New life has been breathed into a restaurant situated in Park Road, just off Kloof Street in Gardens, with the acquisition of the business - formerly known as Figaro - by new owners, in a transaction facilitated by Keith Evans, who heads up the restaurant broking division of Pam Golding Commercial. In addition, Evans negotiated a new five-year lease on behalf of
the new owners.

Comments Evans: "Figaro was an upmarket French-style coffee and champagne bar, well situated on the ever-growing Park Road strip sandwiched between Simply Asia and Greens and just over the road from Ricks Café, and the owners, who had invested in excess of R1 million in terms of fittings and equipment, approached me to find a buyer for the business.  A few weeks prior to this, I had also been approached by well known local restaurateur, Mick Murray, who was seeking an investment opportunity. He, together with
Andy McDonald, is known for having launched Café Bardeli and Cohibar, with the latter also involved in Mr Pickwicks.

"After seeing the restaurant, Murray made an offer, for an undisclosed sum and based on a discount to net asset value, which was accepted, and subsequently also signed a new lease. He then approached Dimo Papachristodoulou, a partner in Long St Café and Maria's, who joined him as a partner in the new business, now known as 'Five Park Road', and later brought McDonald into the business as well.  After further capital investment in renovating the restaurant and giving it a completely new ambience, they opened on 1 October (2006), and the restaurant has been busy ever since," says Evans.

Open seven days a week from 10.30am for great coffee, lunch from 12 noon and going through to dinner, closing at about 10.30pm, Five Park Road has a vibrant atmosphere, is already well patronised and has a broader appeal both in terms of cuisine and pavement café ambience.

Adds Evans:  "The new concept is working well and it's opened up the restaurant, spilling onto the pavement and making for a popular venue among locals and visitors alike."

The menu is a mix of classics such as bangers 'n mash, grilled Karoo lamb chops with a mint salsa or chicken supreme wrapped in pancetta alongside fresh pasta dishes and crisp, fresh salads such as stuffed baby calamari and avocado or chicken Caesar in phyllo salad. There is a hand-picked wine list comprising a great selection of well priced South African wines, including a rosé selection and a range of lesser known wines, and good value champagnes, and the new owners have kept the cocktail list small but classic with margaritas, fresh fruit daiquiris and Kir royals.  Sunday lunches include Sunday roasts, Yorkshire puddings, Bloody Mary's and champagne cocktails. They also cater for take-out office party platters and boardroom sandwiches, as well as offering function menus ranging from R40 per head upwards, for in-house events.

For further information contact Keith Evans of Pam Golding Commercial's restaurant broking division on 021 4177878 or 082 749 9284 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.