Durban's beloved hospitality institution, Thirsty's Dockside Tavern, is preparing to start a new chapter after signing a new lease agreement, which will allow it to reopen in March or April 2027.
After two years of effort, planning, negotiations, changing plans, and refusing to give up, the team behind this iconic name has finally secured a lease, bringing the possibility of Thirsty's return to Durban closer to reality.
In an interview with IOL, co-owner Brett Michielin stated that he approached former owner Bob Humphries about the possibility of relaunching this popular spot in Durban. He mentioned that after receiving approval from Humphries, they began looking for suitable locations, emphasizing that Thirsty's must be near the water.
Michielin clarified that the planned opening depends on obtaining licenses, and the team is targeting March or April of next year. However, for supporters of this revival, it is about more than just reopening a restaurant; it is restoring part of Durban's hospitality identity and helping to revitalize the restaurant scene that once made the city an attractive destination.
Michielin noted that Durban once had a restaurant industry that could not be ignored: it possessed a unique character, legends, artist chefs, and restaurants where people gathered, celebrated, argued, laughed, fell in love, and probably drank more than they should have. He expressed a desire to see this 'soul' again.
Thirsty's Dockside Tavern first opened in September 1995 on the grounds of the old King's Gun Battery, near the Port of Durban. The initial idea arose when Durban businessman Humphries noticed the abandoned building at the mouth of the harbour and saw potential for an entertainment venue.
Together with business partners Tony Dickinson and Tony Bolt Humphries transformed the location into a popular pub, known for its unique waterfront location and views of the harbour. The establishment quickly gained popularity among locals and foreign visitors, offering a place to drink while watching ships pass through one of South Africa's busiest ports.
One memorable event was the visit of the liner QE2 to Durban in 1997. This event attracted a huge number of visitors to the area, creating a queue of cars stretching from Thirsty's along Point Road towards the Esplanade.
For long-time regulars and those who remember the tavern's original period of operation, the prospect of its return offers a chance to reconnect with a familiar face of Durban. The hope is that Thirsty's will once again be a place where people can gather, create memories, and celebrate the unique spirit of Durban.
This announcement followed just a few days after the eThekwini municipality announced that Mojo's would take over the property at 17 Erskine Terrace, located on Durban's South Beach. The city stated that Mojo's management signed a nine-year and eleven-month lease agreement.
Mojo’s started as a modest car wash in Chesterville before evolving into Mojo’s Carwash & Shisanyama, establishing itself as a place where food, entertainment, and socializing meet. Later, the business expanded to Davenport in Glenwood, increasing its offerings beyond the original location. The move to South Beach marks the next phase of this journey, taking the brand born in Durban into one of the city's key tourist and entertainment districts.
The Lower Marine Parade area of the city is preparing for multi-million rand development, which will attract several established hospitality businesses to the area.