Melville’s popular 7th Street continues to thrive, thanks to the addition of Melville Yard, the awesome new collective comprised of Spilt Milk, Ba Pita, La Petite Maison and the Melville Comedy Club (yup those funny Goliath guys are everywhere these days).

I adore the fact that you can park your car once (under the watchful eye of one of Melville’s industrious car ‘protectors’ who doubles up as many things, of course – and enjoy an afternoon or evening filled with great food, friends and of course epic comedy.

I recently joined a few fellow media guests for a tour of the new Melville Yard and was well impressed with the latest offering on everyone’s lips.

Our first stop was Spilt Milk – and this vibrant social café is literally the epitome of cool. They opened their doors in December 2018 and good food aside, they offer comfy couches, board games – for nerds like me, and cool social gatherings and things like a weekly quiz night, poets night etc.

I love that the food is simple and filling – the burgers were incredible as was their chicken salad bowl salad stuffed full of yummy things like avo, chickpeas and chilli poppers was my favourites.

They also serve up the yummiest fresh juices and cakes as well. I would certainly return to this cool and vibey spot, they are filled with passion for what they do and I love that.

Find them at 1 7th Avenue in Melville – call on 010 593 7979. Find out more on their Facebook page here… 

Next stop on our tour was next doors Ba-Pita. Now for those of my readers who may be slightly older, Ba-Pita used to be based in Yeoville in the ’80s and ’90s but they are now serving the same yummy treats right here in Melville.

The walls are covered with beautiful mosaic work and the split level flows well, with the top level also opening out on to the beautiful courtyard that houses the restrooms and outdoor seating for all 4 properties. There are also high chairs and a window counter seating option as well to watch the world go by.

Their menu is sharing inspired, great big platters of freshly made pita, laffa and other flatbreads that are baked in their wood-burning fire oven to give you that authentic Middle-Eastern taste and loads to go with it, hummus and fallafel’s, oven baked veg the lot – it was delicious!

Drinks wise they serve craft beers, hand-picked wines, gin on tap, exotic cocktails and loads more – I highly recommend them – the food was delicious!

Find out more on their website here…

Next up – the beautiful and exclusive, La Petite Maison.

Deep velvet couches and small tables with high bar stools, make this tiny space feel almost like you are in a very exclusive night club or venue overseas.

A beautiful balustrade feature makes for a conversation piece, and two of the window tables look out on to the street as if to invite passersby in to feast on the delectable offerings coming from the kitchen.

An extensive wine menu is stocked with the very unusual, all from South Africa. Most of the labels are relatively unheard of, with tiny production lines: exciting, excellent wines you need to taste to believe. There may or may not be some French bubbles around somewhere, just saying.

Find out more on their website here…

Our final stop on the tour and a great way to end as well is the Melville Comedy Club – owned by comedic giants Goliath & Goliath in a joint venture with Ryan Harduth.

The club will, of course, feature the famous trio of Goliath’s but will also cater to comics both emerging and established too. There will be open mic nights every Tuesday evening at about 19h30.

A great way to end (or start) your visit to The Melville Yards. To find out more about upcoming shows and opening times etc – hit the link below.

Find out more on their Facebook page here…

All images (except La Petite Maison) are by Ra-ees Moerat.