Troutbeck’s 75 years marked with a sparkling new look

Stan Higgins

Troutbeck is a name engraved in Zimbabwean history as one of the great hospitality establishments, a venue at which hundreds of thousands of visitors have stayed or called in as a base for enjoying the spectacular Nyanga area.

I had the good fortune to be there earlier this week on a business trip to Nyanga, staying overnight and seeing for the first time the results of a recent major refurbishment programme. It was also a chance to try out the cuisine, at supper and breakfast.

Troutbeck Inn was its name for a great many years, but it is now called Troutbeck Resort, a leading establishment within the African Sun portfolio. I rarely use the word ‘iconic’ as it is most often these days used incorrectly, when the word ‘famous’ should rather be used. However, it is a word that can be genuinely used to describe Troutbeck, as it is indeed iconic with regard to Zimbabwe, the Eastern Highlands and the travel and tourism sector in this country.

The hotel was opened in 1948 and is forever linked with the late Major Herbert McIlwaine, whose portrait today sits above the welcoming fireplace in the foyer. It was acquired by what is now Delta Beverages in 1970 when it established the Southern Sun group of hotels across this country, successor names for the group being Zimbabwe Sun and, now, African Sun. It sits high above the surrounding Nyanga area and is one of the most attractive and delightful hotel sites in all of Africa.

The refurbishment has worked well, especially in the bedrooms where carpeting has been kept as a major feature, in stark contrast to the dreadful use these days in many places of tiling that is altogether horrendous in a hotel bedroom except for the most downmarket of places. I’m not sure if the lack of carpets in the Troutbeck public lounges is a good idea, but the new look on the whole is both impressive and attractive. Staff, too, are perked up by the changes and by their new look.

Although time was short and we did not do much sightseeing, Troutbeck with its lake, forests, swimming pool and golf course is just one delight out of many in the area. A guest could stay there five days and never see the same places of Nyanga twice. Forget just one night!

Our group of five had supper on a quiet night, just ahead of elections, and we found the meal outstanding and the service superb. We had a chance to meet general manager Raymond Mavhumashava, food and beverage manager Gerald Matika and executive chef Vengesai, all of whom were hospitable and interesting. The Beck restaurant offers a la carte dining when guest numbers are high, but at other times there is a table d’hote menu such as we had. Our waiter was the charming, welcoming and efficient Stanson Mutswapo, who is a gem all on his own.

On offer was an excellent mushroom soup or garden salad, which one of our table had and said was fresh and appetizing. Mains were a choice of trout (what else at Troutbeck!), which I thoroughly enjoyed, or pork chops or beef Wellington. My trout, served with abundant rice and greens was really enjoyable and I had to commend the chef on its presentation and flavours. Those who had pork and beef also said their meals were first rate.

Dessert was a choice of apple crumble with sauce Anglaise or vanilla cake with cream or fruit salad and ice cream. We finished with coffee which – unusually for a hotel dining venue – was prepared perfectly, with none of the all-too-frequent over-cooked taste we have come to expect around Zimbabwean hotels.

Breakfast next morning, also in the Beck, was made up of a buffet of starters of cereals, pastries, fruit and juices, with cooked mains to order. I had a great plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, while colleagues had a mix of other styles of eggs with treats such as minute steak, pork and chicken sausages, onions, mushrooms, fried tomatoes and potato hash Browns. What a treat to sit in the stylish restaurant and take in the view of the lake below and mountains around it.

Troutbeck Resort is a Zimbabwean gem. My first visit there was in January 1976 and I have been countless times in between. Although several years ago things were not so great, this refurbishment and the efforts of Raymond and team are on show and really making a difference, so I must commend them all for making Troutbeck shine with its traditional mountain-home status. 

Those readers who know Troutbeck will relish the thought of another visit, but if you have never been, I can only say: go now for a true Zimbabwean treat. Call 263-8677020298 or e-mail [email protected]  for more information.

What do you think of Troutbeck, or any other Zimbabwean hospitality establishment? Id love to hear from you. E-mail [email protected]