The Railway House Restaurant, located within the historic landmark Muizenberg Station and overlooking scenic False Bay in the Western Cape, has been sold by Keith Evans, divisional manager of Pam Golding Commercial’s restaurant broking division, for the sum of R1.3 million.

The Station Building is a National Heritage Site, forming a gateway to a historic mile in Muizenberg with De Posthuys – the oldest Colonial building in South Africa, Rhodes cottage and the Natale Labia Gallery within walking distance.

Says Evans:  “The restaurant was previously owned by mother and son team of Marsha and Justin White – father Tony White owns the well-known Brass Bell restaurant – to local entrepreneur Keith Pitout, a born and bred farmer who graduated as a professional engineer and went into telecommunications.  He left the hi-tech corporate world to branch out into the restaurant and entertainment arena based on a love for food, music (he is also a part-time musician) and people.”

Railway House is known for its excellent cuisine, exceptional sea views, historical architecture, and as a popular venue for functions and live music.  Adds Evans:  “The restaurant is located within an Edwardian building reminiscent of the golden days of Muizenberg with the ‘finest seascape views’, as reviewed in the SA Railways & Harbour magazine of 1913. The red brick stone face station building, with its inviting arched entrance and striking teak clock tower, was designed by a pupil of Sir Herbert Baker, and opened by the then Minister of Transport, Henry Burton, on June 7, 1913.  The fine proportions and spacious interior is characteristic of this period,” says Evans.

Over the years the building has undergone several transformations which enhanced its charm.  Originally housing the Station tearoom, where the turn of the century diamond and gold barons ‘took to tea’ on the open air balcony, during the war years it became the Station Master’s House, and then in the mid-90’s, during restoration, it was changed back into a restaurant.

In the late 1800’s Muizenberg was said to be the premier holiday resort of Southern Africa and with the arrival of the railway in 1883, tens of thousands of local day-trippers had access to the sea.  With the growth of Muizenberg came the need for a railway station that would embody the importance of this popular resort.

The upstairs restaurant boasts a décor that speaks of the elegance of the 20’s, with its still original high ceiling and wooden floor. The excellent cuisine is contemporary South African / Mediterranean with a well thought out selection of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes, with the emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative ideas, including rediscovering ‘old’ ingredients ignored in recent years.  The restaurant is open for lunches and dinners from Wednesday to Sunday, with music and live entertainment Fridays to Sundays.  There is ample parking.

For further information regarding Pam Golding Commercial’s restaurant broking division contact Keith Evans on 021 417 7878 or 082 749 9284.

Ends

Issued by Gaye de Villiers

Tel: 021 6837788 or 083 325 1939

On behalf of Pam Golding Commercial