Perseverance Tavern, SA’s oldest pub, is reopening!

Cape Town – and South Africa’s – oldest pub, Perseverance Tavern, is reopening its doors this month.

Perseverance Tavern is situated in Buitenkant Street having initially opened in 1808.

The tavern was forced to shut its doors after more than 200 years during the Covid-19 lockdown before reopening in February 2021, but closing again shortly thereafter.

However, the pub is coming back this month under new ownership.

“We are there, we are highly motivated. We have taken it over lock, stock, and barrel,” said Maarten van Doesburgh, the new owner of Perseverance Tavern in an interview on CapeTalk.

Van Doesburgh said they have renovated the pub back to its roots, and are ensuring that it is a traditional pub experience.

“We want to make Percys a landmark for Cape Town.” Van Doesburgh added.

The pub will have a soft launch on Friday, 14 June with only the bar open and will have a full launch on Saturday, 29 June with live music.

While the Cape Town winter is a difficult time to open a restaurant, Van Doesburgh confirmed that the support has been incredible.

MORE ABOUT PERSEVERANCE TAVERN

The Perseverance Tavern, also known as The Percy or Persies, is a public house established in 1808 by Johannes Blesser in Cape Town.

At the time of its temporary closure due to the Covid-19 crisis, it was notable for being the oldest pub in South Africa.

It was established during a period when Cape Town was a major port supporting sea going trade between Europe and Asia during which the city was known as “The Tavern of the Seas”.

The tavern was owned by Ohlsson’s Breweries for the first half of the 20th century until being sold in 1956.

It closed on 22 July 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown and alcohol sales ban. 

The tavern was re-opened under new ownership on 26 February 2021 following the easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures, but closed once again shortly thereafter.

Until now …

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