When Zarah Lounge opened its doors at the start of the Easter holidays it was welcomed with many positive reviews and comments on whether the outdoor set-up pub vibe. There were questions asked though, on whether the place would stand the test that comes with the change of weather patterns.
By Sindiso Dube in bulawayo
Weeks after its launch, winter temperatures were upon us. The chilly conditions threatened to lock party goers indoors but the overwhelming number of patrons who thronged the pub during the cold weekends was enough of an answer to the questions posed on whether the lounge would be comfy for patrons during winter times.
The pub and restaurant, located at the corner of 19th Avenue and Robert Mugabe Street, rebranded from The Lounge Courtyard, which operated as the Lounge Night Club and Restaurant before the Lounge also rebranded to Crystal.
The spacious pub is a rendezvous for revellers who want up-market fanfare in the heart of the city, without having to travel to the peripheries of the city of Kings.
With some people predicting that the pub would fizzle out during winter and also due to harsh economic conditions, the outdoor pub became the most sought-after entertainment spot as patrons who braved the chilly winter weather flocked to the nestle of fun, leaving many wondering if Zarah Lounge was warmer than family lounges and beds back home.
“With the winter issue, we were fortunate that the Bulawayo winter has warm afternoons so we had an afternoon clientele and then in the evening we made sure that we provided gas heaters to warm up our revellers,” said Zarah Lounge brand consultant Ntando Ndlovu.
“I can tell you that we are now preparing for the rainy season. I can gurantee you that we will be open and rocking during rainy times and I am certain we can deal with anything short of a storm.
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“This summer we have introduced the weekend starter every Friday and our Saturdays have the jungle fever series, which offers an afro- deep house feel. On Sundays people can come through for our cocktails in the sun events, with half-priced cocktails in the afternoon.”
The pub plays host to two different clienteles — the one that comes in during the day for lunches and dinner and the one that sneaks in their dancing shoes and sharpened throats to imbibe the wise waters.
Steering the ship and controlling people’s moods through music is the duo of top wheel spinners T-Base and DJ Slamma.
The two take turns to entertain patrons with local and international melodies, ranging from commercial to deep and old school jams of varying genre.
Those who want to further their comfort and be in a space of their own in the cosy VIP section to cuddle up in a corner of the lounge have to part ways with $100 per couple, which covers drinks.
The VIP area, which accommodates 20 patrons, has an indoor and outdoor ambiance divided by sliding glass doors, snug couches and an air-conditioning system.
