Entertainment mogul plans new lease on life for Highgate Hotel restaurant and bar

With over thirty years of experience under his belt, Olwethu Hoyana is an entrepreneur with a mission to make a major impact on the KuGompo City social scene with a revamped bar, restaurant and an events venue at the defunct Highgate Hotel.

While the hotel portion of the venue is still not open for guests, Hoyana is determined to make the facilities, under his control, a major attraction for events, fine dining aficionados and the adventurous minds looking for a unique experience.

The development comes as the hospitality industry continues to evolve, with consumers increasingly looking for venues that offer more than just food and drinks.

Hoyana was quick to clarify that he has not taken over the hotel itself, which is currently not operational, but has taken over the bar and restaurant operations at Highgate.

He said the immediate focus has been on creating an attractive and versatile space that can appeal to different sections of the KuGompo City community.

“We have modernised the bar and made it more spacious and attractive. We have also added two lounges; one can be used for private functions like birthdays, baby showers and other occasions,” Hoyana said.

The changes are part of a broader vision to establish Highgate as a place where customers can eat, socialise and enjoy different experiences under one roof.

According to Hoyana, the venue will also introduce a number of new lifestyle concepts and events as the business develops.

“We definitely have a few lifestyle concepts and events on the horizon,” he said.

His vision is informed by more than three decades in the hospitality and entertainment industry, having operated several establishments over the years, including OHMI at Beacon Bay Crossing ans later at Hemingways Mall.

Rather than simply replicating previous concepts, Hoyana said his experience has taught him to adapt establishments to the social culture and expectations of their time.

“I have run many establishments over the past 30 years, and each has been a reflection of the social culture at that time,” he said.

“I believe we will create a melting pot that fuses or accommodates various clientele who are aspirational in their outlook.”

One of the features already introduced at Highgate is a car wash service, allowing patrons to combine everyday services with leisure.

Customers can have their vehicles washed while enjoying a braai, pizza or items from the venue’s traditional menu.

For Hoyana, this forms part of creating an environment that goes beyond the conventional bar and restaurant model.

The operation is also already contributing to employment in the city, with about 25 people currently employed.

Hoyana said the number could increase as the business grows and its various concepts take shape.

“We currently employ about 25 people and will probably need more employees as the business grows and takes shape,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hoyana wants Highgate to become more than simply another place to eat or drink. His ambition is to create an environment where residents can experience different aspects of lifestyle and culture.

“We will be creating a home away from home for many residents aspiring to great culinary, fashion and art experiences,” he said.

While the hotel component of Highgate remains non-operational, the renewed focus on the bar and restaurant signals an attempt to breathe new life into the establishment and position it as a destination of choice for East London’s social scene.

For Hoyana, the next chapter will be about allowing the venue to evolve alongside its clientele.