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Look, where you choose to drown your sorrows, I mean have a drink, is down to personal preference.

Cape Town has no shortage of watering holes, and here in the CBD you’ll find Bree Street is dotted with options that are going to be packed with tourists and locals alike this holiday season.

Maybe that’s because Bree Street is basically what happens when Long Street grows up and decides it wants to do something better with its life, leave behind its dodgy past, and make a real go of things.

The Bree strip remains incredibly popular, and that means that at many of these spots you’ll have to scrap for a seat, and for service, and at times it’s a bit of a pretentious “see and be seen” kind of vibe.

Cool, but occasionally I just want to walk into a bar, hook up a table and chill – enter Love Thy Neighbour at 110 Bree Street.

Yup, it was once &Union, but it’s come a long way since then, and we’re digging it. There’s the large outside area, which is perfect for grabbing a beer (craft or otherwise) while the sun is out, and if you’re after something a little more tucked away, an inside seating area.

Your waiters and bar staff are pretty much always wearing big smiles (why do so many bars in Cape Town have unfriendly staff these days?), and on the outside fire there’s always a ‘quick and easy’ style special on the go.

Boerie rolls and a woodfired pizza are my personal favourites, but you can make your own call.

Then there’s the menu, put together by chef Nick Charalambous, which has a modern Greek feel to it.

You can see the full menu on Dining Out, but if you don’t stuff a burger or souvlaki pita in your mouth, along with an inordinate amount of aubergine fries, I’m going to be disappointed in you.

Not angry, just disappointed.

Anyway, chances are that at some point this December, you’re going to be asked to recommend a place to grab a beer and a bite to eat.

If you want Bree Street with a laidback, friendly vibe, and staff who always seem happy to have you, give Love Thy Neighbour a ring on 021 422 2770, or pop by at 110 Bree Street.

Eat, drink and be merry.