E|Bar open at Thaba Eco Hotel
“Vertical gardens, full of indigenous plants create an outdoor feel and helps with the cooling of the containers."
SET among the high trees and indigenous plants and flowers, E|Bar launched on Friday evening, November 17, at Thaba Eco Hotel, with invited guests enjoying a wonderful occasion at this new, vibey, classy and superbly decorated bar.
Maruis Botes, member and managing director of Thaba Eco Hotel, explained how he had a vision and immediately set to, making drawings of how he saw the E|Bar evolving.
“I made a 3D model which I showed to my team to see what their reactions would be. It was a ‘yes’ from the start, and within two and a half months of beginning the project, E|Bar evolved.
“For the Fifa World Cup in 2010, we acquired shipping containers which we used to store materials and equipment for the Mexican team when they stayed here.
“Now seven years later we have a stunning bar which we hope will be enjoyed by our hotel guests and the public alike,” said Maruis.
These three shipping containers have been recycled and refurbished, and the final project is nothing short of absolutely stunning, affording guests a whole new experience while they enjoy French Champagne, premium whisky and gin, Spanish, Italian and French wines as well as signature cocktails.
The decking and cladding is all recycled plastic, with gorgeous weatherproof couches from Patio Warehouse.
“The décor was going to be all in black, grey and white, but as the project evolved, I decided to bring in splashes of lime yellow and emerald, which has worked beautifully. It gives the bar that wow touch!
“Vertical gardens, full of indigenous plants create an outdoor feel and helps with the cooling of the containers. The bathrooms are eco-themed with a modern twist on zebra print with waterless urinals in the men’s bathroom to help stay in line with the hotel’s eco ethos.
“One of the details is a wall made from 600 empty recycled glass waterbottles which incorporates our signature E for ‘eco’,” added Maruis.
Retired local landscaper, 82-year-old Gordon Smith, has created wonderful indigenous garden areas, creating a restful feel.
What is quite exceptional is that the E|Bar was built using existing staff members and supporting local suppliers. “This was an internal project for us at Thaba, and I know we are all as proud of the final project,” Maruis said.
It is a superb chilled yet majestic bar for enjoying afternoon drinks, cocktails while watching the sun set, magical times with family and friends or relaxing for an hour or two far away from city life.
Open Wednesday to Sunday and also available for private parties and events, the E|Bar will soothe your soul like never before.
Also Read:
Thaba Eco Hotel recognised for excellence
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