Joburg Market : 1 Fox – The Sheds

One of the latest additions to Joburg’s Market scene is 1 Fox – it’s a new market and event space that is wonderfully located along the western edge of Johannesburg CBD.

The Market venue is within a group of original industrial warehouse spaces that date back to the 1920’s. The history and story of the buildings is really great and plays such a valuable role in the presence of the shed. In fact it is a character on it’s own, it’s a great space to spend some time in. You can read more about the History on the 1 Fox website.

I am a huge sucker for Johannesburg CBD, I love anything that happens within the CBD and I happily jump at the opportunity to visit exciting new places. I have to be honest I am thrilled about the nodal revival that is happening in Johannesburg. I hope that the people who visit the markets love and enjoy the experience and keep coming back. It’s a huge nerdy dream of mine that there’ll be a day where Johannesburg CBD will one day be a fun, friendly place again.

1 Fox is a market and event venue, the market itself is open from Fridays – Sundays and the Good Luck Bar (Which also has a rich history with the area) is open from Thursday night to Sunday. The bar has a wonderful stock of craft beers. The Shed also plays host to live music events and private functions.

The market has a great space within the shed, there is ample seating and an entertainment area for kids. The vendors at the market range from design and goods to artisan bakers. The food market is well represented with a large variety of food on offer, including the popular Balkan Burger and Black Sam. There is such a great variety it’s actually a little difficult to decide where to start, between the food, tarts, desserts and drinks it may require more than one visit.

The live music happens every Thursday night from 16:00 – 21:30 and the act’s change every week. To keep informed about all music events and exciting things happening at 1 Fox, follow them on Facebook or check the website.

Make a turn at 1 Fox with the family or some friends its really a great space with wonderful atmosphere for all. If you do give it a visit let me know what you thought.

 

Love Norwood

Love Norwood

In recent years Johannesburg has seen a movement towards community revival. As a result there has been an increase in markets, local music and an overall coming together. It’s always a great day for family and friends to visit a new market get some amazing food and be entertained for the day.

This past weekend my local suburb celebrated itself and hosted Love Norwood day in the local park. It was a fantastic way to spend the day! The organisers which were the local residents association managed to organise a fantastic event with a pop up market, great live music, entertainment for the kids and an overall festive celebration of the wonderful and creative offerings our small “hood” has to offer.

Pop Up Market

Artisan Food

I was one of the creative participants with my baby and kids range of clothing and products – Mokopu. The event was held at a local park that borders the main road through the suburb, the events extended from the park all the way down Grant Ave. where all the local businesses got involved.

Pop Up market

It turned out to be a roaring success and a wonderful way to spend the day. In addition to the array of restaurants and shops down Grant Ave. there was a pop up market with a variety of craft and food stalls. Health and fitness such as bootcamp and “self-defense” training had demonstrations. There were short guitar sessions and kids paint sessions. I personally was somewhat saddened that I didn’t get the opportunity to tour the permaculture garden that was offering tour’s throughout the day. I didn’t even know it was in the area. I did however get to enjoy the music, the event had organised a range of local performers and band’s that did an amazing job of entertaining the crowd. Undoubtedly the best part of the day was seeing people come through grab a spot on the lawns and spend the afternoon listening to great performances.

Kids having Fun at the Mokopu stall

Other aspects of the event included an instagram competition that ran through the weeks running up to the event and photo tours on the day. All those instagram images can be seen using the #lovenorwood. Other great pictures from the day can be found on the Republic of Norwood Facebook page.

Lounging to Live Music

Overall, I love our little neighbourhood from the tree lined streets with people jogging or walking their dogs to the coffee shops and central stores on Grant Ave. (where I always bump into someone I know). I knew we had something special but Love Norwood day brought that little something out for everyone.