“You tell her that the calamari here is the best in the world!” said a customer to my friend at The Tavern when I left the table for a few minutes. I haven’t eaten calamari everywhere in the world, but she very well could be quite right. It is possibly the best calamari I have ever had!
It is quite fitting that The Tavern in Gordon’s Bay has such a wide selection of seafood on their menu. The premises used to be a fresh fish shop and up until a few years ago they were asked if they sold fresh fish. Whilst fresh fish is no longer available to buy, they are well known for their variety of fresh linefish, catch of the day … and succulent, juicy calamari strips! The seafood pans are popular and start from Pan o’Prawns (with 30 odd prawns) at R229 to Seafood Deluxe (crayfish, mussels, prawns, calamari and linefish) at R570. If your prefer your food to come from the land rather than the ocean, you will not be disappointed in the choices. Choose from Portuguese style peri-peri chicken (a Tavern speciality), espetada’s (fish, beef or pork), steaks and chicken snitzel. If you are not so hungry, their “light tackle” selection (starting at around R40) includes burgers, fish and chips, chicken wings and livers, as well as a variety of baskets. There’s vegetable curries and stir fries for non-meat or fish eaters. In addition to all that, there’s a wide variety of sauces and toppings to add to your meal. If you are not full already, their dessert menu is quite tempting too. We were tempted into sharing the Captain’s Kisses – icecream blocks covered in chocolate and smothered in cream. We are glad we did, we almost had a Meg Ryan moment.
Other than great-tasting food that has locals coming back almost daily and people driving from far and wide for lunch or dinner, The Tavern is a fun place to go for a few bevvies with your mates. They have Windhoek, Black Label, Hansa Pilsner and Castle on tap and we loved the fact that our beers and tequila were R13. Must be the cheapest drinks on that side of the ocean! There’s live bands on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoon. Whilst we were there a very talented three-piece called Anne Jangles were playing covers of Bob Marley, Lou Reid, Texas, Chis Isaacs, The Killers, Lenny Kravitz (to name a few) and some of their own blues rock. Everyone loved them so much that The Tavern is going to have them back again on a regular basis. I would suggest you go check them out on a Saturday night. I can almost guarantee you will be dancing (especially if you get stuck into the R13 tequila like we did!)
In addition to all this, there’s the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, ample parking, wonderful views over the harbour and the smell of the sea in the air. If you go there for lunch and the weather’s good, walk it off by going for a stroll around the harbour to the lighthouse. Dad can even bring his fishing rod. It’s a perfect family day out.
Things we loved about The Tavern:
- Plenty of parking in the large, safe parking area.
- The extensive menu resulting in us taking ages to make up our minds.
- Russian or Mexican Slider – oyster with vodka or tequila, lemon juice and drops of tobasco (actually, we wern’t brave enough to try one, but loved the idea!)
- The Avocado Ritz filled with shrimps on a perfectly ripe avocado and the tuna steak with soya sauce.
- Chicken schnitzel with a very cheeky black pepper sauce (the waitress wasn’t joking).
- The Captain’s Kisses really are orgasmic.
- Hooks under the tables and under the bar for your handbag or coat is a clever idea that all bars should incorporate.
- Live bands adding to the jovial atmosphere with no cover charge.
- Beers, ciders and tequila at R13.
- Their community spirit – the community supports them and they give back to the community on a regular basis.
- Did I mention the calamari?
The Tavern contact information:
Address: Beach Road, Old Harbour, Gordon’s Bay (next to the Naval college – although you won’t find many sailors in uniform! Darn!)
Opening times: Open daily from 10h00 to 02h00 (or when there’s nobody left, according to one of the waitrons)
Contact: Tel 021-856-4457
For the past 10 years patrons have been returning time and time again for great food, cold beer and good company at The Tavern – and of course, the best calamari in the world! I bet you will too. See you there!
Heritage Day – Saturday 24 September
Get down to The Tavern on National Braai Day, order a braai pack and join in the festivities. There will be games and prizes with all proceeds going to a local animal charity.
Be responsible – don’t drink and drive.
