New summer refreshments at City Lodge Hotel Group

City Lodge Hotels’ new #Café bar menu includes dishes such as oven roasted balsamic, garlic and herbed mushrooms; charcuterie board; peri-peri chicken livers; sweet and sticky riblets; German-style pretzel and smoked sausage served with creamy mustard dipping sauce; herbed tomato buffalo wings; and nachos covered with melted cheese, Mexican relish and garnished with cream cheese, guacamole, jalapenos and a fresh coriander salsa. Traditional snacks also on offer include sliced beef biltong marinated in a blend of herbs and spices; dröewors; kettle-fried crisps; and roasted mixed nuts. A mix of easy-to-eat finger foods make for ideal light snacks or full meals enjoyed tapas-style.

The eat-in menu at Town Lodges has been introduced with the following bar snacks on offer: sliced beef biltong marinated in a blend of herbs and spices; dröewors; roasted mixed nuts; maple glazed peanuts and bacon; kettle fried crisps; corn chips, crunchy veggies with creamy hummus and spicy guacamole; German-style pretzel and smoked sausage served with creamy mustard dipping sauce; and a cold meat and cheese platter.

Bar snacks are freshly prepared on site and add to the variety of dishes on offer following the successful launch of the new pizza menu in August, giving guests more reasons to stay in and enjoy their hotel’s comfortable facilities. QR codes are prominently displayed for guests to scan with their mobile phones to replace communal menus.

“We are always looking for new ways to take the food and beverage offering to the next level, based on guests’ requests and in keeping with changing food trends. As business and leisure tourism starts to pick up around South Africa, we have exciting new dishes on the menu to wow our returning guests and their families. The lockdown may have delayed some of our good ideas, but we have put in the work, costings and preparation behind the scenes and are excited to now bring these innovations to market,” says Tony Balabanoff, divisional director of operations.

The group’s chilled beverage selection is also receiving a boost as Heineken® draught beer on tap is being rolled out at several Courtyard Hotels, City Lodge Hotels and Town Lodges, just in time for the summer season. Balabanoff explains: “Freshness is key when it comes to draught beer. Traditionally, this was only achieved in high volume establishments like busy pubs, bars and restaurants. We can now offer the same quality draught at our hotels, served and presented correctly.”

He adds: “Our hotels have all of the offerings you need to unwind after a busy day. We offer a far better alternative to drinking and driving as our patrons can enjoy a few of their favourite beers on tap, or any other of their favourite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, at one of our hotels, together with a meal or snack from our new menu, and thereafter enjoy a safe, comfortable stay without any risk. After all, it is vital that all South Africans enjoy their alcohol responsibly.”

The extensive and stringent Covid-19 cleanliness and safety protocols continue to be carried out across all properties within the group, including all areas accessed by guests and staff at the front and back of house. A summary of the protocol, including what guests need to know prior to entering the hotel, is provided on the website www.clhg.com.