Hayden Quinn

The thing I love most about visiting Cape Town is the familiarity – it feels like a home away from home now. I spend so much time on the road, so it is nice to be able to feel comfortable and “local” in a place that’s not actually home. I love catching up with new friends, walking along the Sea Point promenade, and most of all just getting in my car and driving around looking for surf.

If my Aussie friends and family were to visit Cape Town, I would suggest they bring their walking shoes and get out into nature, follow the trails to the highest point they can find, and just take in Cape Town and its surrounds.

What really blows me away about the Mother City is its incredible natural beauty. It’s also such a cosmopolitan city with so many amazing places to see and things to do but, for me, the nature – and the fact that it’s so easily accessible – is the best part!

One of the best places I’ve eaten at in the Cape is Oep ve Koep in Paternoster. Chef Kobus van de Merwe, who was a guest on Hayden Quinn South Africa, runs the small kitchen and pumps out beautiful locally sourced fare. People drive for miles just to eat here, so booking is a must!

One of my favourite spots for a fun night out is BeefCakes. And the tasty burgers go down well with a beer and a song!

My favourite people to follow on Twitter are @acookrepublic (for food-related stuff) @thecubegym_ (for fitness tips) and @nate_smith_photo (for surf news and pics)

My favourite TV series is Game of Thrones. I wanted to see what all the hype was about so I thought I would read the books first and then go for the series. Haha! I got up to the second book and had to try and stop myself from binge-watching the entire series! Then on a flight home from the US I basically watch the whole series!!

My favourite weekend getaway is Paternoster. It’s beautiful and perfect for a quiet escape. Depending on your preference, you can camp or stay at one of the many guesthouses. You must visit Oep ve Koep!

On my bucket list to still do in the Cape is a trip to Robben Island and a walk up Table Mountain. Last time I was in town, snow was predicted, but never came. It would have been beautiful to see a snow-white table cloth.

The best breakfast in Cape Town is the DIY breakfast from Bootlegger Coffee Company.

My favourite walk in Cape Town is along the Sea Point promenade at sunset. Beautiful.

My favourite drink for a special occasion is a glass of Kooks Shiraz.

I’m currently busy filming a new show in Australia for Aus TV. I also own The Cube Gym on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with some old mates, where we focus on strength and conditioning. I am also a partner in a new Aussie wine label, Kooks, whose main focus is not only to produce great local wine, but also to give half of our profits to projects that make people feel good!

I cannot wait for The Durban Good Food & Wine Show in October.

On Saturday morning, you’re likely to find me at The Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill – it’s unreal!

On Sundays I love sitting in the sun and eating a healthy breakfast!

Money is funny.

Straight after this, I’m planning recipes for a magazine shoot.

When I wake up in the middle of the night it’s usually to go to the toilet.

One day I will own a helicopter! I love those things!

Watch Hayden Quinn South Africa on Monday, 9:30pm on SABC3.

Check out all the Cape destinations he has visited at haydenquinnsouthafrica.com