Summer sees re-opening of London braai spot

Summer sees re-opening of London braai spot

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By Ezra Tshisa Sibanda

THE French have their onion soup. The Americans have their apple pie. The Germans have their bratwurst and sauerkraut.

And the Southern Africans? Well, to my mind nothing defines us (in a culinary sense, anyway!) better than a braai/Gochi Gochi/Amawoso.

As an African abroad, there are a few things that make me homesick as much as the smell of wood smoke. One whiff while walking home from the train station is all it takes and suddenly you are transported back to another time and place -- maybe a seaside holiday, perhaps a student jol, or a 21st birthday party.

One way or another, braai is one hobby that binds Zimbabweans and South Africans together.

The word itself can mean a number of things: it can be a verb as in “please braai my steak for me”; a noun referring to the barbecue structure as in “I’m going to do my chicken on the braai”; or a noun referring to the entire social occasion as in “We are having a braai on Sunday”.

But the Zimbabwean and South African braai goes way beyond linguistics or a simple cooking method – it has been elevated to the status of a social and cultural institution. The braai today crosses all cultural barriers and is universally loved – and given the Southern African climate, it is an activity that we indulge in all year round, with meaty gusto.

With the UK summer already upon us, Southern Africans on these shores are in a race with time to get their braai stands out, before the sunshine is replaced with rain and snow.

For Southern Africans in London, their traditional joint for weekend braai had been Players Club in Eastham before it was closed two years ago. On its ashes now emerges Chocolate City -- boasting expansive renovation work and a new management.

The club re-opened its doors on April 27.

Ottie Takaendesa, a spokesman for Chocolate City said: “Apart from fresh meat and ice cold beers, there is now a big screen TV with Sky and TV monitors for people to watch their favourite sports including live European Football Championships and Formula 1 motor racing.”

The club continues the Players tradition of rotating DJs playing from bashment through museve to kwaito and house.

The club’s playing fields provide the perfect summer retreat setting for families.

Takaendesa said: “The club is family friendly. People can bring their kids for a kick about in the grounds.”

Every last Sunday of the month, she said, the club will host rhumba outfit Afrique Band with their Dancing Queens.

Chocolate City, formerly Players Club, is in Eastham, London (Southend Road, E6 2AA). It’s open for braai every Sunday 2PM, followed by music and entertainment inside the club. Entry is free. For more information call 07507492215 or 07985568995
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