Steak and Ale, Umhlanga, Durban

The Story

Steak and Ale a popular eating, drinking and socializing venue

The story of Steak & Ale stretches back a decade, when an investor decided to make a change to Umhlanga Rocks’ Chartwell Drive that would begin the legend of one of Durban’s most popular eating, drinking and socializing venues.

On the foundations of Catz Café, a locally popular coffee shop, the idea of adding a new venue to support the impending Fifa World Cup 2010 was born. The risks were enormous as the venue would need a complete overhaul, and directly across the road sat one of Durban’s oldest and most popular Irish pubs, The George. Without the fear of the unknown the work got underway setting up the venue that now stands tall with pride, energy and heritage.

Steak and Ale is one of Durbans most popular eating drinking and socializing venues

As anyone who was around during the World Cup knows, Umhlanga was one of the central points in Durban’s success story, and Steak & Ale was no different. The bustling crowds enjoyed festivities lasting late into the nights, with both locals and internationals supporting this new venue on the Chartwell Drive strip. Like most of South Africa though, the good times came to an end, and with more fierce competition than ever the restaurant trade was not immune to the struggles. Changes in management ensued after some tough times, however the investor remained and so did his faith in the new team at the helm.

From late in 2011 until today there has been a growing atmosphere of kinship between the big brother across the road, The George, and Steak & Ale that has seen most of their competitors from the good old days close down or fall by the wayside. This comradery see’s the venues patrons join together in the street to sing the national anthem for live sporting events, and the streets overflowing with customers on New Years eve. It is without doubt that Steak & Ale is now situated in the heart of not only Umhlanga, but also Chartwell Drive.

Serving great food, from quick lunch meals, healthy wraps and salads, to delicious boards to share and wide range of meat cuts, Steak & Ale has firmly established itself as one of the better dining locations in Durban. With a bar that serves ice cold beer with many options on tap, it is a popular after work hangout for the locals, one of the busiest venues for live sport, and becomes one of the places to be over the weekend once the festivities get under way. Also offering midweek live music from local talent, the team are constantly staying ahead of the eight ball in terms of remaining the place to be in Umhlanga and Durban!

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The Food

Steak and Ale is a popular eating, drinking and socializing venue

Using the best of local suppliers, Steak & Ale provides an easy to navigate, concise menu that still offers many options to satisfy its guests. Due to the popularity of the restaurant you are guaranteed fresh produce, cooked to order and a scrumptious result.

Food Menu

Cocktail Menu

Shooters Menu

The Vibe

It could be at lunchtime during the week, or after work drinks. Wednesday live music or a Springbok test match. Whenever you walk into Steak & Ale the atmosphere is welcoming to what your needs are. Proud to be one of the busiest venues in the Umhlanga Village, be sure to pop in over the weekend when the energy of the festivities is electric. But don’t forget to pop around at lunch time to grab a quick burger with your work colleagues either.

Steak & Ale is proud to be one of the busiest venues in the Umhlanga Village

The Team

The staff that has become the family at Steak & Ale are possibly the most important part of this flourishing restaurant. The experienced managers that engage with regulars as their friends, and make sure that every customer enjoys an equally superb meal bring a level of control that allows the operation to run smoothly, even in the busiest of times.

The friendly waitrons share friendships with their fellow staff and customers alike, making everyone feel welcome and want to come back at the soonest possible opportunity. The bar staff are always full of smiles and understand everyone’s urgency to get that next cold beer, so you can count on them to keep the drinks flowing. Back in the engine room, the Kitchen staff are some of the longest serving in the business. Always sticking to their tasks, they keep high standards and make sure that every time you come back for your favourite meal, you will leave smiling. The unsung heroes, the Supermen, that fly around unnoticed clearing glasses and plates without being noticed perform an equally integral part of this well oil machine.

We all look forward to being at your service.