The Best Nights Are Usually Unplanned, Random And Spontaneous.

Yuven and I have always made time for date nights because it is the only time we can relax and jabber on about what is going on in our respective lives, whilst we simultaneously review a new-found eat-out. But suddenly work and life took over and we somehow skipped out on a few mandatory date nights. Which is why when Yuven declared that he was desperate for beer and meat, we hurtled towards Hops Riverside – A different take on our customary Umhlanga restaurants.

We have popped by Hops Riverside in the past with Priyen and Kameron so we knew what the atmosphere would offer us, and we were chuffed. The outside was brimming with crowds of  tipsy people whose actions became more animated after every sip.  We were more inclined to a table on the inside since I felt it somewhat chilly for Durban weather, and even though the patrons were a bit scarce on the warm interior,  our waitress still fluttered by occasionally.

We don’t take to change too well so it was obvious that a burger and beer was going to land in front of one of us. Hops Riverside’s menu is quite expansive, but we knew what we would be eating and drinking because we believe in tradition (or so we would like to think). Our drinks slid onto our table before we could say “beer special!” – A chocolate milkshake for me and an Amstel for Yuven. I would say that my milkshake was not anything to write home about, but was easy to swallow, despite being stirred to suit its price of R25. Yuven’s Amstel was slightly better at R50 for two 500ml draughts.

Our food popped up on our table a couple minutes later, and it was as expected. My hake and chips was quite decent with three large onion rings basking on the deep-fried hake. The hake was easy to cut through and pick up with a fork and knife, without leaving bits of flesh or any trace of oil on the plate.

Yuven’s burger was a feast for the senses along with a side of fries. Pause the conversations and his burger was ready to be devoured. A succulent beef patty garnished with onion rings and a zingy sauce all enveloped in a soft bun.

Before I could start rambling about my day, our plates were scraped clean and we were sitting back holding our bellies, whilst our waitress removed all evidence of us having eaten there. The bathroom was also surprisingly (and pleasantly) clean for a restaurant spilling with people in various stages of drunkenness, which leads you to believe that is at least being cleaned regularly.

We somehow cannot seem to remember how much we spent that night, but we are certain that our food and drinks were reasonably priced. Which is why we would suggest Hops Riverside to basically anyone, since you could demolish a meal on the inside whilst still taking pleasure in a conversation, or lounge on the outside sipping on cold beer and snacking on pub grub, but as usual that’s just in my opinion 🙂