Bucket Travel: Hotel Sky

Kinda ironic to be talking travel during a time where we cannot travel but here I am, talking about a new hotel group that's about to open it's doors in two of SA's biggest cities. Yes, timing off this isn't the greatest but it could also be to its advantage seeing that many will be itching to get out an about as soon as we can do so and with this new group offering something new an exciting to prospective guests, it just adds that extra intrigue to the would be traveler. Hotel Sky is set to open two new hotel's in South Africa towards the end of the year, one nestled in the heart of SA's financial capital Sandton and the other in Cape Town, opposite the CTICC. 

What makes Hotel Sky different from the rest? Well to start off, their goal is to offer an incredible hotel/ entertainment experience but at an affordable price, with rooms from just R695 per night upon opening! Yes, that is right from just R695, with Hotel Sky Sandton set to open in October this year, you can choose from a Standard Room, Junior Executive Room or an Executive Room with some of the room features being free high-speed uncapped WiFi, Air-conditioning, 43' Live Stream Smart TV, Work Station, Laptop Safe, Hair dryer, Automatic Blackout Blinds as well as a tea and coffee station. 

With COVID set to be here for the foreseeable future, there's still a need to try and get back to some normality in our lives, Hotel Sky have upped the game in booking and checking in by offering app-based booking and check-in, with room access via your phone. With the self service check-in kiosk all this can be done be done digitally via your smart phone! Whats even better, with your mobile key room access you can control the smart TV. Got a lot of luggage? No problem as Hotel Sky have AI powered robots to assist you with it and cart it to your room! 

Apart from accommodation, Hotel Sky offers conference and meeting rooms, with the Sandton Hotel having a 190 seat Auditorium and the Cape Town  Hotel having a luxurious Sky Bar on the 29th floor. Both hotels have world class restaurants, bars, fully equipped gyms, heated swimming pool, indulgent spa's, same-day onsite laundry, as well as back-up generators so you're safe from Eskom should the power go out. 

Hotel Sky Sandton, which is located at 150 West Street boasts 453 rooms, several conference venues and a selection of world-class restaurants and bars and is set to open its doors in October 2020. Hotel Sky Cape Town, located in the City Bowl offering views of the foreshore and Waterfront will offer 540 beautifully designed rooms and suits. Hotel Sky Cape Town will be the ideal destination for both local and international business and leisure travelers, as well as day guests seeking a delicious meal or sun-downer with a view on the bar located on the 29th floor. 

Hotel Sky will have an added sense of safety in place with all the latest regulations regarding the Covid-19 virus, with them taking every precaution to safeguard the health and safety of the guests with stringent hygiene policies. 

For more information or to book your stay, visit www.hotelsky.co.za for more.

Bucket Scene: Wish on Florida

Last night saw the grand opening of Durban's latest hot spot, Wish on Florida. Situated in the middle of Durban's most popular roads,  Wish on Florida offers an upmarket Italian experience, specializing in gourmet pizza, pasta's and canape's as well as boasting a bar which stocks the finest local and international champagnes and wines as well as great selections of cocktails and a wide range of premium spirits. Having attended the launch last night, I was blown away with the attention to detail that went into the deco, as I was quite familiar with the space before and how the owners along with their team of interior decorators manged to transform it into what it is now is just stunning. The use of different textures and lighting really enhance the atmosphere and gives the diner an opportunity to chose from various styles of lounging. 

Wish is the beginning of a dream, a dream which was the brainchild of two young black entrepreneurs, both Durban locals who wanted a place that not only offered a unique dinning experience but also one that inspired young black entrepreneurs, to show them that dreams do become reality with hard work and perseverance. Those two men being Benny Maverick and Wayne Ndlovu, Benny who needs no introduction as he one of the countries prominent house DJ's, who never had things his own way at the beginning as his story of success was shared with all those in attendance last night. His passion for what he believed in as well as his fight to be recognized made him into the person he is today. Together with his partners they have created something truly special and something to give back to the community. People who visit Wish get the opportunity to purchase Wish tokens to toss into the wishing pond, each token purchased is a contribution to the Wish Foundation to help aiding young Durban entrepreneurs in their business ventures.

Onto the evening, after being warmly welcomed and seated, with our welcome drinks were were offered canapes which consisted of cajun chicken wings and chicken and mushroom pizza. Both were delicious and flavourful with the pizza not shy of toppings. For mains I opted for the Ocean Fresh Pasta which honestly was my highlight of the evening. Beautifully cooked seafood which consisted of plump prawns, tender calamari and steamed mussels cooked in a creamy tomato base sauce, mixed in with al dente tagliatelle and topped with crispy squid heads. The aromas from the pasta get you salivating instantly to dig in, the textures from the crispy fried squid heads adds that crunch element that you didn't realise was missing in a seafood pasta. For dessert I opted for the classic tiramisu, it was a bit different from your conventional one, with the sponge biscuits being changed for a sponge cake but still maintained that soft decadence that you would associate with a tiramisu.

Wish on Florida, officially opens for trading on the 13th of December 2019, trading from Monday to Wednesday, 12pm till late and from Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 2am. 

Wish is located at 198-200 Florida Road, Durban

For bookings, call 031 205 9135

Instagram: wishonflorida

Gateway's Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show 2019

If there was one event I could honestly say I look forward to every year, it would definitely be the Gateway Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show. Every year Gateway pulls out all the stops to make it bigger and better than the year before. The center plays host to a glamorous evening of fashion which takes place exactly a week before the countries biggest horse racing event, the Vodacom Durban July and gives race goers the chance to see the creations available for them to wear to the races. This years event will feature 10 Young Designer Award student finalists, together with the Vodacom Durban July invited Designers, in a dazzling showcase highlighting the event theme, 'Stars of Africa'. Plus a special collection entitled 'Amazing Africa' will also be exhibited. This is an event that is surely not to be missed and if you think the fashion show is great, wait till you see what the after party has in store! 

Tickets for the event are on sale now via Webtickets, at R650 a ticket which includes access to the Preview Fashion show, VIP Area, Live performances by South African artists, snacks and limited open bar. 

Bucket Scene: Robsons Brewery

Coming from a home that has a family business, there was a lot that I could relate to during my visit to one of Durban's latest hot spots. It's been open for just over a month now and already Robsons Brewery is fast becoming one of the places to go to in the city. Originally based in Shongweni, Robsons Brewery produces some of the finest craft beers in the land, with some winning major honors in overseas contests. Owned and run by a father, sons trio, their methods of producing the perfect brew is what keeps the originality to their beers. Using only the finest ingredients of which are sourced world wide, natural processes and zero artificial additives, bottled and hand labelled on site is what makes their handcrafted beer so special.

Craft beer became quite a hit in South Africa a few years ago, with many preferring the variants and tastes that came with them. Also there was this certain aspect of getting a brew that was not mass produced and artificially altered that made many take to it. Brian and his two sons Donn and Gary decided to take on this challenge of making their own beer up at their mothers Duck Farm in Shongweni. Brain, who is the master brewer will share many stories of how many times he tried and failed during his first attempts but once he got his winning formula there was no looking back. Because Robsons prides themselves on keeping their brewing process as natural as possible, with the various processes, thereafter allowing the beer to ferment and create it's own carbonate fizz, similar to the process used in the making of Champagne, it does take them longer to meet their ordered with many of the batches when are ready get sold and delivered in a matter of hours.

While their brewery was based a bit far up from Durban, the family decided it was time to move closer to the big city. Being a family that loves the water with Brian being a former National swimming captain, Donn, a National Water polo player for the past 17 years and Gary a skipper of the well known yacht, 'Spirit of Elan', it would make sense for them to set up shop near the ocean, at Durban's Point Waterfront. The Point district is notorious for a lot of things but with the recent upliftment and developments in the area, it's set to be transformed into one of the most sort after land in Durban. With major plans for upgrades to the area as well as investment from overseas investors, the landscape is about to be transformed for the better. Knowing this, the guys at Robsons saw this as the perfect opportunity to set up shop there.

Located in a converted warehouse, originally built in 1890, although renovated, not much was changed to the main structure of the building, help keeping it's aesthetical look but at the same time being modern and trendy. The venue can seat over a 100 people with seating available for large groups, intimate groups or if you just want a quick drink at the bar. There is also area's that can be cordoned off for private bookings as well as a beer garden to enjoy a cold beverage of you choice which enjoying the weather. 

Apart from the bar which has most of their range on tap, Robsons Brewery also features a restaurant with Chef Lyle Creamer heading up the kitchen. The creations on the menu are both a visual and gastronomical treat, ranging from pub fare with a twist such as panko dusted prawns, beer battered fish and chips, to the mains on the menu, of which include BBQ ribs (who some claim are the best in Durban), Grilled peri peri chicken, pizzas and some of the biggest burgers you've seen! All food on the menu has been specially crafted to suit the beers or are made from the beers that they produce, what you will notice on the menu is a lot of options that feature duck, of which comes from Brian's wife's Duck Farm in Shongweni.

During the media open night I had a chance to sample most of the cuisine and have to say I enjoyed everything! So much so I found myself back there the very next night with a friend. It's a great addition to the Durban scene and in an area that needed something like this to get people back down in that part of Durban. It already has been received well by most as I found the place pretty full when I got down there on Wednesday, despite the bad storm we experience. Their beers speak for themselves and the food is great, prices are keen to suit the Durban market and they got some great specials which you should inquire about from your waitron. Robson's also conduct Brewery Tours on a Saturday from 11am, booking is essential as this is very popular. Brian will give you a thorough experience on the brewing process and what goes into making the perfect brew. 

Details:

Robsons Brewery
72 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durban Point
Times: Wednesday - Sunday from 11am till late. (Opening on Tuesdays for the festive season)
Telephone: 031 035 0827
Facebook: RobsonsRealBeer
Instagram: robsonsrealbeer
Twitter: @RobsonsRealBeer
Website: www.RobsonsRealBeer.co.za

Bucket Scene: Sidebar

For those that know me, if I say I'm going out to eat or if someone asks me to recommend a place to go out to eat in Durbs, 9 out of 10 times I would say go to Spiga D'Oro. Often people joke with myself and friends that we have shares in the place, we don't but what keeps us going back is multiple things. The good and friendly service, the amazing quality of food that keeps to standard every time we go there and that family atmosphere you lack at many establishments. All of this makes Spiga great and hence you will find us there often.

A few months back, after their renovation and downsizing of the restaurant in Florida Road, they opened up the Sidebar. I, like many thought the space would be used as an extension to the restaurant but instead Marco and the team had other ideas. They turned it into an amazing bar with high stools, high tables, dimmed lighting and amazing rustic decor. The huge wooden doors that greet you at the entrance gives you this shed like feeling, which essentially what it is, the red brick interior adds to that industrial type look with exposed steel sections and rough edges. It offers the patrons a different experience all together but still has that Spiga touch to it.

Come to think of it, after they opened you feel the area needed something along the lines of this. It's a more vibey, trendy spot for people of all ages to come in, relax with their mates, have a drink and even order the great food that Spiga has on their menu. Whilsts not being over popular like other places on the strip, where one hardly has place to walk let alone sit, the Sidebar has that niche sense to it. It's perfect when you're with a bunch of friends looking for a quick bite as the restaurant at most times does have a waiting list or booking requirement. This place also serves as a place to wait for your table at the restaurant while enjoying a drink at the bar.

Speaking of the bar, it is the focal point of the place, the long counter which you would expect to be wooden but instead is cast concrete with a glaze finish that helps reflect the light off the over hanging glass rack. Besides stocking all your favourites, the bar stocks a host of Craft beer, with some of the bigger name local craft brewers available on tap.

Further down the bar, it opens up into a nifty court yard with some wall hanging plants and open sky which doubles as a smoking area. It's perfect for a hot summers day to chill out there with a few cold ones with your mates. The Sidebar is available for hire and they have been hosting quite a few events of late, most recently art exhibitions and even a live band. For more on whats going on there, check their Tumblr feed: http://sidebar031.tumblr.com/

Address: 200 Florida Road, Durban
Telephone: 031 303 9511
Twitter: @SpigaDurban
Instagram: sidebar031
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sidebar/

Bucket Scene: The Dutch

When I first got an invite to the official opening of the Dutch in Umhlanga Village, my initial thoughts were "not another bar!" but knowing that it was the brain child and owned by the same folk from the popular Remo's franchise, I decided to keep my views to myself until I checked the place out. I frequent Remo's on my trips to the village and they're always busy, great food, comfortable atmosphere and a general good vibe is what keeps the locals coming back for more but what stands out is that the restaurant attracts a certain class of people and it maintains that standards from their service to the food, which keep the wealthy folk of Rocks pretty happy. I presumed the Dutch would be very similar to that hence I decided to ditch the shorts and t-shirt that is so synonyms to Umhlanga bars and slapped on something classy. 

Upon arrival I was greeted by the lovely hostesses and rather big security guards at the entrance, who then escorted me into the bar area. The venue itself takes you back to a classic Italian style mafia hang out, with dark colours, low lighting, expensive paintings and extravagant ornaments. The bar is the centre of attraction and their range of spirits and beers is nothing short of what one would expect in a classy establishment like this, in fact, besides high priced whiskies, they even have a bottle of craft beer that fetches R1000! Being opening night, and having an open tab for the first hour, things were rather chaotic but the barmen have been trained well and managed to get the drinks orders on time despite the large numbers. 

As large as their whisky collection is, I opted to try some of their cocktails. There's a few of the old favourites with a bit of a spin to them and they have some of their own mixes that are sure to suit many taste buds. I was a bit disappointed with some of the sizes of the cocktails but after sipping them I realised they pack quite a punch so it was probably a good thing they kept the size at a minimum!

Crispy tempura prawn with dipping sauce

Drink in hand, I was then greeted by one of the managers who invited me to try some of the food selection off their menu. With the restaurant being next door, the menu at the Dutch is more designed on a tapas style with light finger foods on offer, like croquette's ranging from chicken or butternut and ricotta, sushi, sashimi, tempura prawns (my personal favourite) and there's even dessert! They make mini donut balls filled with nutella that would bring any girl to their knees!

Chicken croquette's

Now if you think of an Italian Mafia bar hang out, there's always a stage with the piano and a hot dame seducing the crowd with her sultry vocals. The Dutch has that stage but instead of the hot dame, they have some of the hottest local talent performing on a weekly basis and as we head into the holiday season they have acts on almost every evening. From Ard Matthews, to Arno Carstens, the Black Lapels and many more! Be sure to check their Facebook page and instagram account to keep up with the latest happenings and make also tickets are available for purchase in advance so you avoid dissapointment.

Nutella filled donuts

Overall I was well impressed with the place, Umhlanga has many a bar but they lacked something like this, a well groomed establishment,(if I may say that). Something that brings sophistication and class to the much rowdiness of the area. A place for you to enjoy a quiet drink while listening to the live entertainment on offer. As I said, they try to keep the standards going in this place so make sure you're dressed to part, no slops, boardies and vests boets, there's always other places for that. I can see this place becoming a firm favourite with the locals and definite must visit if you're new to the area, come and experience #Dutchism

Ard Matthews performing on stage

Website: www.thedutch.co.za

Facebook: Dutchism

Instagram: @the.dutch

Sky Venue

It's no secret that slowly but surely Durban is taking its reign back as the best holiday destination for locals in South Africa. We have the best beaches in the country with world class promenades to suit, we have a variety of shopping malls catering for everyone's tastes and our selection of eateries is forever increasing. One thing Durban has lacked though is good quality affordable accommodation but with the recent development of Suncoast Hotel and Towers, along with the upgrade and refurbishment of the Tsogo Sun Elangeni and Maharani hotels, things are changing for the better.

As you may recall I attended a special social media dinner at the Elangeni late last year to celebrate the completion of the refurb, the Panorama bar and pool deck offered splendid views of the Durban coast line but during that dinner I asked Tsogo Sun's social media manager about the old Raffles club that used to be at the top floor of the Maharani, her words to me at the time were "wait and see". Well wait I did and 2 weeks ago I received a personal invitation to the grand opening of 'Sky Venue'. Pretty appropriate name seeing that it is situated on the 31st floor off the Maharani Hotel. It offers unrivalled views of the coast and city, ideal venue to kick back and relax with a cocktail or dance the night away over looking the city lights.

With that in mind, that is exactly what Tsogo Sun did, they turned the old night club into a multi-purpose venue with custom lighting and sound to adapt to any of the offering environments. It could be a bar, a club, a theatre, a venue for what you please. One the opening night it showcased it's versatilely to the T. There was an arrivals area, a stage for the MC and performers, dance floor, most of the area was taken up by the multi station buffet showcasing the SSEM's specialities from the various restaurants. Druma, had a sushi bar with a variety of the seafood delicacy, the Grill Jichana had succulent rack of roast lamb with condiments to suite and no Durban event is complete without curry, with the curry bar of Vigour & Verve offering scrumptious currys and condiments that left people coming for more and more. 

The event kicked off with a few words from the gorgeous master of ceremonies, Jeannie D of Top Billing fame, followed by a talk from Tsogo Sun CEO Marcel Von Aulock who gave the guests an insight into the hotel groups influx of investment into their Durban assets. The revamp of the Durban beach promenade had a major role in them reinvesting into Durban, with the refurb of SSEM complete now with the opening of Sky, he made mention of the next phase of work to be done by the chain. This includes upgrades to the Garden Court Hotel which is almost done and a major refurbishment of one of Durban's most iconic hotels, Marine Parade but the big daddy had to be the 1.8 Billion Rand extension to Suncoast Casino which includes shopping mall complex, multilevel parking, more hotel rooms and a roof top aquatics park. Turning the already vibrant landmark into a world class resort. 

After the formalities, guests were treated to an exhibition of the human form by guest performers from Madam Zingara there after were entertained by Sterling EQ, who are an award winning instrumental pop band made up by 3 beautiful young ladies. The rest of the evening was left to guest being able to mingle and to chat to personnel from Tsogo Sun. The bar at Sky has a hosts of alochol to satisfy any thirst, couple this with the view of the Durban night sky, it was a wonderful evening.

Tsogo Sun have shown that they mean business with their plans for Durban which speaks volumes for the city. Now with Sky opened, it gives guests another option to visit on a night out in the town, yes it is open to everyone and anyone provided it isn't booked out for a private function, it's just a pity that the famous outside lift had to be removed due to modern health and safety rules but the eye catching LED display more than makes up for it. I foresee many visits to the establishments, especially to showcase it to out of town guest and let the view and service to the talking. See you at Sky Venue soon!