Savages

A beautifully restored Victorian property in Port Elizabeth, know as Victorian Veranda, is home to Savages - a fine dining establishment that masquerades as a coffee shop during the day and transforms into a chandeliered delight for evening events and food and wine pairings. The 1896 building houses Savages, elegant conferencing and event areas, as well as Great Gifts, a gift and decor shop.

 

Local Plastic Surgeon Dr Konrad Hoekstra and his wife, Cindy, wanted to create something beautiful to make Port Elizabethans proud. They have lovingly restored and enhanced the grand old building that graciously sits on the corner of Park Drive and Park Lane overlooking the Pearson Conservatory.
When they opened Savages in 2015 they hoped to restore interest in the rich heritage of the St Georges Park area and that is where the name Savages came from . A former Mayor of yesteryear, William Savage, and his family lived there in its heyday in the early 1900’s. This past decade has seen the stories of the building, and its many previous occupants being told to interested locals and tourists alike. There is also another striking reminder of the past - a beautiful original Cape Cart that sits under trees in the garden for children (and adults) to climb on and dream of a time of horses, carriages and long dresses!

This gorgeous setting, is backed up by the exceptional fare from a kitchen where all the former and present Head Chefs have excelled and left their mark. Head Chef Zebeth Gloss runs a “tight, but happy ship” and delivers elegant and exciting food. This is where “fine dining” meets “popular bistro”! The menu has firm favourites from Day One, as well as delicious new additions every season with many options for vegetarians and vegans.

Savages is a home away from home for locals, who have shared so many of their milestones and memories in this wonderful setting with a relaxed ambiance. Savages has hosted birthdays, memorials, engagements, weddings and baby showers - as well as conferences for top SA companies.

Every corner has been well thought out and ensures an interesting visit. The venue is pet friendly and all well behaved furries are welcome! The beautiful garden and Koi Pond feature in many social media feeds and delights young and old.

The Hoekstras have added lots of new interest to the space since opening - the Conservatory (loved as a baby and bridal shower venue) their “Covid Baby” the popular takeaway garage, and the latest - the Courtyard - a private space leading off the Conference area.