After years of exploring the Cape Winelands in search of a perfect location, the family-run Clay Café group are thrilled to have opened, Clay Café Paarl on the historic Groot Parys Estate. 

The new home of Clay Café Paarl is housed in the original Manor House and opened officially on 3rd March earlier this year (2023) 

Image: Steeped in opulence , a monument on an Historical Estate

The Story Behind The Story…

Clay Café has been a household brand for over two decades and is already a huge hit with families in the Cape Winelands, northern suburbs and the Boland region with their new Paarl location. The Clay Café brand is a ceramic painting business that started in 1999 in the heart of Hout Bay. The concept merges art, food and good company to create one-of-a-kind creative moments. This is something special for the whole family to enjoy. Over that last couple of years, the Clay Café group has expanded into three key locations in Cape Town, two in Pretoria and another two opening in Hermanus and George in the coming weeks.

Clay Café at Groot Parys looks over vineyards across Paarl to the Drakenstein mountain range, Paarl Rock and the landmark Paarl Monument. The setting is simply breathtaking and the decision was made within minutes of arriving on site in 2021, that this would be the perfect venue for another Clay Café. The Cape Dutch influenced architecture of the farm’s 1709 Manor House building brings a sense of tradition and grandeur to the café. A team of artisans and contractors have spent a year transforming this grand old lady and bringing her back to her former glory in such a way that families and friends who visit here will be enchanted by her elegance and energy and will hopefully keep them coming back for more entertainment, painting, playing and great food! 

Image: The picturesque beauty of our famed Winelands Region with surrounding mountains

Meet The Team!

Chris Irving (founder), son Michael and wife Jade Bradburn have partnered with well-known culinary consultant, cookbook author and publisher, Tamsin Snyman, to bring her global hospitality experience and expertise to the Paarl Clay Café. Beginning-2024 will see the opening of a much-needed artisanal food retail space at Groot Parys which will be a celebration of all things local, including homeware, gifting and a boutique wine shop.

The café boosts 4 seating areas, both inside and outside that can host a variety of family outings, parties and events. With seating for over 300 people as well as a private function area this is the perfect venue to let your inner artist shine. 

“We have taken our collective experience from the groups other restaurants and adapted our offering and created a style of food and service to suit our new Paarl and winelands clientele. Creating employment for the hospitality industry in this area has been a humbling and soulful experience. We can’t wait to meet and serve more of our local families and their friends. This might be our best venue yet!” Says Tamsin Snyman.

Image: Foodie Extraordinaire , Tamsin Snyman

What To Expect At Clay Café Paarl?

Choose from over 180 already-made ceramic items to paint and decorate. Indulge in delicious food and drinks while you paint with family and friends in a pretty Winelands’ environment. Pockets of kids play areas around the property will keep the little bodies well entertained between painting, eating and drinking.

As a customer-centric business Clay Cafe’s focus is on client engagement and personalised experiences. Clay Café aspires to offer an experience that promotes connection and creativity. An activity that encourages quality time through creative exploration. Our focus is to strive for nothing but excellence in service and delivery. An activity for the whole family.

Image: Our Bisque room with Over 180 + Ceramic Items to choose from -you’ll be spoiled for choice…

Go Bonkers For Burgers All August!

We’ve got you and the kids covered for the rest of this month!

In honour of the Winelands Regions famed Interschools Event, we’re inviting families from the area and beyond to enjoy this amazing special :

For the rest of August enjoy a burger deal on us!

– Kiddies Burger, Chips and Milkshake R80 

– Adults Burger, Chips and Darlingbrew beer R110

Valid: Monday- Thursday Burger special 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday : burger must include the painting activity. 

Painting costs:

R45 studio fee pp plus the price of the chosen item * you choose these items on the day 

items range from R55-380 based on size and shape 

Group packages:

If you prefer to work on a budget or in a group setting: you can choose between 2 packages

medium R165 (R115/120  item plus R45 studio fee) 

large is R180 (R135 items plus R45 studio fee)Bookings: www.claycafe.co.za (Paarl branch) Contact:  064 656 6165 Groot Parys, Jan Van Riebeeck Dr, Paarl, 7646Hours: 9-5 pm daily 

*items take 4+ weeks to be fired and glazed*

For bookings: www.claycafe.co.za | choose your branch | let’s get painting |

View catalogue of items here: https://clay-cafe-online.myshopify.com

For more info:  Jade Bradburn: jade@claycafe.co.za  | +27 061 917 4191