A Bar at the Edge of Time: The Kimberly Hotel, a home for the travellers

Roeland Street, Cape town on the day I visited the Kimberly. - Picture by Owentando Zantsi

When strolling through the vibrant streets of Cape Town, the artistic air rings throughout. The bustling streets and unique sights are a true representation of the nature of today’s Cape Town and the history that lies beneath. The Kimberley hotel —located in the heart of the city on the corner of Roeland and Buitenkant Street— is no exception.

It first caught my eye as I left one of my favourite bookstores, The Book Lounge, right across the street. As a domestic migrant myself, I’m constantly looking to find fun, creative spaces to connect with the diverse people that travel to Cape Town. When I walked in, I was in awe at the curious interior of the bar and instantly wanted to know more.

The Kimberly Hotel, also known as the Kimberly backpackers or even the Kimbo by some. -Picture by Owentando Zantsi

I looked around with a friend of mine, admiring the art on the wall, the trinkets all around and the detail on the bar counter. We thought it was beautiful, and as a result, I decided to strike up a conversation with the resident manager, Diana, to quench my thirst for more knowledge. I talked to her about the history of the bar, the décor and the kinds of customers they serve.

I don’t know much about the history of the place,” Diana admitted. “But it’s been like this forever, we like to keep to that old touch in there — it makes it unique”

And that uniqueness is exactly why it’s such a sight to see, with the interior of the bar sporting a traditional British pub style that is reminiscent of its history. For a first-time visitor, it’s almost like stepping into a time capsule. Everything from the tables, chairs, walls, and bar area is nostalgic and speaks to the connection the building has to its roots.

The interior of the bar, the vintage furniture is very reminiscent of the era the bar was built. -picture from Hubbard Hospitality.

While the bar retains its vintage charm, the upstairs, which is where the guest rooms are situated, has a more modern touch. The rooms differ in size and colour scheme, but they have a coherent theme that is easy on the eyes. With lovely views of the city outside, visitors can unwind while still feeling connected to the vibrant pulse of Cape Town below. Whether you’re watching the city wake up in the early morning light or soaking in the golden hues of sunset, the rooms offer a peaceful contrast to the lively atmosphere downstairs

An example of one of the 12 bedrooms the hotel offers. -Picture from Best Getaways

The history of the Kimberley till today

Because I couldn’t get much information from the manager, I decided to do my own research regarding the history and it was far more fascinating than I had expected. According to their official website and Michael Walker’s book “The Old Hotels of Cape Town”, the hotel was built in 1895 by Irish architect, Frederick Cherry, making it the fourth oldest bar in the city. He had arrived in Cape Town in 1890 but made a name for himself quite quickly, designing many popular hotels in the city, including the famous Sea Point pavilion.

Interestingly, the Kimberley wasn’t always just a bar. Once upon a time, it was departure point for settlers and miners in Cape Town, particularly those travelling on horseback towards the Kimberley mines.

An actual picture of The Kimberly in its prime. -Picture by Owentando Zantsi

As years passed and crowds shifted, the hotel had to adapt as well. Its ideal location and quirky nature, attracted many international travellers and tourists, quickly becoming popular, and even earning the name The Kimberley Backpackers.

We used to only take international (clients), but after Covid we started taking everyone” Diana explained when I asked her about the patrons that visit the bar.

The pandemic, which has changed the face of travel and tourism, had prompted the bar to adapt yet again. What was once a bustling tourist attraction, became a home away from home for domestic travellers looking for a short term stay in the heart of the city.

What’s most notable to me is how they have withstood the tests of time. Like many other historical buildings, one of the challenges the hotel has had to face is adapting to the changing world around them while maintaining their unique historical style. The soul and character of the hotel has remained intact through it all, even with minor upgrades.

Patrons enjoying the outside area on the Kimberly, - Picture from Best getawys

“We do have some regulars (as well)” she added. “There are some people that used to visit in the 80s and have come back to see it. They’re now old people but they always share how they used to come here when they were in their 20s”

Visiting the Kimberley ended up being a much more introspective experience than I initially thought it would be. As someone who is drawn to the arts, experiencing a place that holds so much history reminded me that places hold so much memory. The individuals that have walked through those doors time and time again have left their mark they know it or not. Their stories and lived experiences still resonate in the in the walls through time and space, eagerly welcoming new stories every day. A melting pot is what I’d call it. A melting point of culture, history and identity right here in cape town.

The Kimberley isn’t just a bar or a place to sleep — it’s a living archive of Cape Town’s layered identity. It’s a space where history meets everyday life, and where locals and travellers alike can feel both at home and transported.