Khayelitsha's The Milk Restaurant and Bar relaunches after Covid-19 hiatus

Photo: Shaun Doch

In recent years Khayelitsha has seen a rise in establishments redefining Khayelitsha as the Cape's next tourism and entertainment hub with the recent development of The Spade Boutique Hotel and Spa, Rands Cape Town, Spine Road Lifestyle, Ocean Canda and Seek Lounge. These establishments are joining a list of long standing, well known establishments such as KwaAce and Kefu’s Jazz Bar.

Khayelitsha, one of the largest townships in South Africa, is located just outside Cape Town and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, friendly people and diverse culture. The Milk Restaurant and Champagne Bar is one of the few places where you can wine and dine, and lounge within the same property or establishment yet on different floors.

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Collaborating to rebuild the township economy

The Milk Restaurant and Champagne Bar was established by Spelo Jalivane in 2018, who opened the restaurant out of his own pocket and was met with overwhelming success, however, the business immediately faced challenges that caused a strain on its operations.

“I opened the business too soon. I was in a rush and wanted to get it off the ground, not knowing the challenges I would face with infrastructure. I took for granted the kitchen equipment required and this resulted badly on service delivery,” Jalivane said.

Mshayi has now partnered up with the Mbeki brothers, Mfundo and Mshayi, who are co-owners of the popular Khayelitsha eatery, Rands Cape Town. Jalivane says he is very excited and looking forward to this new partnership and reunion.

Though the three businessmen have collaborated on other projects before, this one signifies the importance of unity in the sake of developing the community and the township economy. The relaunch of the restaurant sees the resurrection of 35 employment opportunities, with a majority of employees being from Khayelitsha.

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What to expect at The Milk Restaurant and Champagne Bar

The Milk Restaurant and Champagne Bar is divided into three floors - the ground floor, first floor and the second floor (the rooftop). Previously, the ground floor served as a restaurant and will now be a full-time liquor store with a separate entrance to the restaurant and champagne bar. The liquor store will offer a variety of drinks such beers, ciders, wines, hard liquor and more for off-site consumption.

The restaurant has now moved to the first floor with a primary focus on cuisine, offering semi-fine dining as opposed to its initial fine dining experience. Guests can expect to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner while seated in modern, up-to-date and stylish furniture with velvet influences. Dish offerings range from Seafood, grills and light meals.

The second floor (the rooftop) offers an overview of Khayelitsha’s landscape. It is designed with the high-end clientele in mind, who enjoy their premium beverages such as champagne, cognac or whisky, with a lounge setting with four to 10-seater lounges to accommodate groups.

The Milk Restaurant and Champagne Bar is located on the corner of Makabeni Road and Zantsi Street in Khayelitsha and opens from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm.