Help!” My worry was short-lived, however, as the dassie disappeared into the drain, presumably to return to his family and friends, and I thought nothing more of it.

Upon returning from our walk the following evening, I observed the neighbour’s cats sitting by the tyre of my car. They appeared to be extremely focused on something and in no hurry to leave. I looked under the car to see the dassie sitting there, clearly taking refuge. I had to act. I fetched a water gun and shot a stream of water about a metre from where the impending drama was unfolding. The cats scattered and the dassie must have made a dash for the drain because there was no sign of him. I was proud of myself for saving his life. 

Looking out the window while doing dishes the next morning, I noticed two of my neighbours looking at the car. I joined them outside and asked if the dassie was back as he had been under my car the previous evening. They confirmed this was the case and provided additional information – that the dassie had gone up into the engine bay of my car, and could potentially cause damage. “Of course he has,” I thought but managed to keep my composure until I was back in my house where I burst into tears.

I did what most people would do and contacted the person who is continuously tagged on Facebook in any wild animal matters, Hugo Uys. This time I was clear in my message. I explained the circumstances and then highlighted the precipice I was currently standing on with regards to a possible nervous breakdown. Hugo wasted no time in coming to the rescue and assured me that he would do whatever he could to help. I thanked him, relieved that saving both the dassie and my car would be handled by those more competent. 

A short while later Hugo contacted me again and indicated that there was going to be a delay in securing a cage – something about Onrus and two mongooses – and no spare cage until the following week, but he had arranged for Jonathan Powers, owner of Snake Removals Hermanus, to come to my rescue. Hope was still alive.

Despite Jonathan’s best attempts, he too would not be able to get a cage until the following week. “Of course,” I thought. “The dassies name is Eric,” I blurted out and immediately realised the error of my ways – one must never name a ‘stray’ as it causes an emotional connection. 

As the dassie was clearly enjoying various areas in the complex, it was vital that I kept him where he would be able to be found in order to capture and relocate him. He looked quite happy sitting under my car and scurrying in and out of the engine bay. My priority was the safety of the dassie so any concern for my car would have to wait. I could only hope that my insurance would cover ‘Acts of Dassie’.

Over the next few days I attempted to establish trust in order to keep Eric nearby. I did not interact with him apart from putting food out for him. He ate the carrots but left the apples for the ants. Knowing the plan to catch and relocate Eric, a kindly neighbour started putting a variety of fruit near my car. Eric had definitely made himself comfortable so catching him would be easy.

After what felt like an eternity, which was in fact just a few days, Jonathan arrived and set up the cage, placing the food at the far end. When Eric went in to get the food, he would inadvertently trigger the door to close thus trapping him inside. I told Jonathan I would contact him immediately once Eric was secured.

The next morning the cage was still empty but I could understand why. Heavy rains during the night had filled the food bowl with water and the ‘soup’ this had created was wholly unappealing. I prepared fresh food and reset the cage. About an hour later I observed Eric sitting on top of the cage, eyeing me suspiciously, and I felt a twinge of guilt. 

When it was time for Eric’s dinner, the food in the cage was still untouched. It was then that I noticed that the cage door was closed, but the cage contained no Eric. I would later learn from my neighbour that Eric had in fact been inside the cage, triggered the door to close and bolted into it simply bashing it open. I accept total responsibility for not being smart enough to set the cage correctly. 

I did not see Eric again until about 24 hours later when I was walking my dog. He had taken up residence in the engine bay of a car three-doors-down. As it turns out, Eric holds a grudge. Up until this point he had been a cautious, shy little dassie, running into the drain as soon as a human got too close. This time however he ran at us, caution thrown to the wind. I know he wasn’t after food as he had a new food source. I took a photo of him trying his best to intimidate us. He did a good job of it. It was the same thing the day after, only this time he chased us for about 20 metres before giving us a filthy look.

Eric spent the next few days having meals on the beautifully kept traffic circle in our complex that brims with flora (and carrots lovingly-placed by other residents). He made only one more brief appearance under my car. I did not fall for his sweet, please-feed-me eyes.

It has now been about a week since I last saw Eric. I have not seen him at the house three-doors-down, or on the traffic circle. I haven’t spotted him scurrying into a drain or an engine bay, and I believe there are two possibilities for this: either Eric has left to find a wife, or Eric is in fact Erica and will return with three babies in approximately 7 to 8 months.

As for Jonathan, who so quickly jumped into action, he came to collect the empty cage from my house the day after Eric moved out. He warned me about Eric's possible return accompanied by a new family. I thanked Jonathan profusely, confirmed that I understood, and explained that Eric had left home and moved on.

Perhaps the following song lyrics best describe how I feel after all of this:

“The shades go up, mother's staring down, she don't know where he's been, or how long he's been out. She said, "Boy, I'm tired of waiting up while you're out with your friends." He said, "Mom, I'm trying, and I'm living my life the best way I can."

Ironically, the song is by a band called 3 Doors Down.

I would like to again extend my deepest thanks to Jonathan and Hugo for the obvious caring they showed for the safety of the dassie, and for springing into action so quickly. The delay in securing a cage was out of their control. Jonathan also does snake and bee relocations, as well as handling and relocations of other animals including Erics. He can be contacted on 082 352 6000.

In Hermanus and the greater Overstrand, a new kind of design consultancy is offering something refreshingly simple: honest, professional advice when you need it most. AskDAD is built around the familiar old adage (when in doubt, ask dad), but here the name carries an added meaning. 'DAD' stands for Design, Advice and Direction – three pillars that define the service.

The idea was born in 2017, driven by founder and architect Helen Henzen’s desire to help people navigate the often overwhelming world of property and construction. Although AskDAD officially launched only last year, the passion behind it has been decades in the making. 

Helen’s interest in design and architecture began at just eight years old, and over the years she has built extensive experience in the field. She and her husband, Dirk, made the Overstrand their permanent home in 2024, after having a home in Northcliff since 2022. Today, AskDAD works physically with clients in the Overstrand area and offers online consultations further afield.

Helen’s goal with AskDAD is straightforward: to offer honest, professional guidance and to help fill knowledge gaps from every possible angle, whether from the perspective of an individual homeowner, an engineer, a contractor or a property investor. Property decisions can be complex, and people often find themselves unsure of their next step. AskDAD steps into that space to provide clarity and direction.

Her services range from reviewing house plans, to visiting a property you are considering buying to ensure there is nothing structurally or legally amiss. That independent, experienced eye can make all the difference before a major financial commitment is made. She can also guide clients through processes such as planning, building, redesigning or zoning, helping them understand what comes next and who they need to speak to.

A key part of AskDAD’s vision is connection. Helen aims to build strong working relationships with engineers, architects, real estate agents and other industry professionals in order to recommend trusted, local experts to her clients. At the same time, those professionals are welcome to approach her for input or a second opinion. The philosophy is collaborative rather than competitive.

“We should all be more open to helping one another,” she says. “We all have a wealth of knowledge that can be shared. It is alright not to know something. People shouldn’t be afraid to ask and support each other.”

That mindset sits at the heart of AskDAD. It is not about replacing architects, engineers or contractors, but about offering design, advice and direction at any stage of a project. Whether someone is buying, building, renovating or simply exploring possibilities, Helen provides a steady, informed voice to help them move forward with confidence.

In a property environment where costs are high and regulations can be daunting, having access to experienced, independent guidance is invaluable. For Overstrand residents especially, AskDAD is becoming a trusted local resource – proof that sometimes the smartest next step is simply to ask.

Helen can be contacted on 082 560 7785 or visit

www.ask-dad.co.za

BY GREENPOP

For 14 years, the Cape-based environmental organisation Greenpop has been turning ideas into tangible action; planting trees, restoring degraded landscapes, greening urban spaces, and building a movement of people who believe that individual participation can genuinely shift the health of our planet. 

Founded in 2010 by Misha Teasdale, Lauren Teasdale, and Jeremy Hewitt (or as he’s known in most households, Jeremy Loops), Greenpop has since brought 165 hectares under restoration, ‘greened’ over 500 urban community spaces, and educated more than 100 000 people across Southern Africa.

Each April, that work finds its most celebratory expression. For the 15th year, Greenpop is proud to present Reforest Fest, its flagship event and the annual gathering that started it all. The festival returns to Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the beautiful Uilenkraal Valley from 3 to 6 April 2026. 

A venue worth the journey

Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat is not a venue one simply stumbles upon. Tucked into the fynbos-covered hills between Stanford and Gansbaai, this nature retreat feels rare and almost sacred. Ordinarily, a property like this would require booking a private retreat to experience. But Reforest Fest offers something truly special: four days on these beautiful grounds, immersed in the sights and sounds of Africa’s southernmost forest, and surrounded by a community united in making a tangible difference. 

Restoration at the heart of it

This year’s festival carries particular weight. The Western Cape has just emerged from one of its worst fire seasons on record, with more than 132 000 hectares burned in January alone. Invasive alien plant species – which burn hotter and spread faster than indigenous fynbos – have intensified the crisis across the region, placing additional pressure on fragile ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Reforest Fest’s response is practical and grounded. On the Saturday morning, festivalgoers get their hands in the soil to help plant 5 000 indigenous trees across Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat, Platbos Forest Reserve, and surrounding properties.

It is the centrepiece of the weekend, a tradition that has contributed 162 645 trees to the Uilenkraal Forest Restoration Project since 2011. Every indigenous tree planted strengthens fire resilience, supports biodiversity, and steadily reduces the dominance of invasive species reshaping our landscapes.

Beyond the planting session, the programme includes workshops on land management and restoration, and nature walks led by ecologists – practical opportunities for environmentalists, farmers, conservationists, and curious visitors to connect, share knowledge, and leave feeling more capable of caring for their own land.

The music, the movement, the joy

What makes Reforest Fest distinct is that the ecological work doesn't happen in spite of the festival atmosphere – it happens because of it. Music, community, and restoration are woven together deliberately, and the result is something that feels less like an event and more like a movement.

"The arts and music aren't a break from the ecological heart of the festival, they're central to it," says Misha Teasdale, Greenpop's Co-founder and CEO. "You're not choosing between experiencing art or doing environmental work. They're the same experience."

This year's lineup reflects that spirit beautifully. Headlined by Crimson House Duo and Nomadic Orchestra, the programme spans continents and genres: DJ Okapi from Afrosynth, Japan's FUNKIST, Seth Tabatznik, Magé, and Sky Dlala among them. Beyond the mainstage, expect fire dancing, poetry sessions, swing dancing with Ruby from Cape Town Swing, soul movement with Balu Nivison, and a plethora of art workshops.

For the whole family

Reforest Fest is deliberately family-centric. Children can look forward to activities with Nature Plays Forest School, environmental storytelling, craft workshops, and an Easter Choco Hunt. There is also an Easter Sunday sunrise service for families who observe.

It is a weekend where loved ones plant trees side by side, learn from ecologists and restoration practitioners, and leave with something far more lasting than memories – a tangible contribution to the healing of our landscapes, and a shared sense of purpose that extends well beyond the festival grounds. 

For more information and tickets click here 

Stonehouse Cheese Estate, owned by Matthew and Bianca Jones, has expanded beyond its farm gates on the R326 with the opening of a new retail space in Hemel-en-Aarde Village.

The new shop, located inside the Wine Village premises, opened in mid-February and brings their Overberg-made cheeses closer to Hermanus residents and visitors. While the Stanford farm remains the heart of production, the Hemel-en-Aarde Village outlet offers a more accessible, lifestyle-focused space where customers can shop, sit down and savour.

Founded on a working dairy farm just outside Stanford, Stonehouse takes its name from the original stone toll house built on the property in 1772. The farm produces cheese using full-cream milk from its own Jersey herd, with a strong focus on small-batch production and traditional methods. Over the years, its range has grown to include Brie and Camembert, Nguni Camembert, Boerenkaas, cumin-infused wheels and Pecorino. The emphasis remains on quality, provenance and flavour that reflects the richness of pasture-fed milk.

At the new shop, that farm-to-table ethos is clearly evident. Front and centre is Stonehouse’s handcrafted cheese selection, but the offering extends well beyond dairy. The shelves are stocked with a curated range of South African brands, including Scorch, Funky Ouma, Just., Montagu and Buck and Bean, to name a few.

Customers can browse crackers, nuts, dried fruit, rusks, coffee, sweets, juices, jams, ice cream and more, making it an ideal stop for picnic supplies, entertaining essentials or thoughtful gifts.

The space also invites visitors to slow down. Guests can enjoy a cheese platter at one of the in-store tables or order coffee and a light bite from the coffee counter, creating a relaxed deli-style experience in the heart of the valley. On the way out, they can pick up a bottle of wine from the Wine Village to enjoy alongside their purchases.

By pairing farm-produced cheese with a broader selection of proudly South African products, the new shop strengthens its connection to the local food community – a good reason to explore, taste and support homegrown craftsmanship.

Stonehouse Cheese Estate’s shop is open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 15:00.