Special Report - Windermere Design and Restaurant District
Like most South African cities, Durban is undergoing a renaissance. Previously drab precincts are getting a fresh lease on life and at the same time giving the cities citizens an ever growing selection of café’s, stores and galleries. Since 2002 the Windermere road area has become a hive of activity, with many old buildings getting a welcome renovation that has had a ripple affect on the surrounding area’s, which are now beginning to form unique precincts in one of Durban’s most historic and beautiful suburbs.
This new found confidence among the cities citizen’s has lead to the area becoming the cities unofficial design district and home to some of the most cutting edge designers in South Africa. Of the recognizable names in the industry are EGG designs, who have won international acclaim with their ambitious take on interior design. This is evident in the design of their offices in Ninth Avenue.
The area exudes charm and sophistication and this is more often than not reflected in the prices in the stores and the meals that are served. The atmosphere is more contemporary colonial than the tropical atmosphere that most people associate with durbs, which is often unknown to the outsider who doesn’t know what happens beyond the cities beaches, and doesn’t attempt to venture into these areas’. Walking along the tree-lined avenues that dominate the area, one feels a world away from the cities beaches. A chilled moment in these cafes, sipping on a cappuccino, can almost take all your stresses and worries away.
But this forum is focused on buildings, and as such the architectural gems that enhance this district are of the utmost importance. Most of the buildings date back to the early 20th century, when the Morningside area was considered to be the home to the cities’ elite who could afford to live on the ridges overlooking the city and harbour below. As Durban has a strong British heritage, many of the homes exude an English charm. As you can see from the images that follow, the character of the homes have been kept, even though their modern day uses differ greatly from their original purposes.
Among the stores, the French consulate can be found, as well as numerous media, promotional and property companies. Restaurants range from Italian, Greek and Portuguese, to Mexican, Indian, and Cuban and to those which are very contemporary in feel. This eclectic mix is carried over to the varied array of bars and lounges that dot the area. From the very Bohemian, to the Chic image centered crowds, most tastes are covered. But don’t expect to find a Keg or Spur in the mix.
The only blot on the landscape is the Windermere Shopping centre, a 15 story beast that lacks any creative or architectural flair. Luckily from street level it is almost unnoticeable due to the dense tree cover that blocks out any view of it. But even it is attempting to blend in with the surroundings to a degree, and has opened stores that have external entrances, so as to compliment the outdoor feel of the surrounding area.
Pictures can only tell so much, and to properly understand the feel of the area, one has to walk its streets and soak up its energy. No wonder there is an abundance of creative talent in Durban, with inspiration that derives from precincts like this one.
BBB -
Bean Bag Bohemia - The Soul of the BoHo - Best late night bar around
Naked - One of my Fav Durban Restuarants
The upper windermere strip
Skanky Jacks
Baked - One of the Best For there amazing range of cakes...YUM
Home - The Funkyiest Bar i've ever seen. Chairs on the 3D walls, (will paste some indoor images soon!!!)
Billy the BUMS - One of the longest standing Bars in Durbs, that lead to off shoots in Cape Town and Jozi. Best place to be after the rugga. Next to it is Skanky Jacks and Wonder Bar (Great Deep house nights on Sats)
The interestingly painted building is Glass Blowing Heaven and incorporates
Taco Zulu - A mexican restuarant started 2 years ago by 3 guys from california. Food and vibe is great. They have taken down the outside roofing in the pic cos they are renovating at the moment.
The heart of the design area
, can't wait to see the rest here and what people tink of the city
