UMHLANGA VILLAGE

Founded in 1895 as a holiday destination, that breezy, beachy vibe still infuses The Village today. With its lush coastal forest, sandy beaches and the warm

Indian Ocean, it wasn’t too long before uMhlanga became one of the country’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Its strong appeal to holidaymakers still adds to its seasonal charm.

“It’s bright, exciting, young and buzzy.

There is something for everyone, all along one compact strip of awesome,” says

Butcher Boys’ content creator, Candice

Hamilton. “You can swing in and pick a direction. You’ll find shopping, eating, everything. I love the little businesses and hideaway spots as well.”

Characterised by “old favourites” and an ever-changing mix of new concepts – if there’s something new, chances are it will hit The Village first.

“In the perfect location, you can experience a unique blend of cultures.

Mediterranean-style restaurants rub shoulders with Asian, Middle Eastern and exotic African restaurants,” says uMhlanga

Tourism vice-chairman, Sabelo Didi.

The Village is a unique space where visitors can leave their hotels and walk to any number of places, without having

RIGHT: Back in the mid-70s, the Oyster Box Hotel and Beverly Hills Hotel stood side-by-side, with the start of The Village in the background.

every day is a HOLIDAY

VEGAS HAS THE STRIP; LA HAS SUNSET BOULEVARD AND UMHLANGA HAS THE VILLAGE. IT’S THE PULSATING HEART OF THE TOWN WHERE PEOPLE MEET AND MINGLE ON ANY GIVEN DAY, FROM EARLY MORNING TO LATE AT NIGHT

to go through gates. It’s an old-school freedom that really comes to life during sporting events.

“The Village is a social place,” says Jocky Mendes who has operated restaurants on the strip for 17 years. “It was incredible here during the British and Irish Lions’ tour and the World Cups.”

A striking characteristic of The Village is its multigenerational appeal. Seeing this first hand is Gerhard Rothmann, manager at Lord Prawn. Operating from the uMhlanga Plaza for 35 of its 47 years, he says, “It’s quite something hosting couples who came to the restaurant in the 80s, coming in now with their children and grandchildren.”

New hotels and apartment blocks stand tall next to the old dames and low rises built in the laid-back town of the 60s and 70s. “Developments bring more choice, more competition but also more visitors,” says Jocky.

“It’s going to be a bright summer festive season. The Village will be the place to relax and unwind for many locals and tourists – national and international – and we’re looking forward to that,” says Candice.

Whether it’s for an early morning coffee, brunch, light lunch, late afternoon sundowner or fine dining experience, The Village is the place that offers it all – turn the page to be tempted by some of the food and drink offerings in uMhlanga. See you there.

CURRY & COCKTAILS

With five decades of great Natal Indian recipes – handed down and perfected at the Beverly Hills Hotel – Executive Chef Nathania Wasserman has blended all the beautiful flavours and aromas of Natal curries in one sitting. Don’t miss Wednesdays at the Elements Cafe, where a scrumptious array of mouth-watering curries are served in an Indian-styled family feast of colours and flavours. Starters comprise of Chilli Bites, Puri Pathas, Brinjal Bhaji, Cocktail Mince Samosas and a Bombay Crush. For mains be tempted with the Beverly Hills bestselling Lamb Curry, Butter Chicken Curry, Broad Bean and Potato Curry, or the Fish Curry served with turmeric basmati rice, sambals, pickles and carrot salad. This entire feast costs only R295 and if the mood takes you, wash it all down with a trio of gin-based cocktails at only R70 per cocktail. Every Wednesday lunch or dinner at Elements Cafe overlooking the pool and the ocean. Wednesdays have never tasted this good!

FOR MORE INFO: 031 561 2211; beverlyhills.reservations@southernsun.com

BURST OF FLAMES

To flambé – to drench with a liquor, such as brandy, and ignite – is the art of preparing dishes at the tableside with style and flair. Chef Ntsiki’s Prawn Flambé has become a firm favourite with diners as she amazes them with special flavours in a bid to bring out the best of local ingredients and theatrics. Whether it is a romantic twosome or a formal business dinner where the buttery prawns are prepared fresh, this dish never fails to impress as the flames light up the dining area! Chef Ntsiki finishes the evening off with a wonderful Crepe Suzette – the perfect decadent dessert that will leave you wanting more.

FOR MORE INFO: 031 561 2211; beverlyhills.reservations@southernsun.com

STEAKHOUSE IN ITS “PRIME”

There is nothing better than a truly great South African steak – and there’s nowhere better to get that steak than at Butcher Boys.

It takes something special to carve out space for yourself on the Durban steakhouse scene, and the fact that The Boys have been getting it “just right” for nearly 25 years now, really says it all.

With top-tier service, happy ambiance, a temperature controlled fine wine cellar, fully stocked bar – and of course incredible cuts of mature and tender steaks you can personally select – as well as an extensive menu to suit all tastes, Butcher Boys is a rare (and well done) dining experience.

Great for anyone looking for an unforgettable meal out, from intimate tables for two, to big groups of friends in it for the atmosphere, attention to detail and impeccable food. The vibey, young uMhlanga Village scene rounds off an experience worth remembering.

FOR MORE INFO: 031 561 4106; butcherboysgrill.co.za

TIKI TONGA COFFEE ROASTERS

There’s no better place for coffee and convo in The Village than at Tiki Tonga Coffee. Grab our legendary Cortado with latte art, sit back, relax and feel like you’re in Europe. Aromas of coffee while sitting under the trees in The Village enjoying a smashed avo on toast – the perfect coffee setting. Chat to the locals, laugh with the baristas, feel like you belong. At Tiki Tonga choose from different coffee blends on offer, as well as their full food menu. Tiki Tonga – uMhlanga’s perfect coffee and conversation destination.

FOR MORE INFO: 087 808 9719; @tikitongacoffeesa

WHERE FUN & ELEGANCE MEET

Standing majestically on uMhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the elegant Oyster Box Hotel has been providing guests with special memories for almost 70 years. Much loved by all who visit, The Oyster Box is renowned for exceptional hospitality and wining and dining in four top-class restaurants and bars, for high tea, lunch, dinner or sundowners. Start your summer at the Oyster Box!

FOR MORE INFO: 031 514 5000; www.oysterboxhotel.com

THE BEACH HOUSE

Dedicated to the days when misfits and vagabond travellers roamed the rugged SA coastline searching for waves, The Beach House pays homage to Durban’s legendary surf heritage. With renowned chef and owner, Brendan Newport in the galley, it’s coastal cooking at its best, with a delicious and decadent look at seafood.

An oyster bar serves up the freshest oysters and a menu of old-school classics, smaller experimental tapasstyle plates and local seafood favourites, along with a cool range of burgers. Our rock lobsters are locally sourced and are our epic take on the Lobster Roll – an institution in SA surf culture. All our food is prepared fresh, with a seasonal, ocean/ farm to table inspiration.

The Beach House is the perfect spot to catch up with a friend, finish up work, or just simply take a break to breathe. All our wines have been hand-selected for their nautical theme and can be paired with any dish on the menu; or try one of our cutting-edge cocktails masterfully shaken or stirred.

FOR MORE INFO: 031 943 3044; www.thebeachhousedbn.co.za

FIRELAKE GRILL HOUSE & COCKTAIL BAR

New kid on the block, Radisson Blu Hotel uMhlanga Durban is home to FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, a unique escape in the heart of uMhlanga offering a North American open flame culinary journey.

Offering creative cocktails, fine wines and classic whiskies, guests can look forward to an inimitable, unique ambience while experiencing an unforgettable dining experience.

Stand-out gastronomy gems include, but isn’t limited to, the Far North dish featuring grilled fresh Norwegian salmon, gremolata, saffron, mussel ragout, sautéed artichokes, fine green beans and potato croquettes, Karoo Lamb Loin Chops lathered with home-made sauce of your choice, and a melt-in-the-mouth Top Deck dessert.

Classic flavours and techniques, presented in fresh, creative and contemporary ways to delight both destination diners and hotel guests alike.

FOR MORE INFO: 031 575 8500; www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radissonblu-durban