First Thursdays : Durban

Whilst in Durban looking for some amazing new spots to grab some good food, catch up with friends and see what’s new in this surf town I was excited to see that Durban now hosted it’s own version of First Thursday’s possibly the Cape’s most lucrative day of the week especially on the restaurant and bespoke boutique landen strip, Bree Street.

Hosted at the creative refurbished micro business hub “hipster-esque” locale of  Station Drive Precinct stores which range from interior design to laser cutting stay open from 5pm until late offering extended shopping hours, salsa classes on the fairy lit streets and a few bars and eateries as well as a Nouveau, small production movie offering in the one Morning Trade market space now donned with a graphic piece of artwork boldly branding the building “The Plant”.

I would be lying if I didn’t say that the Durban First Thursday’s experience lacked the “vibe” Cape Town offers and it was sad to see Durbanites not out in full force supporting a creative and new offering in the fledging area.

There’s a great bar, packed with people grabbing a few on site brewed, beers and some light dinner plates and a distillery just a flight of stairs away offers some chilled house music and locally produced spirits.

Con Amore (also the master minds behind the newly renovated Quarters Hotel) are home to these amazing interior and decor pieces. In a large open air warehouse space are custom designed living area that show case their amazing flare and some stunning showroom pieces. Tucked in the corer is an eatery Mo’s Noodles (a must visit I’ve heard) which boasts a view of the industrial building, landscapes and the iconic Moses Mabhida stadium.

I explored both drinking holes and found that S43-home to That Brewing Co. a brewery based bar owned by local Durban hospitality alumni poured and produced great brews and the little poppers (in a basket not bottle) we had at the bar made for great stomach liners before heading upstairs to Distillery031 to try their Gin, also raved about and had me excited to see my home town expanding it’s wings to soar into the foodie realm and prove that Durban has some of the greatest hedonists and culinary curators.

Definitely on my list of things to do if you happen to be in the area on the First Thursday of every month!

Watermarked photography by Durban Based Photographer http://www.toxicmiczphoto.co.za/