Johannesburg - It is no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic virtually crippled the hospitality industry around the world.
Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Shawn Theunissen said while he did not have exact figures of how many businesses were forced to shut their doors, the pandemic proved “devastating” for small and medium-sized businesses.
And as everyone knows, it’s not about how hard you fall, but rather how you rise.
Southern Sun’s iconic luxury boutique hotel, 54 on Bath in Rosebank, was not spared the Covid devastation, but this year, the hotel is celebrating 25 years since it originally opened as The Grace in 1997. Built with meticulous care for the discerning guest, it has been the hotel of choice for luxurious city escapes, unforgettable celebrations, and fine dining experiences ever since.
Formerly opened by the Brand family and modelled on a stately old-London manor house and designed by architect Guy Steenekamp, the striking red-brick building is a landmark on the corner of Bath and Tyrwhitt Avenues.
To mark the celebrations, the hotel recently announced the re-opening of The Lounge at 54, for what it said to be, “the perfect place in Rosebank for your intimate meetings, pre-dinner drinks, champagne catch-ups, and evening whiskeys, complemented by a light meal menu selection – providing an unparalleled sense of privacy and exclusivity with luxury, style, and intuitive service”.
The hotel re-opened in November 2021 following its closure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. CEO of Southern Sun Marcel von Aulock said the re-opening of the Lobby Lounge Bar completes this process and signals a return to the hotel’s full suite of luxury offerings that guests will remember enjoying prior to the pandemic.
“We have also reintroduced our unique 5-course wine pairing dinners, featuring some of the country’s top wine brands. Our famous high-teas have been re-imagined to give guests decadent new options to choose from, such as Traditional, Royal or Champagne afternoon teas,” he said.
Following its sale by the Brands in 2007 and subsequent closure in 2011, Southern Sun’s acquisition of the hotel ten years ago saw it receive a new lease on life with a refurbishment of the interiors and re-opening in 2012.
Southern Sun’s R110 million investment transformed it into the award-winning luxury boutique hotel that it has become renowned for over the last decade. The refurbishment was undertaken by David Muirhead Interiors, who restored many of the hotel’s original furniture items and introduced complementary new pieces in a fusion of art-deco chic. In tribute to The Grace, items such as the original Tinus de Jongh painting in the reception area remain key features at the hotel today.
“We’ve been careful to maintain the hotel’s unique character, offering a signature blend of hospitality, luxury and service in a classic setting. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting guests ranging from royalty to statesmen, to those celebrating special occasions, to business travellers – many of whom return because 54 on Bath is a special hotel in a class of its own – and we look forward to welcoming them for decades to come,” said von Aulock.
Synonymous with celebrations, the hotel’s Maison Perrier-Jouët Champagne bar is renowned as the most intimate bar in Joburg, serving a variety of fine Champagne, signature cocktails and wines. Adjacent is the Level Four restaurant, where executive chef Kalpesh Hansjee serves an exceptional fine dining menu, including the restaurant’s famous high tea buffet.
Earlier this week, close friends of the hotel, dignitaries, long-standing guests, members of the opening team, and founders Mr and Mrs Chippy Brand gathered to celebrate the hotel’s milestone anniversary at an elegant cocktail party at Level Four.
Guests were entertained from arrival by the hotel’s resident pianist, Will Sibeko, followed by a performance from local music duo Allegro Soul in Level Four.
The evening’s headline performance was delivered by Louise Carver, who entertained guests with well-known favourites and new music from her recently released 2022 album.
Von Aulock retraced the group’s journey with the hotel since acquisition 10 years ago.
Former owner Chippy Brand took guests on a walk down memory lane, sharing memories of The Grace’s opening.
General Manager of 54 on Bath, Madeleine Roux, raised a toast to the hotel’s 25th anniversary with the cutting of a four-tier cake made specially for the occasion by Pastry Sous Chef, Yvette Kirsten.
Hansjee and his brigade re-engineered selected dishes from The Grace’s original menu, served along with 54 of Bath's signature dishes to complete the celebration.