Lunch with art doyen and cook extraordinaire, Penny Dobbie, in her Victorian Cape Town home packed with South African art and craft.

Art collector and dealer, Penny Dobbie, hosts and cooks a delicious, freshly made feast in her period Victorian home, with its stunning views over city bowl to Table Mountain. Penny has lived here for over 50 years. She continues to develop both the house and garden with her glorious, inimitable style and great attention to detail.

Artworks fit so seamlessly and tightly it is easy to miss masterpieces. (Our favourites are the painted cupboards, one by South African 20th century giant, Cecil Skotnes.) We went into all the rooms; even the bathrooms are full of stunning art, craft and design.

Penny was a cookery writer and had her own catering business, whilst working at the University of Cape Town’s astronomy dept and having her own ‘home gallery’. Penny is the most wonderful, warm and entertaining host. Her cooking is as sumptuous as her interiors. She uses Ardmore ceramics and other gorgeous South African table wear made by local potters, typically her friends.

 Visits can be for tea, drinks or dinner, all by prior arrangement with myself.