The village that does not sleep

Ashirayi Mhlanga
During the weekend, Sam Levy’s Village can be described as one thing — the village that does not sleep. With so much variety in cuisine and entertainment, the village is forever buzzing with social activity.Its exclusive joints and diversity of cuisine are what attract plenty of Hararians to “The village” as it has been called.

What’s so exquisite about it?

Some of the biggest franchises regionally and internationally are found within the complex. The Irish themed pub O’Hagans finds itself right in the centre and has been one of the most popular pubs in Harare. Many patrons find themselves packed at O’Hagans during the football season and the pub becomes a haven of roars and cheers. Not to mention the filling and delicious snack baskets they serve.

Another franchise that recently entered the village is Mug & Bean. In the first week of opening it became very popular and many people were happy to have the Mug & Bean experience here in Harare.

On that note of exclusivity, some of the best sushi chefs in town are found at Mekka cocktail and sushi bar. People come from all over the city to have some good, juicy sushi platters. Sushi is a Japanese dish which is usually raw seafood or veggies wrapped up in rice and served with sauces of one’s choice.

If you feel would rather go Chinese there is an outlet with everything from spring rolls to that juicy sweet and sour chicken.

So many restaurants and cafés are slotted all over in different corners. Millers, Delicious, Antonios, Pistachio, The Circle, Freshly Ground, Mug & Bean, and a lot more. The variety is overwhelming. The Butcher’s Kitchen serves lovely breakfasts with huge portions of meat, no wonder why the joint is popular on weekend mornings because most people are nursing their hangovers, and how best to conquer a hangover than to have a meaty breakfast.

On that note, the clubs there are exclusive and the place to be. Party people jump between Mekka and H2O all night till early hours in the morning. The Circle has recently joined the scene by introducing some party nights as well as jazz nights for the more mature crowds.

“I spend so much time at the village during weekends, could call it my second home. If I’m not partying then I am watching a soccer game at the pub or I’m nursing a hangover having a good, meaty meal. The only thing they don’t have here is a cinema, once they build that I don’t think I will have any need to go home at all!”