Lion Corner Tavern brings diversity to Obs

The Lion Corner Tavern, the first gay pub and restaurant in Observatory, has had a tough introduction to Observatory, but is determined to make a success of their business and to uplift the part of Lower Main Road where they are situated.

The Lion Corner Tavern, a partnership between three friends, Gert du Preez, Hardus Lindeque and Casper Portgieter, drew objections from the community when they applied for a liquor license. The community has reached the end of its tether with the proliferation of liquor licenses in Obs, while the Lion Corner Tavern had to wait seven months to get the license in the face of the objections. They had to hire a temporary license at R1 200 per week for seven months since their opening. Gert is still taken aback by the response they received from Obs residents and feels that they were bullied by the residents.

Although still a sensitive topic, the issue has died down since as the three owners set about proving that they run a respectable pub.

Casper had bought the premises last year without knowing what to do with it. He then partnered with Hardus and Gert and they came up with idea of a gay pub and restaurant as an alternative to the gay entertainment district at De Waterkant.

The Lion Corner Tavern is central to both southern suburbs and northern suburbs residents and is ideal for those who want affordable pre-drinks before venturing off to their destination, said Gert.

“What we are trying to do is to get the gay businesses to come start investing in Obs,” he said.

The first Gay Pride March was in Observatory, Gert said.

“Observatory has always been an alternative place. People don’t look funny at you when you walk around in Obs, whether you're a mixed couple, a lesbian couple or a gay couple...it has always been an acceptable environment, for people to feel okay in Obs,” he said.

Entering the Lion Corner Tavern is almost like walking into a fifties film. Lace wallpaper, chandeliers, disco balls and everything that “screams creativity” have all been deployed by the three owners. Painted purple, a colour which symbolises wealth and royalty, most definitely suits the style and aim of the bar.

Gert believes there are between 350 and 400 married gay couples in Observatory.

However, Gert said the Lion Corner Tavern is open for all, not only for gay people. . “We don't make gay food,” joked Gert. “Families with their children eat here. Our food is great, we do have the best burgers in Obs,” said Gert. Prices are very affordable, of both food and alcoholic beverages.

Gert said that, despite the initial fears of some locals, they will never turn into a night club. They would have liked to put on cabaret shows, karaoke and live entertainment, but can’t do so because of their license restrictions.

All the windows are sound proof and therefore won't create any noise pollution in the residing area. “We try and work according to the law, when people leave our place we tell them not to make a noise when they go outside and not to leave with alcohol.”

The Lion Corner Tavern is showing tremendous growth and Gert says that they are hoping to buy the property next door so that they can expand the venue.
The biggest attraction at the moment is the regular Saturday braai held at The Lion Corner Tavern. Up to 80 people attend this event, watching the rugby, socialising and enjoying the venue and event.

Sunday night is dress-up night during summer months.

The clientele at The Lion Corner Tavern ranges from 30 years old up until 45 years, but is open to all ages from 18 years above.

Gert says that the Lower Main Road needs uplifting, and that's why he's hoping that more businesses move into the premises to uplift Observatory. The street needs more development. There is space for growth in this part of Observatory he says.

The Lion Corner Tavern is open six days a week, from 11am until 2am during winter and during summer they are open seven days a week.

Gert downplays any incidence of harassment or homophobic hate crimes, saying it has only happened once or twice, and dealing with it was simply a case of chasing the perpetrator out of the bar.

Gert is impressed by the Observatory Public Safety patrols and Premier Security. He says that if he pushes the panic button, they come within seconds.