HONEY & DORA was love at first sight for me – the gorgeous decor, the lovely staff, the scrumptious food, the friendly, inclusive vibe. As owner JP van Huyssteen says, they want everyone to feel comfortable and at home. I was thrilled to be invited to the new menu launch a little while back – any excuse and all that.
My first time was for a drag brunch, a regular feature on the entertainment calendar at Honey & Dora. By the way, if you know you know, but if not, the menu is printed with Gayle definitions. Still in the dark? Okay, look at this very dry Wikipedia link, but experience it in its proper glory at H&D.
JP’s food is old fashioned traditional but often with a twist – like bootie cupcakes. Who wouldn’t want a Bacon Bacon Burger? A flame grilled, house-made beef patty, covered with melted cheddar and American cheese, crispy bacon, and thick-cut slow roasted smoked bacon. The butternut squash protein pancakes with Greek yoghurt, nut butter and granola are legendary; and the Orange Chicken – deep fried pieces of chicken breast, covered in a sweet and spicy orange sauce, served with rice and vegetables (pictured below), is one of JP’s favourites. Yes, there are lots of dishes that will induce guilt among the weak, but honestly, life’s too short. And besides, there are salads and stuff like that too. Okay, three salads, but lots of cocktails and cakes to die for, doll. Just get those elasticated waist pants now and be done with it. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for, Honey & Dora is also a pet-friendly, vape-friendly (inside) and smoking-friendly (outside) space. Inclusive means inclusive, but if you’re still missing the point, this is an LGBTQIA+ safe space.
Neon-drenched and filled with decor items close and dear to JP’s heart, this place is intensely personal, with stories to tell. The decor, says the press release, “blends elements from a silk flower business and inherited sewing machines with modern touches. Adorning the walls, a three-generation display of sewing machines honours the legacy of JP’s mother, Sonja, as well as his grandmother and great grandmother. As a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, founder JP created Honey & Dora, and this sentiment is beautifully reflected in the vibrant Jungle Bar, that comes alive with a burst of natural green colours. Notably, the bar is also adorned with vibrant silk flowers sourced from Sonja’s flower business.”
Then there’s the sneaky little Slay Room for private (or not, if you’re an exhibitionist) soirées which proves there is no such thing as too many mirror balls. Honey & Dora describes itself as a “Café Lifestyle Bar” offering a breakfast and lunch place with a more relaxed bar vibe for after work drinks and a great friends’ catch-up spot. The fun entertainment includes line dancing (more burlesque, less cowgirl), salsa, biker brunches, classic car brags and a Lady Luck (No Blue Mondays) ladies-only event for the perfect rebel time out, on a school night. The drag brunches have become a staple offering, so booking is essential, and a weekend breakfast buffet has just been introduced.
Find H&D on Prestwich Street in the De Waterkant, and stay tuned to social media pages for upcoming events @honey_and_dora_cafe. For more information and inquiries, contact JP at [email protected] or visit the Honey & Dora website.
- JP is available to discuss and bring your unique wedding cake vision to life, catering to those seeking a truly special centrepiece for their celebration. Soon, Honey & Dora will introduce meal options for collection and delivery, providing freshly made breakfast, lunch and dinner meals for you to simply warm up at home.
