There is an interesting statue overlooking the corner of Adderley and Wale Streets and – if you don’t know it’s there – it is easy to miss.

This statue is wrongly assumed – by many of those who know of its existence – to to be Britannia, a relic from the Cape’s days as a British colony. It is in fact a piece from a later period, a symbol of the humanity of the Board of Executors.

It was commissioned by the architect George Murray Alexander in 1894 and was supposed to illustrate a shepherdess, holding in her right hand the crook – her left hand resting on the anchor – while approaching her a cupid is submitting a book (or volume) containing facts on which information or guidance is required; and another cupid (of client) who has one hand on the Scales of Justice and in the other a wreath. All very whimsical!

This whimsical statue didn’t sit well with the townsfolk and neither did its cost of 94 Pounds. Which, in those days, was a substantial sum of money!

For these reasons the statue – a large, draped female – came to be known as The Widow Twankey who is a famous pantomime (play) dame. The Widow Twankey is – in the world of pantomimes – always a figure of fun as was the statue in the eyes of the townsfolk.

George Murray Alexander – the architect – was wholly blamed for this disgrace and to this day the sculptor and model remain anonymous.

The Bombay Brasserie – once finished – is going to be breathtaking.

It really has got a great selection of pieces from the original structure. These include beautiful marble detailing and wood-paneling. All of this, coupled with the exceptional food and trademark Taj service, adds to the The Taj Cape Town Bombay Brasserie dining experience. It’s going to be unforgettable.

Work presently underway in the Taj Cape Town's Bombay Brasserie