The Obscene Parrot is one of Observatory’s latest eclectic offerings. Spearheaded by proprietor Hazel Walton, this unique little Cape Town spot has secured a loyal customer base both of locals and patrons from far and wide.
A follow-on venture from her popular live music venue in Muizenberg, The Acoustic Café, The Parrot is a slightly different, cosier version, coloured by bright funky décor dotted around a bar area dominated by an old railway sleeper counter.
Fun, quirky
It’s a fun, quirky space comprising of a balcony area overlooking the passing trade, a central bar area, and a small courtyard out the back. The venue is nestled in between loads of thrift shops, which draw groups of people trawling for a good bargain, and borders an animal charity shop next door – another venture inspired by the ardent animal loving owner.
The Parrot’s gay centric décor makes it an inviting spot for the gay and trans community, and women are also drawn to the Alice in Wonderland type atmosphere. Hazel explains: “It’s very similar to the woman-owned Acoustic Café, and a lot of women come because they feel safe here. We have a Ladies Night from 4pm every Thursday with happy hour prices for women, or men in a dress.”
“We get a lot of people coming from all over. It’s slightly different from the main ‘Obs’ drag. The Obscene Parrot is more like a queer-friendly, loungey, family type bar – it’s not my bar, it’s our bar. It also offers the most affordable drinks in Cape Town,” she says.
Best vibes
Visiting patrons are quick to comment: “It’s the best bar in Obs. It has the best vibes, the best outfits, and the best bartenders. It’s so whimsical!”
Another regular enthuses: “You never feel uncomfortable. Everyone knows each other and no-one bothers you. I love that I can read a book here. It’s like a family and it’s so easy to make friends.”
Hazel adds: “Everyone is welcome, so it attracts all sorts of people, even colleagues after work. The busiest time is from about 3pm. And we have a happy hour everyday between 12pm to 1pm, and again from 4pm to 6pm. We also have our own organic beer – a Boston Breweries blend from Paarden Eiland called The Parrot.
While the venue is essentially a bar, basic nibbles are also available, catering for vegetarians and vegans. This includes pizzas, curry rotis, samosas and fresh cake.
With a background in live music promotion in the UK working with the likes of Osibisa, Hazel is a people person who thrives in a social milieu. The Acoustic Café saw her stage everyone from Henry Ate, to Wendy Oldfield, Guy Buttery and Piet Botha, and the venue became well-known for its bands and vegetarian food on the Cape Peninsula.
DJ Ra Mava Ntontela
Upcoming events to look out for at her current venue include Vinyl Nights, where anyone can bring their own records, plus a monthly feature spot with vinyl DJ Ra Mava Ntontela, who spins a mix of Afro-beat, dub and neo soul. Open Mic Nights are also soon on the cards.
Drag artist and stand-up comic Lilly Slaptsilli is firming up a regular showcase, plus the venue’s Hanover Sunday movie slot screens music biographies from 2pm. January’s film line-up includes The Runaways, plus showings of The Monkeys and Mötley Crüe.
With her longstanding involvement organising classic car shows, Hazel is also hoping to do a monthly classic car event at The Obscene Parrot, which will enhance the vintage aesthetics of the locale.
All in all, her enterprising, quirky spirit continues to add a touch of offbeat style to this busy, much-loved Observatory strip, and The Obscene Parrot sets the tone as an intimate, creative hotspot.
Opening Hours: 12pm – midnight, 7 days a week. The venue offers free wi-fi, and operates during loadshedding. Dogs are welcome.
Where: The Obscene Parrot Bar Cape Town
Address: 177 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Info: theobsceneparrot@gmail.com
WS