The Garden Club in Bridge Street, Gqeberha, is all about elegance and good food. As I write this article on a sunny public holiday I am enjoying a delicious cappuccino and contemplating the artful combination of the menu, service and ambiance.
This eatery reminds me in many ways of an impressionist painting – Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies comes to mind.
Monet sought to capture the atmosphere of a summer’s day in a beautiful garden and so too does the Garden Club.
Monet’s brilliant use of small brush strokes of pure colour make you feel the summers’ day when looking at the shimmering lily pond in the painting. In much the same way the careful selection of textures, colours and shapes, the clever use of lighting and the pleasant background music create an elegant ambiance at the Garden Club.
The overall impression that one has when entering the Garden Club is defined by one word – chic.
The friendly and efficient restaurant staff ensure that us, the patrons, have a beautifully relaxed meal
The Menu at the Garden Club
The menu is not a grand spread of the ubiquitous but rather a more simple, but carefully selected affair. There are separate menus for breakfast and for lunch and dinner and what is common to both is the emphasis on fresh produce (with great vegan options) and select cuts of carefully prepared meats, poultry and fish.
The menu is a carefully selected affair, with an emphasis on fresh produce, great vegan options and select cuts of carefully prepared meats, poultry and fish.
For breakfast consider the highly recommended Smoked Haddock Omlette with creamy eggs, flaked haddock, chives, béchamel & hollandaise sauce with toast or the simple but very delicious Breakfast Bagel with maple bacon.
The lunch and dinner menu has its own inimitable servings such as Black Dragon Stout Braised Beef Short Rib with creamy mashed potato and veg or consider the Garden Club Gourmet Sandwich on homemade farmstyle bread.
The nutritious smoothies and freshly squeezed juices are divine and the Fairtrade coffee, first class. The wine list is thoughtfully paired with the dishes and the barman can mix a classic cocktail for enjoyment on the sun dappled veranda.
Events and Venue Hire
The Garden Club frequently hosts wine tastings and these elegant events offer an opportunity to not just sample some of South Africa’s great wines but to also learn more about their preparation and the vineyard from which they originate. On occasion the wines are paired with a select dinner.
Follow the Garden Club on social media to find out more about their High Tea’s, Mimosa specials and other sophisticated events.
The Garden Club may also be used as a venue for private functions. The entire eatery is available for hire from Monday to Thursday and best of all, there is no hiring fee provided that guests utilize the restaurant’s catering services.
Contact Details
To make a reservation or enquire about venue hire, phone 041 487 3279 or email info@thegardenclub.co.za. Find them at 1 Bridge Street, South End or on Google Maps
Facebook: @ GardenClubza
Instagram: @ gardenclub.za
