For a number of years this was the happening strip in Durban and over the past two years this has eroded mainly due to new hotspots popping up in Glenwood and Umhlanga.

However the past few months have seen a drive to take Florida road back to its role of being Durban's premier entertainment strip.

Spiga D'oro has expanded with much more additional space in its back courtyard and has opened a great bar area.

Cubana has reopened after the fire that shut it's doors for a year.

Deluxe, the incredibly successful Burger bar in Glenwood's Davenport road has opened an offshoot next to Cubana and another Greek restaurant has opened doors next door.

FTv Florida road looks finally set to open after a mamouth 18 month construction program - Launch party on Friday 30 April

Cappello's are opening their first Durban store in the second week of May.

The park opposite Spiga is under construction. It will house a great new cafe and provide a welcome green open space for strolls up and down the strip. Additionally it opens the opportunity to screen classic movies late at nite in an open outdoor setting.

These new openings, in addition to the long list of long standin haunts aim to take Florida road to the next level...

Word is that 2 other bar/restaurants will also be opening during the course of May

The park opposite Spiga is under construction... Additionally it opens the opportunity to screen classic movies late at nite in an open outdoor setting.


I'll be over the moon if this ever happens. Here's hoping.

Clubs

Delasol www.delasol.co.za

Czar www.theczar.co.za

CasaNostra - www.casanostra.co.za

Ftv Florida road - www.ftvdurban.co.za

Reform Club - www.reformclub.co.za

I'll be over the moon if this ever happens. Here's hoping.

i totally agree with you!!!

Wide array of restaurants and bars. Lets start at the bottom of the road and make our way up to the top

BBB - Legendary drinking spot
Yum Cha Cha Dim sum and noodle bar - Awesome noodle bar above BBB
Vintage - Indian restaurant
Marco's - Fine Italian dining
Mama Luciano's - Casual italian dining
The Brasserie@Quarters - Great courtyard setting - breakfasts are top notch
Bangkok wok - Thai, part of the large chain around Durban
Cubana - Cuban influenced food and lively bar with great cocktails
Deluxe - Boutique burger bar, don't expect your average burger, also have a very large range of unique boutique beers
Santorini - Greek
Ftv Florida road - Restaurant, cafe, bar, shop, lounge and club areas combine for this large venue
Europa - Cafe style food
Butcher Boys - Top quality steakhouse
Filler Bar - local pub
Cafe Bacini - Cafe style food
Czar - Fine dining restaurant (seafood and sushi are great), and upmarket lounge bar
Spiga D'ora - Durban institution made up of two pavement facing restaurant areas, a courtyard bar area and soon to open upscale restaurant
Cappello - Soon to open bar/restaurant next to Spiga
Reform club - Cocktail bar/club above spiga
Ocean Basket - Seafood restaurant
Taca Zulu - Mexican restaurant and Tequila bar.
Coco's - Bar/cafe
Delasol - Bar/club
Taste of India - Indian restaurant
Sunrise chip and ranch - Great roti's (off shoot Johnie's in Sparks road)
Mo Noodle's - Great Thai/noodle restaurant
Pen Dang - Chinese restaurant
RJ's - steakhouse
Vida e caffe - coffee chain
Mark Gold - Jeweller and premium coffee house
Harvey's - Fine dining opposite mitchell park


Missed a number of places out that i cant remember the name for and all the standard take away places. Hopefully this list of options will continue to grow.

What is the Mexican place like? We need more Mexican phood in SA - hope it is authentic! Is Woolworths still going to open a Food store in Florida Rd?

Taca Zulu is run by 2 guys that moved to Durban from California and were not happy with the standard of Mexican food here. Having never been to mexico i cannot compare, but it is alot better than any other mexican food i have tried in SA.

No Woolies in florida road...where would people park? They are opening in Windermere road, much better for access and parking.

Simply Fish - seafood restaurants
Oceanland - Take away (fish & chips with curries as well)
Steer's - Burger take out
Debonair's - Pizza take out
Something fishy - seafood take out

Cant recall the name of that place that took over the coffee shop next to Spar

For a number of years this was the happening strip in Durban and over the past two years this has eroded mainly due to new hotspots popping up in Glenwood and Umhlanga.

However the past few months have seen a drive to take Florida road back to its role of being Durban's premier entertainment strip.

Spiga D'oro has expanded with much more additional space in its back courtyard and has opened a great bar area.

Cubana has reopened after the fire that shut it's doors for a year.

Deluxe, the incredibly successful Burger bar in Glenwood's Davenport road has opened an offshoot next to Cubana and another Greek restaurant has opened doors next door.

FTv Florida road looks finally set to open after a mamouth 18 month construction program - Launch party on Friday 30 April

Cappello's are opening their first Durban store in the second week of May.

The park opposite Spiga is under construction. It will house a great new cafe and provide a welcome green open space for strolls up and down the strip. Additionally it opens the opportunity to screen classic movies late at nite in an open outdoor setting.

These new openings, in addition to the long list of long standin haunts aim to take Florida road to the next level...

Word is that 2 other bar/restaurants will also be opening during the course of May

Dysan, what is happening in Glenwood that I dont know about? Recently back in Durban and don't know anything about Glenwood nightlife...

Someone needs to produce one of those funky maps for Florida Rd. before the WC.

The area around the Woolies on Bulwer Road is a hive of activity in the evenings with Jack Rabbits, Olive & oil, Deluxe burger & Julio's attracting quite a crowd & thats just to name a few. Davenport square also pulls in the people.

Where is Glenwood gents?

Dysan, what is happening in Glenwood that I dont know about? Recently back in Durban and don't know anything about Glenwood nightlife...

Glenwood is really happening these days, but in a rather different way to florida road. It is more cultural and less "chainy" as most of the stores are owner run initiatives.

It is mainly restaurant and shop heaven, with many galleries, but it is rather lacking in bars (but a new one is opening during May i have been told).

I dont want to clog this thread up with Glenwood stuff, but it has a wide array of cafes/restaurants and stores.

Olive and Oil - Med restaurant
Green Bean Coffee Roastery - Boutique organic coffee store
Deluxe - the original burger bar which spawned the new florida road store
Pizzetta - gourmet pizza's
Hemmingways - cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant
Euforia - mixed place that houses star cafe, a book store, gallery and clothing store
Earthmother organic - everything you could possibly think of as organic is here.
Yossi's - morocan place - great chill zone.
Corner cafe - award winning coffee, but also houses wardrobe (a cool store) and a decor gallery.
Mooi, Itz Mary, Jamble - great stores for art, clothes and other bits
Jacky Horner bar - old english style bar, but recently opened
NSA Gallery and Cafe - Durban's leading contemporary gallery and great cafe
Julio's - casual dining
Jack Rabbits - offshoot of the morningside bar. its a local.
Blue dog - art gallery specialising in photographic work.

There are also a number of antique stores, another portuguese place i cant remmeber the name of, Woolie's and then your regular Wimpy's, KFC, Keg, Spur and the like in the Davenport centre which opens out onto the street.

Oh and Origin - Durban's best club currently spread over 3 floors and 5 dancefloors. Incredibly chic and stylish - who would have thought in Glenwood a few years back.

So yes its a happening hub too. Lots of healing centre's, yoga.

Maybe have a different thread for it?

Can we have some pics?
Wow Durban just keeps on surprising me!!!

Where is Glenwood gents?

Gents, the question still stands.

Pule : It is on the other side of the city to Florida Rd. Somewhat near the Howard College Campus of UKZN.

Pule : It is on the other side of the city to Florida Rd. Somewhat near the Howard College Campus of UKZN.
Ah thanks buddy, I will check for it when I'm there in June.

^^ Its below the berea area

Here's a view from google... Glenwood is very close to musgrave, separated by the N3 highway. Florida road is right near the stadium

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Glenwoodlocation.jpg

but the area we're talking about is where you see "Bulwer"

Oh the name of that cafe thats opposite Spar is Gazette on Florida road

but the area we're talking about is where you see "Bulwer"

Oh the name of that cafe thats opposite Spar is Gazette on Florida road

hence why i wrote glenwood in red...

Online restaurant guide for Durbs!

http://fifaworldcup.durban.gov.za/Pages/RestaurantFinder.aspx

Taca Zulu is run by 2 guys that moved to Durban from California and were not happy with the standard of Mexican food here. Having never been to mexico i cannot compare, but it is alot better than any other mexican food i have tried in SA.

No Woolies in florida road...where would people park? They are opening in Windermere road, much better for access and parking.

Thanks Mike - sounds good - the Mexican food in California is pretty good.

still havent tried it yet, need to make a plan!

still havent tried it yet, need to make a plan!

I'm not the most critical person when it comes to restaurants, but I have to say I was quite disappointed by the service at Taco Zulu when I went there after the renovations. I was looking forward to it as the place looks great, but the waiter was so high he had no idea what was going on and our food arrived cold. Haven't been there since, and it's such a pity as I love Mexican food...

lol, that can be expected, but yeah its not on!

By the way, all the renovations along Florida Road lately have had me so excited - they scraped up most of the tar along the main strip and I was really hoping they would be paving the road. I think Florida Road could be a great single strip version of Leicester Square in London (well at least that's what springs to mind).

By paving the main section of the road and pedestrianising it at night, it would bring a tremendous vibe to the area. I imagine the restaurant tables and chairs spilling onto the paved street at night, a safe, wel-lit area with music playing and people walking around. They could pedestrianise the section from the robots by Spiga down to the Cubana/Bangkok Wok area, from 6pm. The atmosphere that would create; with the new cafe (opposite Spigga) playing movies at night at the top of the road in a park-like surrounding, down past all the restaurants and take-aways, nightclubs and cocktail bars, and boutique shops, would be world-class. The value that would add to the area would be immeasurable. The Quarters and Signature Life Hotels further down the road and in the area would seriously reap the benefits of being in a vibrant, happening area which is safer by being pedestrianised, and well-lit...

http://i43.tinypic.com/b8mnx2.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/1z2ez3q.jpg

Yip its pretty awesome, they even extending the pavement on the corners of the Florida Rd & Gordon Rd, should be awesome when its done, but they must make it quick, getting annoying for me.

The paving will reallly add character to the area, and enhance its heritage aspect. I would like the paving to continue past Gordon Rd, all the way to the top of Florida Rd, in the future. I hope the city gives this thought for the next financial year as there are stunning heritage buildings along that strip.

I'm not the most critical person when it comes to restaurants, but I have to say I was quite disappointed by the service at Taco Zulu when I went there after the renovations. I was looking forward to it as the place looks great, but the waiter was so high he had no idea what was going on and our food arrived cold. Haven't been there since, and it's such a pity as I love Mexican food...

Its primary target is the young crowd...and those drinking...service being in my opinion is prt of its vibe

That is a huge pity - since there are scores of places catering to the young crowd that want to get drunk and out of it - but probably not one good Mexican restaurant in Durban. That being said, never an excuse for poor service. I am pretty sure that if I had been waited on by a waiter who was out of it and brought cold food - unless it was gazpacho or guacamole - it would have gone back.

let me clarify. i have never had bad service or cold/bad food

Im sure 90% of the clients dont have a problem but you do get that odd mishap.

Durban eateries gear up for Cup

May 11 2010
By Vivian Attwood

Navigating Florida Road is a nerve-racking experience now. You don't know which parts of the street and feeder roads will be closed on any day. Heavy duty machinery gouges out tar and paving. Towering piles of bricks and cobbles block walkways.

But, of course, it is temporary. While motorists might be fuming, business owners in the area are looking at the bigger picture and preparing for the biggest, longest party Durban has seen.

They have invested a lot of time and money to make sure they will give our 2010 World Cup visitors, local and foreign, a welcome they will never forget.

"It is going to be huge," said Rhyden Botha, assistant manager at Butcher Boys. "The whole team is looking forward to the arrival of the fans. If the Lions tour was anything to go by, trade should be good. At that event, the city welcomed around 20 000 visitors, as opposed to the hundreds of thousands predicted for the World Cup.

"And boy, the Brits, if they come here in their numbers, know how to party. The Lions cleaned us out - there was no meat or wine left, " he said, grinning.

"We are looking forward to meeting the players from the foreign teams."

Botha said the restaurant, which specialises in slow-aged cuts, wasn't going to run the risk of supply shortages. "We've got extra cold storage facilities lined up and have placed huge orders.

"We already have overseas bookings and I would strongly advise locals to book early," he said.

He said the business would hire extra staff for the duration of the Cup, as would other restaurants in Florida Road, and their training would be fast-tracked.

Hard and fast

"We have a team of staff who know how to work hard and fast. We anticipate that service will be on a par with the best available anywhere."

Butcher Boys will stick to its usual menu, said Botha, but a set menu will be available for larger parties of 10 or more people.

"Our flags are out, all 32 of them, and the plasma screen TVs will be delivered soon. We are ready to show our guests what a Durban welcome is all about," he said.

Lovers of Mediterranean food will be pleased to know a new Greek restaurant, Santorini, will open in time for the World Cup.

People are working late to put the finishing touches to the décor, and when it is complete it will seat 100 downstairs and 300 in a larger room on the upper floor.

The Greek restaurant will open in July.

Restaurant manager "Steve" (who claims no one ever addressed him by his full name) said he had sold his restaurant in Joburg to work for Santorini's owner, Spiro Mateos.

"My restaurant had been robbed 14 times in a year by syndicates. I decided things looked healthier down here, crime-wise."

Steve said it was regrettable that the crime in South Africa was getting such wide coverage overseas, to the possible detriment of the World Cup.

"A lot of people I've spoken to in Europe said they would watch from home," he said, sighing.

"We are also really sorry that the Greek team is staying at Umhlanga, not in Durban. They probably won't venture out of their hotel for meals."

At Santorini, too, the wide-screen TVs are days away from arriving, and special orders have been placed to ensure plentiful supplies of the fresh, organic products the restaurant favours.

They will open with a bang at the end of this week, when much of the Greek community of Durban will get together to celebrate. But there won't be any of the plate throwing commonly associated with Greek festivities.

Trebled

"No, that's a thing of the past now, even in Greece," said Steve. "Instead we throw scented white flowers."

To cater for fans looking for a late snack, Santorini will offer a 24-hour take-away facility too. The restaurant has limited private parking.

The restaurant that has become synonymous with Florida Road, Spiga d'Oro, has probably made the biggest capital investment in infrastructure in the precinct.

Known for long queues at peak times, it has almost trebled in size and now seats about 450 in three separate but interlinked dining venues.

Marco Santonicello, who runs the business with his father, Sergio, said the restaurant's increasing popularity meant customers were well advised to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance or even earlier during the World Cup.

As well as the new double volume dining area alongside the original Spiga, there is now a piazzo at the rear with covered and uncovered seating. An attractive fountain forms the centrepiece of the trendy new venue.

"We currently have 90 staff and will increase that number to 140 for the Cup," Santonicello said. "We are also employing a team of cleaners at our expense to remove refuse around the clock in Florida and Gordon roads. We don't want our customers to start their visit off having to walk past filth."

He said that the culture of "car bars" - where people brought liquor with them and drank it in the street outside restaurants - was worrying, but he was confident that the police would keep it under control.

"As a heritage node, we really don't want to promote that sort of thing, but the police presence has been stepped up in Florida Road. They must be congratulated for that. There are constant foot and vehicle patrols, and regular roadblocks.

"The police are doing their bit to see that Durban hosts a successful World Cup. From our side, we are pulling out all the stops."

And the roadworks? The municipality has given an assurance that the repairs and upgrading will be finished on time.

^^ I like the siprit in Durban, it really shows that there's a big event coming :cheers:

Revamping and expanding Spiga

Jossi Designs

Spiga D'Oro on Florida Road is just one of the exciting projects that Jossi Design is working on at the moment. The back Piazza area has been open for a while now, with a few snags still to be attended to, but overall there is such a great vibe when you sit outside and relax near the water fountain.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4DzCdpLXGKg/TASfHA-LN5I/AAAAAAAAAtU/FSPtxDNIp3w/s1600/DSC_04300028.JPG

The food of course is amazing and I love going to Spiga for lunch or dinner, so it is fantastic that I get to work on the interior design for this restaurant.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4DzCdpLXGKg/TASiOBcserI/AAAAAAAAAtk/hSNt2ux6JAQ/s1600/DSC_04060004.JPG

We are now hectically trying to finish the front left hand side of Spiga. This is going to have a totally different look, being more industrial with exposed cable trays and aluminium tubing on the walls. The paint colours however have just been painted on the walls and it gives the interior a very soft and comfortable feeling so I think it is going to be a great success with patrons.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4DzCdpLXGKg/TASi0BxxhwI/AAAAAAAAAts/cw576qZju6s/s1600/DSC_04110009.JPG

There is a wonderful double volume space allowing us to hang a unique pendant designed especially for Spiga. We just hope this arrives in time for World Cup Madness!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4DzCdpLXGKg/TATQ4pHfQGI/AAAAAAAAAuM/4kDLbzgA5BI/s1600/DSC_04080006.JPG

We have decided to keep the old staircase and balustrade so there is a mix between old and industrial, which create an interesting feel.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4DzCdpLXGKg/TASqjn_klgI/AAAAAAAAAuE/3MLawCjx1DM/s320/DSC_04090007.JPG

Special thanks must go to Marco and Sergio for their great food, hospitality and the atmosphere they create by the presence at Spiga. We love the restaurant and wish them all the best over the world cup season and for years to come.

Awesome dude.. absolutely awesome.. I love Spiga...

I think its complete now, just minor things to do. BTW that park opposite is looking AWESOME! will try to take some pics today after work

You know what would be really, really cool??? ...some photos of Florida Road :lol:

DB i agree. The glass and steel structure they have built is impressive, so too is the landscaping...weather today not the greatest to get shots though...yes Durban can have winter days :)

Will try and get some pics of the Road as well, looks awesome with all the shops having their flags out etc...

Florida road in Durban has been wrapped for the world cup!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H9lSUoNxEEI/TBnAFbEZEjI/AAAAAAAAAXc/mmF8BcZLfAw/s1600/WRAPPED.jpg

Durban: The absolute melting pot

Siddharth Saxena, 26 June 2010, 08:13 PM IST

Of the 10 host cities at the World Cup here, Durban has been projected as the warmest place to be. And rightly so. In this South African winter – felt by most locals as unusually severe – on the east coast, in Durban, you can actually fling the beanie away and let your hair down. The warmth however is not to do with the temperature alone. Durban's folk are instantly friendlier. Even Cape Town residents locals – the western coast city is decidedly more First World – talk of Durban in glowing terms. It's the climate and the proximity to the sea they say that causes it.

Three hundred and sixty miles of coastline along the city and its periphery adds to as much fun. There's safari trips, deep sea-diving, big game hunting, fly fishing, mountain cycling and trekking, and other such stuff that could keep you out of your workplace the entire year. Of course, the fliers, and guide books don't tire of telling you all this. But what they keep from you – except, maybe some corner of Lonely Planet – is the vibe about Florida Street.

In Durban, you can spend all day along South Beach, play golf till the cows come home, even cycle all the way to Mali and back, but if you haven't spent an evening at Florida, you stopped at the city.

Florida Street – running uphill and down – is the quarter of Durban for the hedonist to hang out, spend his money, fuel his desires and feed his ego. This is the temple where drink flows like water, there is an unmissable smell of reed in the air, the smoke swirls up and then it swirls down, before it swirls away, here men are friendly in a back-slappy way and snooty women in little black dresses are suddenly friendlier, in a warm-embracy way, as the burly bouncer looks on, in his non-feely way.

The area's restaurants could put any foodguide listing to shame. You can start from the joint at the start set-up the start and work your way down, but you won't be satiated. Its pubs has the crowd spillng on to the road, cars crawling on the choked tarmac, music blaring, neon lights, shady men not meeting your eye but promising you a good time, nodding to his lady friend standing in the distance, sipping vodka and coke and chewing gum, and managing to do both.

If the streets of Johannesburg are quiet by 7 pm, the tremors here begin at that hour and continue till dawn breaks and you discover that your tall glass has been replaced by a coffee mug, but the poison remains the same.

The district had a specific throb over the weekend this time. Brazilian and Portufguese fans locked horns in a tin drum and song joust, making it the region's Madi Gras. The unique architectural influences of Duban – Portuguese (given the area's closeness to Mozambique), English Colonial, Dutch and even Oriental, gave it a very New Orleans feel. Turrets and balconies of restaurants overlooking the narrow street were packed by the fans who were singing, dancing and getting drunkier by the minute.

It is the veritable melting pot that you often hear about, when you rub shoulders with all and sundry, scream yourself hoarse at the crowded bar, trying to catch the female bartender's (bar tendress?) eye. And as you jostle for elbow room over the counter, you edge out a brother. You turn, and ... "Makhaya Ntini!?"

"Yeah, brother," he drawls, as if to say "So?" and asks, "So, what's your poison, man? You know you can't keep a pretty bar tender waiting." As you fumble with your order, the din of the place is drowned by the unmistakable Makhaya Ntini guffaw – all white teeth and eyes missing. Welcome to Durban.

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/zebra-crossing/entry/durban-the-absolute-melting-pot

Few new developments in this street of late - besides the fact that it is permanently buzzing during the world cup!

Cappello is finally open in the old Tribeca premises and was packed last night.

The Concierge (A new VERY trendy boutique hotel) has opened near Bean Bag Bohemia and has a very electic restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a shipping container which has been cut in half and the two halves joined by an extensive glass structure! very boundary pushing stuff! - Check it out - www.the-concierge.co.za

Deluxe - the burger bar - has opened is back courtyard and bar area

Tenders have gone out for the operating licence of the new cafe in the park opposite spiga - heard that nino's and mugg and bean applied but have both been told they will not be accepted - both are clearly eager to get a Florida road presence.

yip I love those wrapped trees, they look awesome, hope they keep it after the WC, alsmost like jerseys for the trees, lol

Al Fresco Slow Food in Florida Road on Sunday 29 August

by Press Release 27 August 2010

A perfect way to spend a Sunday in Durban: enjoy a leisurely al-fresco meal made by top local and international chefs from fresh produce while you wait


This Sunday from 10am until 4pm in the Florida Rd Tourism Info Centre, a most unusual culinary event will be hosted as a pre-cursor to the annual Flavours of Durban, KZN event which takes place annually as part of the Celebrate Durban season in September.


12 farmers from Shongweni area, and selected subsistence farmers from the greater Durban area will set up tables of produce around the tourism centre selling fruit, vegetables, salad ingredients, homemade bread, cured meat, braai ingredients and fresh delicacies.


Food lovers are invited to purchase their ingredients direct from the farmers, then take their ingredients to a team of top chefs who will guide them as to various dish options which can be created with the ingredients bought. Chefs can make up the dishes while you wait – discussing the meal and explaining procedures as they work.


The idea is to promote the benefits of fresh eating; supporting farmers and originators of food directly, and to be creative in the choice and creation of dishes involving fresh ingredients.


The Florida Rd Tourism Bureau will be transformed into an al-fresco eating area combined with a comprehensive farmers’ market combined with an open air demo kitchen and braai area – to allow visitors to buy their food, be part of the preparation process and to enjoy their meal - all in one space.


Barcode will be on hand to offer a drinks service to accompany the meal.


“We are promoting the concept of slow food and healthy eating,” explains chef Mpume Mqwebu from Africa Meets Europe Cuisine, one of the organisers.


“Participation is key to the success of the event and we encourage the public to feel part of the process,” says Joe Moller Short, one of the organisers.


This event is a prequel to the Flavours of Durban, KZN. The annual event has become something of an institution in the Celebrate Durban calendar: Chefs and culinary specialists from Durban’s various sister cities will showcase signature dishes from their respective places of origin during regular food demos at the Flavours stand at the SMME Fair at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 3 – 5 September.


For more info: contact Gavin Larkin / Email: gavin@theexpofactory.co.za / Tel: 031 564 8399 / 083 775 6359.

some pics I took during the WC, not sure if I posted them else where

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/Durbsboi/Durban/DSC09631Large.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/Durbsboi/Durban/DSC09632Large.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/Durbsboi/Durban/DSC09633Large.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab219/Durbsboi/Durban/DSC09634Large.jpg

Nice pics. Yesterday, the park played host to its first event: an international food-tasting event, or something like that. Didn't get a chance to check it out but I can imagine it would have been great given its location.

ah so thats what the tent is for!

^^ as the article posted above said...

The African Art Centre

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4846850524_5866a60f22_z.jpg

Anyone know what is going up on the site that used to have the Shell garage on?

apparently they just revamping the garage with a proper car wash at the back. Thats all I've heard.

Ick! What a waste of great location. I was soo hoping for something more exciting. Like 2-3 floor retail / office mix, with a couple of new restaurants included in the mix. There's a service station just a few hundred meters down the road at the corner of Florida and Argyle/Springfield Road so don't see the need the waste this valuable, prime space.

^^ i agree. As it is a heritage node it would be very difficult for them to justify the existance of this garage as the city mentioned previously that they wanted it gone...

lets see what happens then

I noticed that the vacant building at the corner of Florida Rd and Springfield Rd, directly opposite the Quarters Hotel [where the restaurant Goochi (sp?)] used to operate from, is undergoing a major refurbishment. I am so glad this is finally happenning. That spot is too prime to have been left vacant all this time. What I like so far is that the cement is being stripped from the building (and with that, we finally lose that ugly dark grey paint) and the original bricks are seemingly being exposed. If it ends up being a red-brick building, it will fit in perfectly with Florida Road. I am hoping that the Quarters Hotel takes over this site, or that another boutique hotel opens here.

Does anyone have any information on this refurb?

^^ not really suited to another hotel development (very noisy, way too small as would prob only be 6-8 rooms).

Most likely to either be an office development or some form of retail.

Glad to hear that something is happening either way, but surely unlikely to be ready by the summer season?

Havent been down on that end for a while, btw the steel structure for the garage is coming up, so just to confirm it is still a filling station.

^^ not really suited to another hotel development (very noisy, way too small as would prob only be 6-8 rooms).

Most likely to either be an office development or some form of retail.

Glad to hear that something is happening either way, but surely unlikely to be ready by the summer season?

I agree about the size not being big enough for a new hotel; that's why I think it would be a good spill-over place for Quarters. However, I disagree that its unsuitable because of noise. The Quarters is doing very well and is just as close to the traffic (in fact, closer, since this building has a side street as a buffer before you hit Springfield Rd).

Either way, I am thrilled it's being refurbished. I hope its restored to its original state. Would work well as offices, gallery, with possibly a ground floor restaurant. They seem to be working very fast so I won't be surprised if the exterior is done by mid-Dec.

Havent been down on that end for a while, btw the steel structure for the garage is coming up, so just to confirm it is still a filling station.

Yup, drove past it today and can confirm that the steel frame for the garage is up. Sigh. What a waste of prime space. :ohno:

Yup, drove past it today and can confirm that the steel frame for the garage is up. Sigh. What a waste of prime space. :ohno:

i do not know how they managed to get approval for that. The city has been trying to get rid of them for years! It is SO not the right location for a garage in any form

I agree about the size not being big enough for a new hotel; that's why I think it would be a good spill-over place for Quarters. However, I disagree that its unsuitable because of noise. The Quarters is doing very well and is just as close to the traffic (in fact, closer, since this building has a side street as a buffer before you hit Springfield Rd).

Either way, I am thrilled it's being refurbished. I hope its restored to its original state. Would work well as offices, gallery, with possibly a ground floor restaurant. They seem to be working very fast so I won't be surprised if the exterior is done by mid-Dec.

So split the same quarters hotel on two sides of the road???? would make operations difficult and lets make the guests run across the road for food...thandi can wheel her vacuum over too :)

I am still of the belief that as it is so much closer to the actual intersection that quarters it would be way more noisy. The rooms in quarters are a good distance up the road. But its really splitting hairs.

Would be interesting to see what it develops into, imo more than likely will be offices.

Good to see park being put to use.

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Summer Wellness Expo and EATIN Durban
Publicity Matters
12/07/2010 15:08:15

Come shake your charka this December at the Summer Wellness Expo from 10 to 12 of December 2010 at the Florida Road Park opposite Spiga D’Oro.

On Saturday 11 December, the Summer Wellness Expo will be partnering with the Celebrate Terra Madre Day in partnership With Rights Based Network and Ethekwini Municipality, to present EATIN Durban which has developed from the Slow Food concept of EATIN.

An EATIN is an event in which the community is asked to buy locally produced food, cook together, bring the food to a gathering where long tables are set up and the food is shared amongst the participants. It is an opportunity to share knowledge about food and spread awareness about nutrition and the importance of good, clean and fair food.

A tea and juice bar will be set up and Florida Rd will be closed between Reform Club and Gordon Rd.

The weekend event will provide a showcase for an enormous variety of health, body and beauty products for the whole family. The Summer Wellness Expo consists of three sections, which include beauty, health and fitness (The Mind), alternative health and natural organic products (The Body), Yoga, Readings and Reiki, Crystal Healing or numerology (The Spirit) showcasing about 40 different stands.

Visitors to the exhibition will discover a wide range of therapies including Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Kinesiology and Reiki, with a variety of informative and interesting demonstrations from various spas and beauty therapists. The exhibits offer a vast range of products on display ranging from cosmetics and soaps to vitamins and supplements.

The Summer Wellness Expo not only serves to provide visitors with useful information and insights into personal and family health issues, but also provides an excellent opportunity for a family outing, and a unique shopping experience.

Adding to the favour of the event’s spirit will be a live programme:

Friday, 10 December (19h00 – 21h00)
Live Belly Dance Competition

Saturday, 11 December (10h00 – 16h00)
EATIN Durban

(15h00 – 21h00)
Hatha Yoga / Vinyasa Yoga / Pranayama Yoga / Astanga Yoga / Martial Arts / Nia Dances

Sunday, 12 December (11h00 – 17h00)
Fitness Demo / Spirit of Dance / Live Band

For more information: Dineshren on 084 428 6690 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 084 428 6690 end_of_the_skype_highlighting / dineshren.naidoo@telkomsa.net


Illa Thompson
Publicity Matters
tel / fax 031 201 1638
mobile 083 326 3234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 083 326 3234 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
illa@pubmat.co.za
www.pubmat.co.za

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=26081

See FTV is pretty quiet during the day, dont think many people know they actually serve food there.

Also looks like the bad luck corner building (corner of Florida and Argyle) has been bought again and renovations are underway.

Well FTV need to advertise, you cant see much from the street and people want street front dining.

True that, those big fences dont help either.

Unless I am mistaken, I think this is the Church of Scientology building....

----------------

Durban Florida Road building sells for close to R11 350/sqm

03 Feb 2011 - eProp - JHI

Intro
A prime well situated, double-storey commercial building plus adjacent house comprising a total of 954sqm of downstairs retail and upstairs office space and situated in Florida Road, in the vibrant hub of Durban’s popular Morningside area, has been sold for R10.825 million

Located at 136-144 Florida Road the listed building – constructed around the turn of the last century – is fully tenanted and has been purchased by Greys Personnel, who have taken up 350sqm of space for their own head office.

Local JHI leasing and sales broker, Chantal Williams, who facilitated the transaction says: “The Florida Road node is constantly buzzing with activity with a burgeoning cafe society, popular restaurants, shops and a variety of businesses. It is sought after among commercial investors and tenants for numerous reasons including high exposure for trading, convenient access to all major routes in and out of the city as well as the city centre, as well as the potential for sound investment returns in the future. This property achieved R11 373 per square metre which is a current, market related price.”

The property includes 13 parking bays on site. The new owners, who relocated from elsewhere in the Morningside area, are already undertaking renovations in the upstairs area which they now occupy.

Comments Lynne Proude, managing member of Greys Personnel: “As our business and our team have grown we needed additional space, and Florida Road is the ideal location for us as it is central, well-known and provides easy access for our candidates. The building itself is full of character and natural light pours in from the numerous windows and doors, providing a very appealing ambience. We are proud to be associated with the restoration of this building and to make it our new ‘home’.”

http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=13326

yes it is they have acquired other premises awhile back

Yeah.. think they've moved to Westvile haven't they?

Strada Peroni Florida Road

This event has been running since yesterday and finishes at midnight tonight, with the after party at FTV Florida Road.

Fashion shows, loads of great Peroni bars - all to be found in the new park at the corner of Florida and Gordon. Looked great during the day today.

http://www.ubumnandi.com/uploads_event/1000/897/0_3991.jpg

I heard about that. I wish I was in Durbs :(

Great new website up and running for the Florida Road precinct (www.floridaroad.co.za)

reviews of restaurants, places to go and the buildings that make up the street scene here.

First look at the new fine dining component of the restaurant/cafe/bar thats rapidly filling the space of the old BBB in Florida Road... opening in September

http://kalahariadsnet.icplatform.com/kalahariadsnet/offers/kalahariadsnet/16/46/16/16_46_1646403_1_644x461.jpg

With the purchase of the Vovo Telo Artisnal Bakery Chain in PE by famous brands, they have been expanding the concept around the country. There are now 5 stores split between PE, Joburg and Pretoria. The first Durban store appears to be opening in lower florida road in October... cant wait if their website is anything to go by www.vovotela.co.za

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS37IO5v_hkY3r5iXLdfSlAB4VNuL_7ovnmad_EgSxalygpevx03Q&t=1

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269183_240657415962814_204145812947308_885922_359482_n.jpg

Wakaberry is a fantastic and innovative new addition to the Florida Road strip. It is a self service frozen yoghurt bar.


http://floridaroad.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSC_1582.jpg

http://floridaroad.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSC_1583.jpg

http://floridaroad.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSC_1588.jpg

I've visited this place a few times now and I love it. Good, fun addition to the road.

Wakeberry is pretty cool, havent been there yet.

Spoke to Ross Skeate the other day and he said they're opening a Kauai on Florida Rd, either next to the Scooters or taking over Scooters.

Mate of mine that had shares in the Moyo Pier bar sold up last month and is re-opening the BBB under the name of "Hai.Bo"

Thanks for the insight, DB. I'm liking what I see of the BBB replacement, so far anyway. I hope Hai.Bo has / develops a unique character and culture, much like how BBB had.

I'm still curious to see what is being developed opposite the Quarters Hotel, next to the African art shop. It has the same look as the Quarters...

With the purchase of the Vovo Telo Artisnal Bakery Chain in PE by famous brands, they have been expanding the concept around the country. There are now 5 stores split between PE, Joburg and Pretoria. The first Durban store appears to be opening in lower florida road in October... cant wait if their website is anything to go by www.vovotela.co.za

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS37IO5v_hkY3r5iXLdfSlAB4VNuL_7ovnmad_EgSxalygpevx03Q&t=1

I think you meant www.vovotelo.co.za

Good addition to the street. I wonder where exactly they'll be opening?

They opening near the Spar

Thanks for the heads up on the name DB! The interior looks super good. Can't wait for it!

Also keen to see what is opening that corner jerome. It is major revamp and will be a very big space! Can't just be one place... Might even be offices upstairs? Big interests...

Also... Neil Rouke of Freedom Cafe, Craft and now Larney's is opening an upmarket Mexican restaurant and bar in the area called Chihuahua. So lots on the way!

Florida Road Market is on tomorrow!

"Upstairs" - is a new bar/ lounge area that Jossi Interior Design is working on, this is on Florida Road on the floor above Spiga D'oro. They say the concept is awesome and will open in November.

Another new places is developing fast where the Greek restaurant Santorini was. They have gutted the place and looking through the windows it looks VERY sleek. They knocked out the entire side wall and fill with fold back glass walls. They also appear to be developing a back courtyard.

Ftv Florida Road has closed and been replaced with a new club/bar/restaurant called Boulevard or BLVD...lets see how it goes.

Work on Haibo is progressing well in the old BBB premises... here some update shots..

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310497_200371413368106_176253489113232_482580_1911918224_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/315696_200374270034487_176253489113232_482696_1299535799_n.jpg

The 2nd Annual Zoo York Bombing Florida Road takes place this weekend!


Date: 8th October 2011
Registration Time: 14h00 – 14h45
Mr Sutcliffe to start the Event: 15h00 at Blue Zoo Mitchell Park Florida
Prize Giving at Taco Zulu: 1st Prize R5000, 2nd Prize R2000, 3rd Prize R1000
Sponsors that will be giving prizes are: Lundun, Circa, Gunslinger Longboards, Skull Candy
Advertising has been done on: Facebook, Posters, Pamphlets, The Bomb Surf Website, First Nature Website and Taco Zulu

Zoo York’s objective is to encourage as many Durban skate boarders to enjoy the freedom of Florida Road closure for 10 min. Zoo York and New York skateboard based company encourages camaraderie and friendship at nominated bombing events at suitable individual landmarks. Florida Road has a high concentration of Café, Restaurants and bars creating a true urban environment with sloping tarmac for core skateboarding to be enjoyed by all.

With the co-operation from EThekwini City council this event has been made possible.

Come and enjoy a Zoo York bombing experience

http://www.thebombsurf.com/files/1/images/Zoo4.jpg

http://www.thebombsurf.com/files/1/images/Zoo5.jpg

http://www.thebombsurf.com/files/1/images/Zoo6.jpg

http://www.thebombsurf.com/files/1/images/Zoo1.jpg

Also just heard today that a Piatto is opening soon on Florida Road

Plumbago Lifestyle Gallery Opens in Florida Road

Dynamic sisters Julie Hartslief and Deborah Puttergill joined forces to open a beautiful shop that celebrates the best in local and international design. Named after their grandfather’s favourite flower, Plumbago is situated in Florida Road, Durban.

Plumbago sells a carefully selected range of beautifully designed and manufactured décor and lifestyle items. Each piece is thought of as art and only the truly authentic, unique and interesting make the cut. The lifestyle gallery currently stocks Ardmore ceramics, Assouline coffee table books, Missibaba bags and Hunter boots to name a few.

Plumbago is open Monday–Friday from 09h00 – 16h00 and Saturday from 09h00 – 12h00.
50 Florida Road, Durban

http://girlabouttown.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Plumbago-1-300x199.jpg

Thanks for the updates. Some great things happenning on Florida Rd.

Anyone know what the beautifully refurbished property on the corner of Florida and Argyle Rd is going to be used for?

Offices

Competition for Wakaberry and the first outlet of this global chain in South Africa


https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/60712_487422571289582_1470671121_n.jpg


Ci gusta! goes to Durban!
2012 oct 19

The new ci gusta! store is the first one to open in Africa and it's also the first self service ci gusta! outside the US. Plus, its grand opening is happening right at the beginning of the african summer: this is the new ci gusta! store in Durban, South Africa.


You will be able to find the brand new store in the most amazing part of the city, Florida Road, with 200 square meters of tasty products.


The whole area is covered by a great free wi-fi network, with a nice playground specifically made for our little customers.


Come and taste the whole ci gusta! experience: not only you'll find our classic Gelato, but also desserts, the ci café! line, our soups, smoothies, waffles, crêpes and much more!


Get ready for a great, sensational opening: on October 28th, ci gusta! goes to Durban!


Keep an eye on our blog and be the first to look at the pictures of our new store.

144 Florida Road


https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/486658_487421861289653_873570670_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/525621_487421917956314_867759941_n.jpg

That's the old Church of Scientology Building. Nice!!! Serious competition for Waka and great addition to the strip! Interesting to see this foreign chain has chosen to debut in Durbs vs Jhb or CT.

Nice! keen to see what its like once opened.

I see Scooters has been taken over by that tech crowd from Windermere Road, they're opening something similar to an iStore there.

most likely in durbs due to the massive success of wakaberry...

Something similar to an istore?

Disappointing development to this extension of Florida Rd...

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Restaurant closes after only a year

December 19 2012 at 09:04am
By Bernadette Wolhuter

KwaZulu-Natal - Durban’s hai.bo restaurant, cafe and bar closed this month, little more than a year after it opened in a double-storey house in Lilian Ngoyi (Windermere) Road.

Operating partner Theuns Smuts, the chief operating officer for the hai.bo group, said it closed for “financial reasons”.

The national monument building where it was situated was previously home to Bean Bag Bohemia (BBB) – a well-loved hangout for Durban’s alternative crowd for more than a decade.

Smuts took over the premises and opened hai.bo in November last year. Its quirky decor and contemporary cuisine made it popular with locals and visitors.

But Smuts said that although the restaurant was full on Friday and Saturday nights, the rest of the week was “very quiet”.

“We were running a full kitchen from 11am until 2am every day and the costs involved just became too high,” he said. “We kept hoping the situation would change, but it just did not.”

At this stage it is unknown what will become of the building that hai.bo was occupying, advertised by the restaurant as an ideal venue. - The Mercury


http://www.thepost.co.za/restaurant-closes-after-only-a-year-1.1442734#.UNGH16Oqnu4

Not at all surprised... Had the most shocking service and management

Bring back BBB and most people will start going there again I reckon.