Stage Door
You’ll have to go far to find a more ‘heritage’ spot to toast Heritage Day than this pub at this establishment. After all, at 178 years of age it is the oldest operating hotel in the Eastern Cape. It may have moved from the original premises next to the old Post Office in Baakens Street after it burnt down, but its ‘new’ address in Chapel Street (where it’s been for over a hundred years) is very central. Go one further and order Chateau Libertas, one of South Africa’s true heritage wines, and peruse the evocative memorabilia and images on the walls of this Tudor-style restrobar. The names is a nod to the bar’s heyday as the favourite watering hole of touring performers actors. The menu prices are equally old-world: a 400g T-bone and chips costs R89 and a 200g burger and chips R55.
Eddie Macs
In case you’ve forgotten, it’s National Braai Day too this week and what would Thursday be without some chops and wors sizzling over hot coals? Then head along to Eddie Macs at Victoria Park Sports Club. What makes this spot extra attractive is that there’s a special an all draught beers from noon until 6pm Monday to Friday – a quaff-inducing 15 bucks apiece – and since the day in question is a Thursday… The clever mini braais which owner Ed Falconer will have lined up will see to it that your juicy loin chop, sosatie or steak does not have to vie for the heat or get mixed up with your neighbour’s Heritage Day nosh. So park off on the spacious deck and make enjoy!
Kwangqoko
According to Skinnerbek, the gossip columnist at Weekend Post’s sister newspaper The Herald, Kwa Ngqoko in New Brighton is the place to be seen, especially if you want to chill with the in crowd on Heritage Day. “After everything that they have been through the club is still standing and growing stronger every day,” reports our very own Gossip Girl. “It is where your Skinnerbek would gladly spend the day – a place way older than any born-free hang-out. It’s a very sophisticated for a club but it still has a kasi vibe without having to fear for your life! Besides, I don’t want to go somewhere where they serve ingudu (quarts) and Kwa Ngqoko serves anything from expensive whisky to ciders and one can enjoy a juicy South African braai with good music on the side. Check you there!”
The Southender Sports and Garden Pub
It looks cosy from the outside and is even cosier on the inside, this long-standing cottagey watering hole has plenty of heritage credentials. For starters, it’s situated in the heart of the old-town area which used to be Port Elizabeth’s buzzing multicultural hub. The ambience is a reminder of what pubs used to be like. The interior is roomy and it even has a deck, which you won’t quite expect judging from its outward appearance. And when it comes placing your order at the bar, Castle Milk Stout must be one of the most heritage-steeped brews in the country. What’s more, its new recipe is even creamier and chocolatey. Just as well that they serve toasted pork-sausage sandwiches served with a choice of sweet chilli or mustard sauce for R25. Add the R15 for the stout and your day will be made – all for a whopping R40. Now that’s a holiday all by itself!
Experience it for yourself:
Stage Door, Phoenix Hotel
041 586 3553
Eddie Macs
Victoria Park Sport Club
041 581 8302
Kwa Ngqoko
New Brighton
082 955 4704
The Southender
South End
083 654 6679
Words: Brett Adkins
Images: Mike Holmes, Eugene Coetzee
