The Milk Restaurant and Bar, the first three-storey upmarket restaurant-bar in a township, is now relaunching as The Milk Restaurant & Champagne Bar after taking a hiatus due the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In recent years Khayelitsha has seen a rise in establishments, redefining Khayelitsha as the Cape’s next tourism and entertainment hub with the recent development of Rands Cape Town, Spine Road Lifestyle, Ocean Canda and Seek Lounge. These establishment are joining a list of long standing, well-known establishments such as Kwa Ace and Kefu’s Jazz Bar.
Khayelitsha is one of the largest townships in South Africa, located just outside Cape Town, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, friendly people and diverse culture. The Milk Restaurant & Champagne Bar is one of few places where you can wine and dine and lounge within the same property yet on different floors.
In 2018, Siphelo “Spelo” Jalivane took the risk of opening the restaurant out of his own pocket and was met with overwhelming success. However, the business immediately faced challenges which caused strain on its operations.
“I opened the business too soon. I was in a rush and wanted to get it off the ground, not knowing the challenges I would face with infrastructure. I took for granted the kitchen equipment required and this (impacted) badly on service delivery. Additionally, I was in financial woes. I had invested every cent in construction, borrowed money from here and there and collectors were chasing me. I was in financial distress. I had to face the music and own up to my mistakes which caught up with me at a later stage. Lockdown saved me because I was drowning, I was going because I had to and had no intentions of giving up. Lockdown forced me to sit and simmer in my reality. It saved me because through it I developed a healthy working business relationship with the two successful brothers and outdoor Mecca Kings” says Jalivane.
Spelo has patterned up with the Mbeki bothers, Mfundo and Mshayi, who are co-owners of popular eatery Rands Cape Town. The brothers are now part owners of The Milk Restaurant & Champagne bar.
Jalivane says he’s very excited and looking forward to this new partnership and reunion. Though the three businessmen have collaborated on other projects before, this one signifies the importance of unity in the sake of developing the community and the township economy.
“This is the great opportunity to show what we can do when we work together as brothers, helping each other to grow in business. There’s a lot we will learn from Spelo and same as he will do with us. This partnership means a lot for the township, owning the spaces where we live. It’s important to do whatever it takes to protect our ikasi business, ikasi for ikasi,” says Mfundo and Mshayi Mbeki.
The relaunch of the Restaurant & Champagne Bar sees the resurrection of 35 employment opportunities, with the majority being from Khayelitsha.
Here’s what visitors and guests can expect.
Ground floor
Previously, the ground floor served as a restaurant and will now be a full-time liquor store with a separate entrance to the restaurant and champagne bar, offering a variety of drinks from beers, ciders, wines, hard liquor and more, for off-site consumption.
First floor
The restaurant has now moved to the first floor with a primary focus on cuisine, offering semi fine dining as opposed to its initial fine dining experience.
Guests can expert to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner while seated in modern up to date and stylish furniture with velvet influences. Dishes range from seafood and grills to light meals.
Second Floor (Rooftop)
Our rooftop offers a view of Khayelitsha’s landscape and was designed with high-end clientele in mind, who enjoy their premium beverages such as champagne, cognac or whisky. The lounge setting is perfect for groups.
The Milk Restaurant & Champagne Bar is located on the corner of Makabeni Road and Zantsi Street in Khayelitsha and opens from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 11pm. For reservations, please contact 081 414 8913.
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