A beautifully restored Victorian property in Port Elizabeth is the 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 1895 building, now known as Victorian Veranda, houses Savages, elegant conference facilities and a gift and decor shop, Great Gifts.

 

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.   They hope to restore interest in the rich heritage of the St George's Park area and that is where the name Savages comes from - a former mayor of yesteryear, John Savage and his family lived there in the building's heyday.  There is another glimpse of the past -a beautiful Cape Cart under the trees in the garden for children to climb on and dream of the time of horses, carriages and long dresses.

This gorgeous setting is backed up by the exceptional fare of one of South Africa's most exciting young Chefs, Vanessa Jayne Marx, the winner of the Eat Out Nederberg Rising Star Award in 2013.  You can sit on the veranda and watch the children play in the beautiful garden while you sip your morning late and inhale the the delicious aroma of your Victorian Veranda Benedict or sip a chilled boutique wine and indulge in one of delicious the lunchtime offerings that range from risottos to gourmet burgers with tantalizing local names such as the Settlers Parks burger.

 

Pastry Chef Ally Kellet is making a name for herself with her decadent sticky cinnamon buns, macaroons and delicious handmade croissants.

This is where the local people come to treat themselves, the food is wonderful and the ambiance relaxed.  The Hoekstras are still planning some surprises and each visit should reveal a little more.  Every corner has been been carefully thought out and ensures an interesting visit - even the beautiful bathrooms have some quirky touches like a large ceramic swan seat in the ladies', perfect for powder room selfies.