A creative spark, some really good (vegan) food and some cheerful company.
You'll find this and more at For Me Fridays — a new monthly event which takes place at 2 Sisters Le Vegan Cafe in Beach Road.
The first of these soirées took place in August and saw nine of us trying our hand at string art while sipping on a tasty drink and snacking on some delicious vegan pizza.
The event combines the artistry and patience of crafter Abi Ackhurst with the cooking skills of 2 Sisters Le Vegan Cafe owner Oshean Wiggill to provide a happy, creative and relaxing social outing.
Patrons sit together at a long table while enjoying each other’s company and learning a new craft under the guidance of Ackhurst.
Even though you may not be the next Picasso, the event is structured in a way that feels fun, easy and non-threatening.
Whether you go with a friend or own your own, there is no shortage of conversation, laughs and assistance when your artwork isn’t doing what you want it to.
Your creation or craft may not come out looking like a masterpiece, but the beauty is that you have done something new and different, you have created something and learnt a new skill — one you probably would not have gone out and learnt on your own.
“We started dabbling in creative workshops and wine pairings last year.
“As two people who enjoy small-scale socialising, we thought ‘What would we enjoy doing?’ and who doesn’t love food, paired with a cool activity?” said Wiggill, who served up a thin crust pizza with a delicious vegan cheese and variety of vegan toppings at August’s For Me Fridays Event.
The goal, she says, is to create a safe space where people can connect while also allowing her to play in the kitchen and Ackhurst to showcase her arty passion.
“With For Me Fridays, the idea is for me to have fun in the kitchen as well as showcase more dinner style vegan dishes which are different to the style of food we have available in the freezer or on our menu.
“We aim to have a different dish each time and are always open to suggestions from those attending.”
Ackhurst, who is also a counsellor for an NGO, said she hoped For Me Fridays would not only give way to creativity, but also to connection and friendship.
“We both love the idea of creating a safe place, a soft space for people to land.
“I have seen the benefits of community in my day-to-day life, and watched as Osh [Wiggill] created a community of people around the shop.
“We thought, ‘well, let’s open up the invitation to all and sundry’!
“We also love to create and we love the benefits of creating in a safe, non-threatening space and manner.
“We won’t just be making arts and crafts — we have all sorts of activities in the pipeline for For Me Fridays,” said Ackhurst.
The pair, who also run a monthly Wine and Vine club for amateur plant enthusiasts to do something planty, and meet like-minded new friends, said they hoped people would come to relish For Me Fridays, the relaxed atmosphere of the event and the flavourful vegan meals on offer.
“We hope people walk away feeling relaxed, renewed and seen.
“Personally, I’ve enjoyed having people feel at peace in a space that brings me peace and watching the relationships grow between complete strangers,” said Wiggill.
Ackhurst said the monthly gathering was also a great way for her to learn more about teaching others.
“I have loved using it as an excuse to spend time with people — including Osh [Wiggill]. And pushing myself in terms of teaching and learning new skills
“I hope people are able to connect with one another, with old and new faces.
“But also connect with themselves, allowing them the space to decompress, create something or learn a new skill, and eat some great food.”
- To find out more about September’s For Me Fridays event, keep an eye out on the 2 Sisters Le Vegan Cafe Facebook and Instagram page or email 2sisterseastlondon@gmail.com. The event will take place on a different Friday each month and costs between R250 and R350 per person, depending on the activity. The cost includes a welcome drink , meal and a DIY craft or activity.