Keep Up To Date With Southern Sun Hyde Park

Southern Sun Employees Unite for Mandela Day: Hundreds Volunteer in Community Projects

Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of Africans, Southern Sun volunteers acted in the spirit of the Mandela Day theme for 2024: Combat poverty and inequality, it is in our hands.

The hotel group’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities around the country truly embodies the uBuntu of Mandela Day. A total of 374 volunteers from 36 Southern Sun hotels supported 34 charities by spending their 67 minutes supporting those who are in need.

“Throughout the year, our hotel teams actively participate in community service, but Mandela Day is a special time for us to unite with the nation in driving positive change. Our support spans various causes, including health, welfare, and education, but given our position in the hospitality industry, we recognise the critical importance of alleviating hunger. This focus was the central theme of our Mandela Day activities, and we are proud to have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,” stated Candy Tothill, Southern Sun’s Corporate Affairs Executive.

Southern Sun’s Sandton Convention Centre once again provided the venue as part of their ongoing sponsorship for Rise Against Hunger’s food packing event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 where more than 580,000 meals were packed. Among the numerous volunteers, 40 Southern Sun volunteers participated by preparing, weighing, and sealing 51 boxes, which contained over 13,260 nutritious meals. These meals are part of a larger effort to support Early Childhood Development Centres across the country, as part of the Rise Against Hunger SA organisation’s purpose of distributing meals.

In the greater Cape Town area, 215 dedicated staff members from 14 Southern Sun hotels came together to make a remarkable impact, supporting eight local charities. Their collective efforts saw a wide range of activities and donations aimed at uplifting the community. For instance, the Southern Sun Waterfront and Southern Sun The Cullinan hotels partnered with Ladles of Love, purchasing tickets and volunteering their time to feed the hungry through a network of NPOs, while also donating pre-loved linen to The Haven Night Shelter. Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa made significant contributions to Child Welfare Kleinmond, providing 100 litres of soup with bread, 25 litres of milk, and an array of hygiene products and educational supplies. Other hotels like StayEasy Century City, SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, and Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard also contributed to Ladles of Love and various other initiatives, ensuring widespread support across multiple causes.

Further demonstrating their commitment, Garden Court Mthatha’s staff supported Happy Homes Disabled Children Centre by donating pre-loved linen and crockery, planting vegetable seedlings, and providing a hearty lunch for 80 people. Similarly, Garden Court East London served lunch and donated fleece blankets to the Silver Crown Home for Aged and Handicapped, while Garden Court Kings Beach and Southern Sun The Marine provided meals, gift packs, and entertainment for the Protea Child Youth Care Centre. This collective effort from the hotels not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered a spirit of unity and compassion, embodying the true essence of Mandela Day and leaving a lasting positive impact on the Cape Town community.

In Gauteng and outlying regions, 96 volunteers from 16 Southern Sun hotels united to support 14 local charities through a variety of impactful activities. At Southern Sun and StayEasy Mbombela, staff donated seed packs worth R1800 to Cyril Clark High School to aid in crop planting. StayEasy Pretoria lent a helping hand to Arcadia Primary School and Pretoria Technical High School by making and distributing 67 lunch packs. Meanwhile, Garden Court Hatfield donated 60 fleece beanies and participated in a soup drive for the Give Them Hope Foundation, utilising bread collected through a plastic recycling campaign. Additionally, Garden Court & StayEasy Eastgate provided pre-loved linen, operating equipment, and gifts to the Home of Hope for Girls, further emphasising their commitment to community support.

Additional contributions saw Garden Court Milpark staff serving lunch and spending time with the elderly at Eventide Old Age Home, while Garden Court Polokwane donated soup, bread, and pre-loved linen to Tiangmatla Multi-Purpose Centre. Southern Sun Pretoria distributed hot meals and lunch packs to the displaced people living under the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and Garden Court OR Tambo donated dry goods to Khanyisa soup kitchen. Collaborative efforts between Garden Court Morningside and Southern Sun Katherine Street led to grocery donations for Mpabale Children’s Home in Alexandra. Garden Court Sandton City organised a soup kitchen and winter warmer drive for Ratang Bana, a community child support project in Alexandra, and Southern Sun Hyde Park sponsored accommodation for Ladles of Love staff hosting a Mandela Day event aimed at breaking a world record and raising substantial funds and items for underprivileged pre-school children. Additionally, Riverside Sun Hotel served a hearty lunch for 100 people at Vukuzenzele Old Age Home, and 54 On Bath and Southern Sun Rosebank partnered with Avanti Coffee to provide sandwiches, coffee, and donated pre-loved linen to Immaculata Shelter. These collective efforts exemplify the hotels’ dedication to making a significant positive impact in their communities.

In KwaZulu-Natal, 63 committed staff members from six hotels and three resorts came together to support 12 local charities, demonstrating a strong sense of community and solidarity. Employees from the Beverly Hills Hotel painted children’s bathrooms at Northview Primary, while Garden Court uMhlanga donated lunch packs to 100 school kids at St Michaels Primary School in Avoca. Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani made significant contributions, not only engaging with the children but donating grocery items and pre-loved linen worth R146,179.12 to St Philomena’s. They also donated pre-loved linen valued at R79,327.67 to Fundiswa. Garden Court Marine Parade provided financial support to Nhlakanipho EDC Center, and The Edward hosted a fun-filled day for Eyethu Creche & Day Care with lunch, a jumping castle, face painting, toys, and party packs. Garden Court South Beach contributed by painting classrooms, performing maintenance, cleaning windows, and donating snacks and arts and crafts items to Toddlers Inn.

Widening the impact, Drakensberg Sun Resort donated groceries, a kettle and pots, and performed maintenance work at Umfolozi Creche, along with donating pre-loved linen to Kwazamakuhle School for Disabled Children. Cabana Beach Resort and uMhlanga Sands Resort jointly participated in a food parcel packaging event organised by Rise Against Hunger SA in Durban, and Cabana Beach Resort supported The Sahara Shelter, a safe haven for abused women and children facing domestic violence. Additionally, uMhlanga Sands Resort organised an exciting race activation and foam party for 25 children through Reach for a Dream. These efforts collectively showcase the hotels’ dedication to uplifting their communities and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support.

“Participating in days like Mandela Day is incredibly humbling as we witness the entire country coming together through volunteer programs. At Southern Sun, our people exemplify caring spirits by identifying needs and engaging in initiatives that uplift others. This commitment is most powerfully demonstrated during Mandela Day each year, where our collective efforts truly make a difference in the lives of those our efforts uplift,” concluded Tothill.

Island Bar’s new menu adds to the perfect sundowner experience

Tapas – traditionally a Spanish accompaniment to drinks in the late afternoon – could have been invented for Southern Sun Hyde Park’s Island Bar (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/restaurants-bars/island-bar). A view fit for a selfie-lover, spectacular highveld sunsets, ‘lit’ ambience, and an exceptional range of craft beers, wines, cocktails, gins and other beverages, provide the perfect accompaniment to Island Bar’s newly launched tapas and a la carte menu.

Executive Chef Grant van der Riet has introduced added variety, size and style options in response to changing trends and expectations of the trendy set. “We’ve adapted our food menu to deliver a wider selection of dishes that complement the drinks and allow for experimenting with different tastes and flavours.”

Van der Riet, who describes his food philosophy as ‘creating a good experience’, says the new menu offers something for everyone, with a range of tapas options to suit groups of friends who want to share and snack on various ‘finger food’ dishes – for vegetarians, carnivores, and the keto-conscious – as well as appetising burgers, salads, and tantalising desserts.

The signature items include Buttermilk chicken burger on a toasted sesame bun with lettuce, jalapeno and cilantro coleslaw, buttermilk-fried chicken breast, and Sriracha mayo; Oxtail steam buns with pulled oxtail stuffed in a steamed bun and topped with apple sambal; and Fried tortilla chips served with salsa, sour cream cheese and guacamole, which are vegetarian and equally popular with everyone.

Salads include Greek, Caesar, and Caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms. Burgers include Hyde Park beef or chicken burgers with honey-glazed bacon and Swiss cheese; Gruyere beef burger with brandied onion marmalade; and Carb-free beef or chicken burgers.

The vegetarian tapas includes Sticky sesame cauliflower bites, Crispy zucchini fries; Crumbed mushrooms with garlic aioli; Vegetable pita pockets; Falafel balls; Crumbed or grilled halloumi with sweet chilli; Cheese and corn poppers; Corn and sweet potato fritters; Jalapeno cheese poppers; Fried three-cheese ravioli; and Rustic potato chips with dip.

The meat and fish tapas menu includes Sriracha chicken wings; Peri-peri chicken livers; Chicken pregos; Beef sliders; Sliced sirloin with rosemary jus; Lamb bunny chow; Lamb and coriander kofta; Crispy smoked pork belly; BBQ pork ribs; Crispy calamari, lemon & sriracha aioli; and Fish goujons.

Unmissable and delectable desserts include Chocolatissimo chocolate fondant with a melted chocolate centre with ice-cream, shortbread crumble and fresh berries; Pumpkin fritters with cinnamon syrup and ice-cream; Tiramisu classico; Warm apple pie; and a selection of ice-creams.

Since the new menu was introduced in early August, Van der Riet says the feedback from customers has been “really great”.

For more information on Southern Sun Hyde Park’s offerings, visit www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton.

Tsogo Sun Hotels has a portfolio of over 100 hotels throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @TsogoSun or like on Facebook @TsogoSun.

Experience the ultimate stylish start to your day at Southern Sun Hyde Park

Why wait for the weekend or a special occasion to indulge in luxury? Treat yourself to a sophisticated start any day of the week at Southern Sun Hyde Park at our Champagne Breakfast With a View. Offering an exquisite morning experience, this decadent breakfast at the Island Bar is perfect for creating unforgettable moments, whether you’re reconnecting with friends or impressing business partners.

From 09h30 to 11h00 daily, join us for a lavish à la carte breakfast served with the world-renowned Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial. With the breathtaking backdrop of Hyde Park and the bustling energy of Sandton just beyond our serene pool deck, it's more than a meal – it’s a memorable start to your day.

What’s on the Menu?

Start your morning with a selection of delightful breakfast canapés, setting the stage for an indulgent breakfast experience including the classic elegance of smoked salmon atop a toasted English muffin, paired perfectly with a creamy hollandaise sauce and fresh dill, or the refreshing combination of strawberry yoghurt layered with crunchy muesli and a sweet honey drizzle, complemented by a warm, freshly-baked mini muffin.

For your main course, our menu offers a variety of options to suit every palate. Avocado Crush brings a modern twist with its vibrant medley of ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, Danish feta, and basil pesto on toasted ciabatta, offering a burst of flavours in each bite. For those who prefer a hearty start, the Full English Breakfast provides a comforting array of classics, including eggs cooked to your liking, crispy bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, and your choice of chicken or beef sausage.

If it’s tradition with a touch of sophistication you’re craving, our Eggs Benedict is a must-try, featuring perfectly poached eggs nestled on a toasted English muffin and draped in a luscious hollandaise sauce, with options like spinach and hickory ham, spinach and smoked salmon, or spinach, bacon, and cheddar cheese to personalise your breakfast.

For a fusion of flavours, a breakfast wrap offers a hearty mix of scrambled eggs, bacon, creamy avocado, cheddar cheese, rocket, and tomatoes, all enveloped in a soft wrap for a fulfilling meal. And if you enjoy the simplicity and versatility of an omelette, our three-egg omelettes come with a variety of fillings, from savoury ham and bacon to fresh tomatoes and mushrooms, each served with a side of toasted ciabatta.

Indulge in the Details

Join us and make your mornings extraordinary – because luxury shouldn’t be reserved for weekends.

What: Lavish à la carte breakfast paired with Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial*
Where: Southern Sun Hyde Park’s Island Bar, overlooking the stunning Hyde Park and Sandton skyline
When: Daily from 09h30 to 11h00
Price: R425 per person

Whether it’s a gathering of friends, a family celebration, or an important business breakfast, our Champagne Breakfast is designed to impress. Reservations are required for groups of 4 to 20 guests, and with each booking, guests will receive *one bottle of Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial for every four people, making it an occasion to remember.

Embrace the elegance and start your day the stylish way at Southern Sun Hyde Park’s pool deck, where every morning becomes an occasion to celebrate.

To book your Champagne breakfast with a view, click here for more information.

Southern Sun Hyde Park celebrates women in style

In celebration of women and Women’s Month, an exclusive shopping experience – for women – has been created by Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton and select luxury stores in Hyde Park Shopping Centre.

The Hyde Park Shopping Meander is available from Friday to Sunday throughout August and is designed to give women the opportunity to relax, dine, shop, bond with other special women, and enjoy a fabulous retail therapy experience.

The offer is R450 per person and includes a delicious buffet breakfast and a light tapas lunch with an Autograph G&T – both at the Southern Sun Hyde Park’s Island Bar, as well as a gift bag filled with great discounts, gifts, specials and promotions from luxury participating stores: Health Works, Deluxe Laser & Spa Hyde Park, Jo Malone, Châle, Alchemy, Black Betty Design, Nicci Boutique, Franco International, Le Creuset, Exclusive Books, L’OCCITANE, Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Pâtisserie, Longchamp and more.

To extend the memorable experience with a stayover, Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton is offering a night’s accommodation with breakfast for two adults sharing for R1,165 per room.

But that’s not all! There’s also a chance for shopping meander guests to win a one-night stay in a suite at Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton, including dinner and breakfast – and a luxury handbag from Longchamp. To put yourself in line for the prize, simply purchase the offer, post a pic or video of yourself enjoying your meander and tag @TsogoSun together with the hashtags #SSHydePark and #HPShoppingMeander. Entries will go into a random selection draw to stand a chance to win the prize.

To book your Hyde Park shopping meander, call 011 341 8080 or email SSHydePark.Reservations@southernsun.com. Booking is essential.

Tsogo Sun Hotels has a portfolio of over 100 hotels throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @SouthernSunGrp or like on Facebook @SouthernSunHotels.

Fresh and warming Tuscan cuisine at its finest is a key inspiration behind the new winter menu at Southern Sun Hyde Park’s Luce restaurant, renowned for authentic Italian cuisine fused with Japanese dishes and ocean-fresh sushi.

Executive Chef Grant van der Riet says, “The idea behind this Tuscan-centric new menu was to include traditional Italian items that suit the cold weather. We involved our enthusiastic team of chefs who focused on the flavours and techniques, and ensuring the authenticity of the dishes. We kept things simple, with appealing and uncomplicated plating, and adding our own touches to each dish to make them interesting, fresh and flavourful.”

New on the starters menu is Caprese with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto and balsamic; and Melanzane parmigiana – baked eggplant with mozzarella in tomato and basil sauce. Two hearty new soups have been added in time to curb the winter chills – Minestrone di verdura alla Toscana – minestrone soup Tuscan style with barlotti beans, croutons, and parmigiana; and Caccuicco di pesce alla Livornese – seafood, mussel and prawns in tomato soup with chilli. 

A Tuscan salad with romaine lettuce, gorgonzola dressing, bacon, walnuts, artichokes, and a soft poached egg has been added to the existing salad options.

Seven new must-try pastas and risottos include Frutti de mare tagliatelle with seafood in tomato, basil and chilli sauce; Pappardelle a telefono in a creamy tomato sauce with mozzarella; Tortellini di zucca e ricotta con tartufo nero fresco – homemade pumpkin and ricotta tortellini on pumpkin puree, sage-infused burnt butter and truffle; Tagliatelle saltate alla carne di bue – served with slow-braised oxtail in a tomato sauce with parmesan; Ravioli alla Massaia – veal and creamy wild mushroom sauce; Risotto con cappesante, which includes Napolitano with prawns, garlic, chilli and parmesan; and Risotto ai funghi portabellini freschi, asparagi e tartufo, with fresh mushrooms, garlic and thyme.

Fish dishes now include Salmon Scottato with lobster tortellini and squid ink chardonnay butter sauce; Baramundi on pomodoro e mais with sweet corn puree and tomato salad; and Tonno scottato in padella – seared tuna with asparagus, putanesca sauce, and salsa verde.

New chill-busting tantalizing and hearty items on the mains menu are Lombo di Angello con crosta di pistachio – lamb loin with pistachio crust with roast pumpkin puree, gnocchi and port glaze; and Ribeye con osso con midollo osseo arrostito – grilled ribeye with mushroom puree and polenta gratin; and Pancia di maiale Toscano – Tuscan pork belly with red cabbage puree, potato and pancetta. Adds Chef Grant, “This is a Luce speciality. We smoke the pork belly and have added our own selection of lovely, fragrant herbs.”
Heavenly and tantalizing new desserts are Torta al cioccolato fondente e frutto della passione – dark chocolate and hazelnut tart with torrone and mocha ice cream; Crostata di mele – apple pie with mascarpone, cinnamon and ice cream; Espresso panna cotta – espresso-infused panna cotta with coffee gel, mocha ice cream and honeycomb; and Gorgonzola e fico – smoked gorgonzola with homemade fig preserve, crackers, honeycomb and strawberries.

“Luce is known for its fresh and flavourful dishes – and this new menu adds a warming and comforting dimension to that. We have come to know and understand our discerning trend-setting clientele, and we have no doubt that they will enjoy the new offerings that we have so carefully created for them,” says Chef Grant. Perfectly complementing the Luce food offering is an excellent selection of premium wines local and international wines.

Luce launches unique Wade Bales Constantia White as exclusive wine

Southern Sun Hyde Park’s elegant Luce restaurant (https://www.tsogosun.com/luce-at-hyde-park) has selected the pioneering Wade Bales Constantia White 2018 as its preferred wine, available exclusively within the group from the Luce restaurant for the first six months from launch.

The Constantia White is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and is a collaboration of the cellar masters from seven of Constantia’s leading wine farms, with each winemaker contributing a specific component of Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon from their best vineyards, tanks, and barrels. All seven participated in the screening and blending process, which culminated in the handcrafting and bottling of a wine which is the best expression of the Constantia region.

Miguel Chan, Tsogo Sun Group Sommelier, says that after six months, selected Tsogo Sun properties with high demand for premium wines in Gauteng will be given the opportunity to offer this wine on their menus. “This unique collaboration of seven farms from one region, is a first in the Cape wine industry, combined with the limited production of the wine, will no doubt ensure that it will be listed at only the best dining addresses and in selected specialist wine shops.”

Bernie Hilario, GM of Southern Sun Hyde Park, says they are proud to be introducing this special wine to their guests for the six-month launch period. “Excellent wine is key to our food and beverage menu at Luce, which serves the finest authentic Italian cuisine fused with Japanese dishes and ocean fresh sushi, paired with a range of delicious Italian and South African wines. The new Wade Bales Constantia White as our ‘preferred wine’ is a perfect fit for our world-class offering.”

The Wade Bales Constantia White will be available in Luce and Island Bar (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/restaurants-bars/island-bar) by the glass at R75 and bottle at R299, offering great value for this premium wine.

Wade Bales is a négociant based in the Constantia Valley with 25 years’ experience building a prestigious wine brand. The Constantia White reflects the building of long-term relationships with leading winemakers in the local wine industry, and is the first in the Regional Series, each showcasing the signature style of the leading wine regions of South Africa. A Cabernet Sauvignon representing the Stellenbosch region, will be released in the second half of 2019.

Tasting notes:

The Constantia White 2018 is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc (67%) and Semillon (33%). It shows fresh aromas of passionfruit, nettle and lime, following through on the palate with luscious flavours of citrus and winter melon from the Sauvignon Blanc component. An undertone of sweet spice is derived from the Semillon barrel-fermented in French oak, adding complexity to the wine of origin.

Tsogo Sun Hotels has a portfolio of over 100 hotels throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @TsogoSun #TsogoWine #ExperienceLife or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

Poke Bowls and bubbles on the menu at Southern Sun Hyde Park deck

One of the hottest food trends of 2018, the Poke Bowl, has made it onto the menu of one of Jozi’s trendiest sundowner spots, taking the fresh and funky dish to the next level with a side of champagne. 

Right through summer to 31 March, Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton) is offering a choice of three varieties of nutritious, Asian-inspired Poke Bowls with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé per two people for only R500 per person. The experience is elevated even further by the spectacular location of the hotel’s Island Bar pool deck.

Originally a Hawaiian delicacy, Poke Bowls (pronounced POH-keh, and meaning ‘to slice or cut’) have taken the world by storm, supported by the recent health-food revolution and the rise in popularity of plant-based eating. The wholesome meal has been described as ‘the next generation of sushi’, and traditionally includes raw fish marinated and tossed over rice and a variety of freshly cut vegetables, with a splash of savoury sauces and sesame seeds. 

The Poke Bowl options on the Island Bar special promotion menu include the Vegetarian Poke, with sushi rice, sliced cucumber with shredded carrots, spring onion, edamame bean, nori, pickled ginger and wasabi; the Kimchi Tuna Poke, with fresh yellow fin tuna marinated in kimchi, red onion and spring onion drizzled with sesame oil with fresh ginger and garlic, sushi rice, nori and sesame seeds finished with black lava salt; and the Salmon Pickle Poke, with fresh salmon marinated in low sodium soy, red seedless chili, ginger, garlic and coriander served with pickled carrots and radish and sushi rice and black sesame seeds.

The offer is valid on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 12h00 to 22h30. The Poke Bowl special includes one bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé per two people. For more information go to www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/offers/dining/poke-bowl-and-champagne.

Celebrate the weekend in style with Champagne Breakfast on the deck

“Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast? Doesn't everyone?” - Noel Coward

There’s no better time of day, or place, to enjoy bubbles than with a sumptuous breakfast on the deck of Joburg’s Best Sundowner Spot – Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton). 

Take in some of the best views in Jozi – as voted by the public in the Best of Joburg Awards – and enjoy weekend breakfast in style. The hotel’s popular rooftop venue, Island Bar, is the perfect spot from which to enjoy an a la carte breakfast at only R250 per person including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label per four people. 

The Champagne Breakfast with a View offer at Southern Sun Hyde Park is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 to 11:00, until 31 March 2019. For bookings and to arrange pre-payment, contact Wendy on 011 341 8080. For further information go to https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/offers/champagne-breakfast-with-a-view. 

Tsogo Sun has a portfolio of over 100 hotels and 13 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @TsogoSun or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

Culinary flair comes to Hyde Park deck

Summertime in Jozi is the perfect excuse for sundowners in a spectacular setting, and there are few as perfect as Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel’s pool deck. To celebrate the new season, warm summer evenings and highveld sunsets, the hotel’s popular Island Bar has revamped its menu to add some culinary flair to what is already a popular destination for Jozi’s trendy crowd.

Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton), located in one of Sandton’s most exclusive suburbs, features beautiful views from the breath-taking pool deck and is a trending spot to ease into the weekend, with weekly Friday Sundowner (https://www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/offers/friday-sundowner) sessions featuring top local and international DJs playing the best in House and Deep House.

Grant van der Riet, Executive Chef of Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel, whose culinary philosophy is ‘Life is too short for a bad meal’, says the new menu focuses on fresh, original and delicious flavours, and more than a touch of Italian finesse. “Island Bar now offers something for every appetite with options for any time of the day or night, from tapas plates for sharing and tasting, to sushi, hunger busting burgers, light meals and desserts.”

The tapas selection offers a tempting array of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes featuring a fresh take on traditional favourites, including Crumbed mushrooms and garlic pesto aioli; Cheese & corn poppers; Mushroom & mozzarella arancini; Sriracha chicken wings; Grilled sliced sirloin with rosemary jus; Pulled beef taco served with pickled cabbage and sour cream; Lamb & coriander kofta; Braised pork taco; Chorizo and lentils ciabatta; and Crispy calamari, lemon & sriracha aioli.

Burger options for meat-lovers include the signature Hyde Park beef burger with a 200g patty topped with honey-glazed bacon and melted emmental cheese and the Hyde Park chicken burger with a 200g grilled breast with bacon and a blue cheese sauce. The Banting option promises to be a winner, offering a Carb-free beef or chicken burger with fresh Asian greens, tomato, gherkin, a 200g patty, mozzarella, pineapple chutney, and avocado.

The salad selection showcases Chef Grant’s culinary prowess, and includes Tian of feta with cherry tomatoes, grilled eggplant, arugula lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and toasted bruschetta; and a unique creation titled Beetroot of textures, with grilled baby beetroot, candy stripe beetroot, pickled golden beetroot, beetroot jelly, dried beetroot, and grape & walnut salad and goat’s cheese; and a Greek salad.

Not-to-be-skipped desserts include Chocalatissimo chocolate soufflé with a melted chocolate centre, vanilla ice-cream, shortbread crumble, and fresh berries; Chocolate torta with passion fruit served with mango sorbet, crumble and berry coulis; and Pistachio & matcha panna cotta.

Tsogo Sun’s Special Spots For Sundowners

“Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words,” said Roman playwright Plautus more than 2 000 years ago. Jo’burgers love to do just that – celebrate any and every occasion with something bubbly, a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail and scintillating company, somewhere special.

The combination of the perfect drinks offering and exceptional settings is something Tsogo Sun prides itself in particular on three unbeatable spots –  the Island Bar on the pool deck of Southern Sun Hyde Park, the San Deck at Sandton Sun Hotel, and the Skye Bar on the 9th floor of the Holiday Inn Sandton. All three venues are becoming favourite sundowner destinations on Jozi’s vibrant social scene, where the panoramic views, glorious Highveld climate, magnificent African sunsets, and the glittering city night lights add unrivaled atmosphere to every occasion.

The Island Bar at Southern Sun Hyde Park is a trendy and vibrant place around a sparkling pool or comfortable indoor lounge seating, from which to enjoy the stunning view through wall to wall windows. The varied menu offering includes trendy cocktails, light lunchtime snacks, including their renowned sushi and sashimi, and indulgent sundowners. Guests who simply can’t tear themselves away from the view also have the opportunity of dining in Lucé, where the finest Italian cuisine is presented by Executive Chef Gareth Jordaan and his talented team, with unique flair, amidst hearty and wholesome flavours.

The San Deck at Sandton Sun is a sophisticated yet trendy outdoor venue that boasts views of the surrounding Sandton skyline topped by unforgettable African sunsets. With three large fire pits, lounge seating, live music, and a DJ on weekends, it’s perfect for informal get-togethers and special social occasions, serving light meals throughout the day. San Deck is also a participating auction wines restaurant, offering South Africa’s exclusive and finest wines, paired with leading executive chef Garth Shnier’s exceptional culinary creations.

The Skye Bar at Holiday Inn Sandton on Rivonia Road is a luxurious and ultra-comfortable venue with a relaxed ambience, also offering panoramic views of Sandton and beyond. It features an inspiring cocktail menu and is a popular place to catch up with friends, enjoy a romantic night out, or entertain corporate colleagues.

Says Priya Naidoo, Tsogo Sun’s GM, Group Communications, “Johannesburg often surprises visitors with its beauty, its friendly ambience, and its celebrated and world-class food and drinks culture. Tsogo Sun is capturing all this and more in our memorable drinks destinations – where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the very best that Jozi has to offer.”

Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

The spectacularly-located Lucé in Hyde Park has launched an exciting new menu, crafted by Chef Gareth Jordaan.

Formerly executive sous chef at The Palazzo Montecasino, Jordaan has injected his own brand of culinary flair into the Lucé menu, creating traditional Italian dishes in keeping with the restaurant’s theme, but “with a twist”.

In the first in a series of Chef Challenges, Tsogo Sun took Jordaan out of the comfort zone of his kitchen, challenging him to produce a gourmet meal in a unique location within the Southern Sun Hyde Park property. “We’re aiming to prove that Tsogo Sun chefs can produce the finest showcase of their food and their menu in the most challenging location,” says Priya Naidoo, General Manager, Group Communication for Tsogo Sun.

Jordaan rose to the challenge by presenting guests with tasting portions from his new menu in the porte-cochère of the hotel. Course after mouth-watering course was seamlessly served to guests who were comfortably seated at the light and airy entrance to the hotel, six floors below the kitchen.

Jordaan is a wholehearted believer that diners taste with their eyes, incorporating what he terms “funky plating techniques” into his repertoire. Starters have a distinct wow factor and main courses are hearty and flavourful. Having reduced the size of the menu, Jordaan’s dishes display enormous attention to detail and a focus on achieving consistency and high standards. A choice of eight starters, 16 main courses and six desserts offer a balanced selection of dishes that accommodate a range of dietary requirements and all showcase Jordaan’s philosophy of simplicity and quality. “If you eat at Lucé, you eat good food,” he says.

Lucé is situated in Southern Sun Hyde Park, from where it looks out on the Sandton skyline and leafy suburb of Hyde Park through an impressive wall of windows. Magnificent views coupled with fine wines, including a variety of Tsogo Sun’s auction wines, carefully selected and purchased from the Nederburg and Cape Winemaker’s Guild auctions, and paired with Lucé’s delectable new menu, make this a truly memorable dining experience.

Highlights on the new menu include salad caprese, featuring a variety of plump tomatoes, crisp sage, mushrooms, aged balsamic and basil oil; salmon with cauliflower purée, grape oil, dill pine nuts and capers; chicken supreme with creamed goats cheese, root vegetables, puttanesca stuffing, lemon and thyme; the incomparable surf ‘n turf, with its mouthwatering sous vide beef fillet, poached lobster tail, lobster roe ricotta, pappardelle and crisp leek; and the piece de resistance – Italian crepe, orange diplomat, vanilla ice cream, peach and basil compote.

For bookings, contact Lucé on +2711 341-8080.

Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like on Facebook/TsogoSun.

ISSUED BY TSOGO SUN HOLDINGS. FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Priya Naidoo  | General Manager- Group Communications | Tel: 011 510 7583 | Fax: 011 510 7231 |

Cell: 084 440 0022

About Tsogo Sun

Tsogo Sun is the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa, providing a variety of hospitality and exciting entertainment and leisure experiences. Combining an established heritage with a professional and energised approach, the group proudly encompasses 14 casinos and over 90 hotels in South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.

The company’s hospitality interests offer a wide distribution of hotels in Africa, providing world-class accommodation across all markets, including elegant, individually branded luxury hotels and well-known trusted market leaders in the premier through budget segments, including Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court, SunSquare, StayEasy and SUN1 hotels.

The exciting urban and resort casino portfolio includes the most popular entertainment destinations, strategically located throughout South Africa. In the Gauteng province, Tsogo Sun owns the group’s flagship property, Montecasino in Fourways, which features, amongst other attractions, the award-winning Teatro; Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park in Southern Johannesburg; and Silverstar Casino to the West in Krugersdorp.

Additional properties are owned and operated in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, including the jewel on Durban’s Golden Mile, Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment.

Tsogo Sun Citizenship is the group’s corporate citizenship strategy which encompasses three areas of focus. This includes Corporate Social Investment, whereby the group promotes the development of learners through three academies which offer holistic, full-year programmes centred around sport, art and education; Entrepreneur Development which focuses on skills-based entrepreneurial development through its Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse and Supplier Development programmes; and Environmental Education, committed to initiatives that reduce the impact the business has on the environment.

Tsogo Sun (“TSH”) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  The key shareholders of Tsogo Sun are Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (“HCI”), a JSE listed investment holding company.

Tsogo Sun Gaming supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop.  Only persons over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble. National Problem Gambling counselling toll-free helpline: 0800 006 008.

For more information go to tsogosun.com, follow us on Twitter @TsogoSun or like us on Facebook.