Heritage square
Many years ago this square would have been surrounded by artisans and shops there were tobacconists, snuff makers, gunsmiths, bakers, coach makers and wheelwrights, a warehouse that stored ropes, also several retail outfits. There was even an undertaker who operated from the corner of Bree and Shortmarket Street, Neale’s Boarding house.was at 90 Bree Street
Today there is a hotel and restaurants. Within the property of the hotel is a vine which was planted in the 1770s and is probably the oldest vine in the Southern hemisphere. It is still producing fruit today.
The Crouchen Blanc vine from the Western Pyrenees of France would have arrived in the Cape as a request from Van Riebeeck who wanted to provide wine for passing ships. The vine produces enough fruit for about 20 litres of wine today
Corner of Bree Street and Shortmarket,
