From shebeen to upmarket pub

"THIS is superb!"

These are the words used by famed comedian, Carl Joshua Ncube in describing one of the city's oldest pubs — Pub La Gondola. For many who have not been to Pub La Gondola of late, Carl's description of the pub would be miles off the mark. The downward spiral in standards, as some argued, experienced over the past couple of years is still vivid in many a memory.

The hangout joint had fated itself into a modern day stokvel, fast becoming home of illegal shebeens through their "parties".

Money club members found citadel in the previously exquisite pub and would "hire" a place on weekends for their parties where an entrance fee was charged, food and drink sold. Members would then share in the profits.

Such parties used to be held at various shebeens around the city's suburbs, albeit illegally and constantly attracting the attention of the police. Pub La Gondola thus provided the shield from the law much needed by the shebeen proprietors, who quickly shifted base from Makokoba, Gwabalanda, Nkulumane, Njube, Magwegwe, Nketa to the Central Business District.

Pub La Gondola soon became the one famous venue for such infamous parties as AmaFridays to AmaSundays. Even the notorious umabhija phenomenon — where patrons partake in mini-drinking competitions was now synonymous with the spot.

For most the pub had lost its aura as an upmarket gentlemen's Italian styled pub to an semi-shebeen where loud music and patrons found in shebeens were key features.

However, the past couple of months have seen the pub going through a fairytale transformation from the Stokvel image that had chased many a classy clients to its old status of an upmarket hangout joint.

Not only has it managed to be one of the first bars which offer free Wi-Fi to its patrons but it has since adopted a number of concepts which are arguably firsts in the city.

Just over the trade fair week the pub managed to host Ncube for the newly introduced, Pub comedy, they also had hosted local tribal house group, Djembe Monks. Other groups that performed were Harmonic Rhythms and all female group, One Stand Band.

So phenomenally high has the pub's profile risen in recent months that South African artiste Vusi Nova of the Noma kanjani fame, together with his band members made a surprise entrance into the bar, after sneaking out of another upmarket pub where they were being "hosted" by promoters of their Second Coming show which was held in the city last Saturday.

The group was so charmed by the ambience at Pub La Gondola they even demanded an impromptu performance which however, could not be due to the unavailability of an electric guitar.

The pub's new manager, Dalubuhle Sibanda revealed that the pub would now be hosting local artistes from bands, comedians and even poets to introduce a new feel to the city's entertainment scene.

He said the goal was to transform the pub into a gentlemen's meeting place in the city, with mature and well-orchestrated performances and themes.

"It is a gradual process but we are surely getting there, we want the stereotype that has been associated with this club to be rid of. We want people to be able to come here and discuss serious business rather than the previous scenario where it had become a stokvel.

"The reason we have introduced free Wi-Fi is to enable our professional clientele to come and conduct their business here, we want to create that all in one environment. We are also working closely with local artistes to see how we can support them, the idea is to promote local talent by holding these live band nights, comedy nights and even poetry slams. One of our next performances will be that of another popular local comedian; Clive Chigubu," said Sibanda.

On the reaction of patrons to their new approach, Sibanda said they were highly impressed.

"Most people were shunning the pub but at the moment we attracting back the old clientele and even new people who have fallen in love with our concept, for example we had to bring back Djembe Monks for a second performance by public demand.

In a brief interview with Sunday Life, Ncube said he was impressed with the route the pub was taking especially in terms of supporting local performances.

"This is superb. I am surely impressed, and as artistes we really appreciate the route Pub La Gondola is taking in uplifting local acts. I can tell you that personally I was a fan of Djembe Monks but had never had the chance of meeting them personally let alone see them perform but this was made possible due to this innovative move," said Ncube, who was accompanied by his wife Nelsy.

Vusi Nova said the pub was an ideal place not only to hang out but to enjoy live music.

"When we heard of this place we felt this was one place we should surely visit, and I don't want to lie to you but we are surely enjoying," said the South African musician.