A sense of nostalgia and a touch of excitement filled the air as Plettenberg Bay’s infamous Market on Main was torn down this week to make way for its new premises.
It is not the end for the famous venue, known for serving up some of Plett’s finest wines, but eatery and stall owners are still waiting for the municipality to give the go-ahead for a new permanent location.
Daron Smit, owner of the once funky space which catered for local and international tourists with street food, craft beers, awesome coffee and relaxed vibes, said it was a sad time for him and the businesses.
Smit said the market offered an eclectic mix of food stalls and a wide selection of other stalls including local arts and crafts, books, jewellery, hats and more.
Smit took over the market from its first owner, Willie Gouws, who launched the idea in December 2009.
Gouws said: “We then added some excellent food traders and started concentrating on giving the locals a place to gather once a week with live music.
“All the traders agreed to contribute, which helped a lot.
“On a good night we could seat about 150 [people].
“What I loved most was when tourists walked in out of season and just enjoyed hanging with the locals.”
Smit said sadly some of the restaurant owners and staff could be out of work for the next three months.
With 25 business and 150 jobs at stake, it was imperative that the management team at Market on Main found a new home.
Smit said that in October 2021, management had requested new premises on Sewell Street.
“For municipal permission to be granted a layered process needs to be adhered to, which entails a council resolution, a call for proposals which allows for public comment, and finally a lease.
“Once these actions realise a positive outcome, the market can then connect the necessary services and commence with reconstruction,” he said.
Asked how he felt about the move, Smit said he was worried about the three months that the market family would be without an income, but he remained optimistic.
“[The same plot] was once home to the Plett Fresh Produce Market between 1965 and 2005, and was relocated to Hakkerville where it exits today, trading as the Saturday Market.
“This gives us all hope that this new site will more than adequately provide us with a viable alternative to what we [had],” he added.
A supporter of the market, Sue van der Gaast, said the proposed venue would be fantastic.
Another local fan, Carol Berger, said: “Looking forward to a new amazing Market ‘below’ Main. It’s going to be blast.”
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