The £5.5-million (R66-million) venue, also a nightclub, will accommodate almost 750 people, according to the British Hospitality Association (BTA).
The multi-level venue is located in the Camden Stables market, northwest of the city centre. The historic stables market is part of the larger Camden Markets, several adjacent markets that are a popular shopping destination and tourist hotspot.
The project is the brainchild of Roger Payne, who also owns The Cuban bar and restaurant in Camden Markets. Other restaurants in the area offer a choice of interesting world cuisine ranging from Moroccan to Thai and Malaysian. Payne and Camden Markets have entered into a joint venture to develop the African restaurant.
Touted as "London's hottest launch", the upmarket Shaka Zulu will be located just below the glamorous pan-Asian restaurant Gilgamesh, in the heart of the Stables market.
The BTA reports that the ground floor of the venue, which will double as a nightclub, will accommodate 400 people, while the mezzanine area will accommodate 340 people. Patrons will be able to sample the finest Cape-style seafood in one themed restaurant, and savour specialty South African meats in another.
Speaking to Caterer Search, Payne described his latest project as “unique”. The restaurateur admitted to a boyhood fascination with King Shaka, and a long-standing interest in the differences between Zulu and British culture of that time.
“It will be a Las Vegas-themed show bar with fine dining … destined to become London’s number-one nightclub,” he said. The UK‘s celebrities are expected to make Shaka Zulu one of their favourite haunts.
Payne is also negotiating to bring South African food and beverage suppliers on board. Reports also say that the entrepreneur is in consultation with job creation enterprise Bayede, producer of a range of Zulu-inspired products ranging from fine beadwork and clothing, to accessories, bedding and even wines.
Bayede is endorsed by the reigning Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and his wife Queen Mantfombi, the daughter of Sobhuza II, former king of Swaziland.
Sweeping scenes of Africa
Payne is sparing no expense – the cost of the interior décor alone, which will showcase 19th century Zulu culture, is estimated at around £2-million (R24-million). Enormous intricately hand-carved wooden panels feature majestic scenes from Africa – one of them, of an elephant, is said to be 20m high, 10m wide, and 2m deep.
Guests may feel a little intimidated as they approach the entrance under the gaze of a 15m bronze statue of the feared ruler himself, which will stand by the door.
The 2 400 square metre floor space will also encompass a VIP and cocktail lounge.
To ensure authenticity, the developers have held extensive consultation with members of the Zulu nation in South Africa, including King Zwelithini.
“We have also consulted the British Museum,” said a Shaka Zulu spokesperson. The cultural institution is famed for its vast African art galleries, which hold treasures gathered – although, some would say plundered – from all over the African continent.
The Zulu king is said to have been invited to the grand opening as guest of honour.
Source: MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
Share it!
