A space with 'a grown-up palette'

When she's not working or at home, she's invariably with hubby at The Library, which is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and supper.

She cracks up when asked if they're closet intellectuals, given the restaurant's name and the talking-point wallpaper, a collage of book covers from the classic to the controversial.

"Not at all!" she chuckles. "Constant thought it would be great to be able to say you're 'spending some time at the library' when you’re actually out eating and drinking and having fun."

Quirky touches notwithstanding, The Library is a sophisticated space with a grown-up palette of slate and cerise, with baroque black wallpaper, chandeliers, plush upholstery and fresh red roses upping the glamour ante.

So which big-name interior designer did they employ? "We did it mostly ourselves," Visser says with pride. "Constant had an idea and knew exactly what he wanted."

Likewise, the menu reflects the couple's own tastes. "I spend a lot of time here, so there have to be some healthy things I can eat. In the beginning, I was eating three gourmet burgers a week; for obvious reasons that couldn't continue!"

There are big plans for summer, she tells me. Located as it is in a stylish square filled with décor shops and a gallery, the restaurant lends itself to alfresco dining or cocktail quaffing, with balmy evenings featuring 'jazzy' live music.

At this stage, The Library is heaving with a lunchtime crowd tucking into substantial salads and the day's popular linefish special. Visser and her beloved sneak in a glass of Mumm before she, the consummate professional, slips effortlessly into work-mode, radiating all her natural charm toward the photographer. For this refreshingly uncomplicated young celebrity, it's really just business as usual.

The library, De Wet Centre, Stellenbosch. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, and every night except Sunday for dinner. Average prices: starters – R65; mains – R85; desserts – R38. Contact them on +27 21 887 7073.