Author: Azhar Obaray

Situated in the heart of Table View, News Cafe is a go to, if you are looking to have a cozy date night, hearty breakfast, bustling lunch or simply a cocktail in the Glitch, Flashback or SPKSY glass. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with smiles by friendly staff, setting the tone for an experience that is both warm and welcoming. Guests can enjoy breathtaking Table Mountain views and sea views both upstairs and downstairs, while those seated outside can relax to the scent of the ocean in the air, creating a dining atmosphere that is both vibrant and refreshing.

The Experience

News Cafe is a high-street, all-day cafe, cocktail bar and entertainment venue that challenges the average perception of service by offering a unique, relaxed and entertaining dining experience. Created by a dedicated and professional team committed to giving guests more than they expect. News Cafe has status – it’s aspirational, trendy and it’s about the vibe. Serving curated cocktails, world-class food, and entertainment experiences since 1995.

The Vibe

Striking store designs, award-winning mixology, and culturally progressive music encompass the renowned News Cafe vibe. Our cocktails are prepared with flair, and our food offering is world-class. News Cafe’s dynamic team is just as vibrant as the iconic atmosphere that surrounds the cafe. Passion, dedication, and consistency are the motivations behind this long-standing position as one of the leading entertainment venues in South Africa.

History

Established in 1995 under the Fournews umbrella, News Cafe first opened its doors in Hatfield and has since evolved into a multinational brand. Three decades later, they continue to lead the way in food, cocktails, and social culture. The cafe is a proudly South African concept with a footprint that extends across multiple African countries, redefining the industry with innovation and style.

The Concept

News Cafe is more than just a venue – it’s an experience. Seamlessly blending the essence of a coffee and cocktail bar, a full-service restaurant, and a dynamic entertainment hub, helping to raise the standard for hospitality in South Africa. With bold, eye-catching store designs, award-winning mixology, and a pulse for superior entertainment, News Cafe embodies energy and sophistication. Expertly crafted cocktails and world-class food, paired perfectly with the vibrant atmosphere and the passionate team, makes the experience one to remember.

A Formula For Success

Passion. Dedication. Consistency. These are the driving forces behind News Cafe’s position as one of South Africa’s premier entertainment destinations. Forward-thinking marketing approaches and strategic planning and partnerships keep all the spaces buzzing with energy, ensuring sustained growth and an ever-evolving experience for guests.

Experience It for Yourself

If you’re in Table View, visit News Cafe for a true taste of the vibe. With almost 30 years of history, it remains one of South Africa’s most trusted entertainment destinations. It’s not just dining – it’s living the vibe.

National Wine Day is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the perfect glass in hand. But not all glassware is created with equal durability, balance, and elegance, which matters just as much as the wine inside.

Onis: Dutch Craftsmanship with Lasting Durability

With its roots in the Netherlands, Onis has become synonymous with strength, clarity, and modern hospitality standards. Every glass is designed with a reinforced rim and foot, giving it exceptional resilience where it matters most. This durability means Onis glassware can withstand more than 800 commercial dishwasher cycles, performing up to eight times longer than standard glass. For busy restaurants, hotels, and bars, that reliability translates to fewer replacements, reduced waste, and consistent presentation.

Onis also takes pride in combining durability with style. Each piece is crafted for ergonomic comfort, ensuring it feels balanced and natural in the hand, while maintaining crystal-clear brilliance even after repeated washes. The rim and foot guarantee provides added protection against the chips and cracks that often shorten the lifespan of ordinary glassware.

Whether used in high-volume service or refined dining settings, Onis glassware elevates the drinking experience while delivering the kind of longevity that hospitality professionals can count on. With Onis, operators invest in glassware that is as tough as it is elegant, ensuring every pour looks and feels premium from the first service to the last.

Why It Matters

Durable, reliable glassware isn’t just about longevity it’s about the drinking experience. Every Onis glass balances beauty, strength, and comfort, ensuring your wine looks and tastes its best. With Core Catering as South Africa’s trusted distributor, accessing these top-tier brands has never been easier.

At Core Catering Supplies, we believe great hospitality shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. That’s why we proudly serve as the sole distributor in South Africa of Steelite, a global leader in sustainable tableware. Together, we provide customers with high-quality, durable products while supporting a shared commitment to environmental responsibility. Choosing Steelite through Core means investing in both exceptional hospitality and a greener future.

Steelite’s Environmental Leadership

For Steelite, caring for the environment is nothing new. Since 1996, the company has been certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to minimising its impact on the planet. Over the years, it has introduced pioneering initiatives that have set new standards within the ceramics industry. In 2007, Steelite became one of the first manufacturers in the UK to install a Lamella machine, an innovative system that recycles more than 350 tonnes of clay waste every year. That is 350 tonnes of material that no longer needs to be quarried, transported, or sent to landfill, saving energy, cutting emissions, and preserving natural landscapes.

Steelite has continued to build on these efforts with further innovations. The company introduced a centrifuge system that spins waste material out of water, reclaiming valuable glaze while also recycling around 20 cubic metres of water every day. This reduces waste, saves resources, and improves the quality of water leaving the site, ensuring the business has a positive effect on the local environment as well as the wider world.

Today, Steelite recycles more than 99 percent of all its operational waste, a remarkable achievement for such a resource-intensive industry. Its environmental leadership has been recognised with multiple Green Apple Awards as well as Gold Membership of The Green Organisation, a global body that rewards and promotes environmental best practice. Beyond its own operations, Steelite has supported initiatives such as tree planting programmes in areas most affected by climate change and funding new UK woodland with the Woodland Trust, capturing hundreds of tonnes of carbon in the process.

Innovation for Positive Impact

What is most inspiring about Steelite is that its sustainability journey is not just about reducing harm. It is about finding creative ways to make a positive difference. Every year, the company now produces around 750,000 cups and saucers using clay recycled through its Lamella system. This is a powerful example of how innovation can transform waste into something new, useful, and beautiful while supporting the hospitality sector with products that last.

The Lamella System:

• Recycles 350 tonnes of clay every year – enough to make 15 000 cups and sauces
• Won the GREEN APPLE AWARD for it’s positive impact on the environment
• Filters and reuses water with much less chemical use
• Reduces the need for transporting new clay
• Helps Steelite recover over 90% of all it’s manufacturing waste

What You Can Do

By supporting responsible manufacturers and making conscious choices, we can all help reduce our industry’s environmental impact and contribute to a greener, more resilient future. At Core Catering, we fully embrace this philosophy, encouraging everyone in the hospitality sector to take meaningful action for the planet.

Core Supplying to 12 Apostles

We are proud to feature The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, a phenomenal customer of ours, as a shining example of what happens when world-class service meets a deep commitment to quality and community.

Stunning Location and Cuisine

At the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, framed by the majestic Table Mountain National Park, lies the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, a destination that blends breathtaking scenery with equally breathtaking cuisine. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Cristo Pretorius, this five-star haven has become a magnet for food lovers from across the globe.

Chef Pretorius

Chef Pretorius’s philosophy is simple yet profound: work with local farms and producers to source the freshest, most flavorful ingredients while supporting the community and reducing environmental impact. Whether it’s hearty South African classics or delicate seafood creations, every dish on the menu reflects a dedication to sustainability, seasonality, and exquisite taste. From a crisp garden salad bursting with local greens to a plate of freshly caught fish, guests can taste the story of the Cape in every bite.

Family Friendly

But the 12 Apostles offer more than just world-class dining. It’s a place where hospitality is as carefully crafted as the food. Step through the doors, and you’re greeted with warm smiles. Your luggage is whisked away while you check in, perhaps with a glass of bubbly in hand or a refreshing fresh juice. Families are treated like royalty: kids can enjoy sweets at the Azure Restaurant, or settle into the private cinema with popcorn, sweets, and even a milkshake while watching their favorite films.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Inclusivity is woven into the fabric of the hotel’s service. Guests using wheelchairs are thoughtfully accommodated, with the team able to make special arrangements—even last-minute adjustments—to ensure comfort and accessibility throughout the stay. Simply let them know your needs when booking, and they will go above and beyond to make it happen.

Pet Friendly

The property is also pet-friendly, ensuring that even four-legged family members can enjoy the coastal luxury. Guests simply need to mention it when booking as pet-friendly rooms are limited. Pets are welcome to join their owners for a sundowner at the Leopard Bar, provided they are supervised. A dog-sitter service is also available for added convenience.

Exploring the Surroundings

For guests eager to explore, the hotel’s drivers are ready to whisk you away to the vibrant V&A Waterfront or the golden sands of Camps Bay.

An Unforgettable Experience

Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a family holiday, or simply to indulge in Chef Pretorius’s inspired menu, the 12 Apostles is more than a hotel—it’s an experience. With its combination of culinary mastery, thoughtful amenities, and heartfelt service, it’s no wonder the property has become a true culinary destination for travelers and food enthusiasts worldwide.

Crafted from durable stainless steel, the Taurus Steak Knife features an ultra-sharp blade that glides through meat effortlessly. The Taurus Steak Fork is equipped with pointed tines for precise handling. The handle is made from a wood-plastic composite in a “Tree Stump” colour, offering the look of real wood with the resilience of synthetic material.

Key Selling Points

• Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• Colour: Tree Stump – rustic and refined
• Material: Wood-plastic composite – durable and elegant Ideal for VIP events, exclusive table settings, or as a luxury gift option.

Celebrate Women’s Month with the inspiring journey of Roxanne Read, Head Instructor at EBS Cape Town and World Class 2025 finalist.

From Theatre to the Bar Stage

In the Western Cape’s buzzing hospitality scene, few names carry as much respect as Roxanne Read – Head Instructor at the European Bartender School (EBS) Cape Town, founder of Fox on the Rox, and second runner-up at World Class 2025.

With 18 years of experience, Roxanne’s journey has taken her from packing fridges to running seven cocktail bars on an island in the Maldives. She began at a time when female bartenders were rare, and today she’s part of a strong, female-led community shaping the future of mixology in South Africa.

A former theatre performer, Roxanne treats the bar like her stage – every drink a story, every garnish a creative flourish. “I’m highly competitive, I thrive in chaos, and I live for the adrenaline of a busy bar,” she says. As Head Instructor, she inspires new bartenders to view their craft as an art form, blending storytelling, precision, and connection.

Spring is a season of fresh starts – longer days, floral aromas, and a lighter mood in the air. For restaurants, boutique hotels, and event spaces, this is the perfect opportunity to shift your table setting to match the season’s energy: clean, stylish, and full of life.

Take a look at one of our spring-inspired table settings, using premium, professional-grade products from our exclusive brands. This setup blends soft textures, muted tones, and functional elegance to create an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and welcoming – use this as inspiration for daytime brunches, spring weddings, or hotel courtyard service.

Let’s explore the Spring table design using Core’s exclusive brands and how you can use this combination to bring your seasonal service to life.

Spring Table Styling: Light, Layered & Professional

Spring calls for simplicity that still feels intentional – think soft neutrals, delicate textures, and subtly stylish pieces that let your food and drinks shine.

1. Layer with Purpose

Use the APS beige placemat as your foundation – it softens hard surfaces and introduces a tactile element. Pair this with the Alina plate to create a clean, bright centre that naturally draws attention to the food.

2. Mix Glass Textures

Spring is all about light play. Use the vertical ridges of the Divergence tumbler to catch sunlight and reflections from drinks, while the SPKSY coupe adds vintage appeal – especially for your spring cocktails or desserts.

3. Keep Your Cutlery Simple & Sharp

Hepp Ecco’s slender profile and smooth finish make it a discreet but high-performing choice. It matches the theme without overwhelming it – ideal for service teams who need functional tools that still look polished on the table.

4. Bring Height to the Table

The APS Valo tiered tray can serve multiple purposes – display fresh breads, mini tarts, cheeses, or botanicals as a centerpiece. Its light wood tones fit perfectly with the season and invite sharing and exploration.

Running a successful bar is about more than mixing great cocktails – it’s also about creating a smooth, safe, and efficient workflow. Behind every fast-moving bartender is a lineup of unsung tools that keep service flowing and customers smiling.

In this article, we explore five essential items that no serious bar setup should be without: noise-reducing blenders, bar mats, glass rimmers and stands, pourers, and condiment caddies. Whether you manage a high-volume cocktail bar or a boutique hotel lounge, these tools play a crucial role in your daily operations.

Noise-Reducing Blenders: Quiet Efficiency in Action

Why It Matters:

In busy hospitality settings, noise can impact the customer experience. Traditional blenders can overpower conversation and disrupt the ambience, especially in smaller or upscale venues.

Noise-reducing blenders solve this issue. Designed with sound-dampening enclosures and powerful motors, they allow bartenders to whip up smoothies and frozen cocktails without creating a racket. They’re a must-have for venues that value customer comfort as much as drink quality.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Supports a more relaxed environment for guests
• Allows for clear communication between staff and patrons
• Ideal for open-bar layouts and hotel lounges

Bar Mats: The Unsung Heroes of Spill Management

Why It Matters:

Bar mats are often overlooked, but they’re essential for maintaining a clean and slip-free work surface. Placed along the bar top and workstations, they catch spills, reduce breakages, and help bartenders maintain speed and safety during peak hours.

Durable rubber or silicone mats also protect glassware and can be easily cleaned between shifts.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Improves hygiene and reduces clean-up time
• Prevents glass breakage and slippage
• Keeps bar stations organized and efficient

Glass Rimmers and Stands: Precision Meets Presentation

Why It Matters:

Presentation is everything in modern mixology. Glass rimmers and stands provide a fast and consistent way to apply salt, sugar, or spice rims to cocktail glasses. Whether you’re serving margaritas or creative craft cocktails, this tool helps bartenders maintain visual appeal without slowing service.

Many glass rimmers come with multi-tiered compartments, keeping ingredients separated and sanitary.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Promotes consistency in drink presentation
• Speeds up prep for high-volume cocktail service
• Prevents cross-contamination of rimming ingredients

Pourers: Speed and Accuracy Combined

Why It Matters:

Accurate pouring is a core skill in any bar operation, and liquor pourers make it much easier to measure quickly and consistently. Whether using free-flow or measured pourers, bartenders can increase output while maintaining portion control – a critical factor in managing costs and preventing over-pouring.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Controls liquor costs through accurate dispensing
• Improves consistency in cocktail recipes
• Speeds up service during busy shifts

Condiment Caddies: Organized, Accessible, and Clean

Why It Matters:

From olives and lemon wedges to cherries and jalapeños, garnishes are the finishing touch on many popular drinks. A condiment caddy keeps everything clean, compartmentalized, and easily accessible. It also speeds up garnish selection and keeps prep stations tidy.

Most models come with ice-cooled bases or lids for hygiene compliance in warmer settings.

Hospitality Benefits:

• Keeps garnishes fresh and hygienic
• Saves time during high-volume drink prep
• Encourages standardized garnishing and portioning

Efficiency behind the bar isn’t accidental – it’s engineered through smart equipment choices. Noise-reducing blenders protect your ambience, bar mats protect your surfaces, glass rimmers keep your presentation sharp, pourers ensure profitability, and condiment caddies streamline your garnishing game.

For professionals in the hospitality space, these tools are investments in smoother service, happier guests, and stronger profit margins.

In busy hospitality environments, choosing the right ice machine is more than a technical decision—it directly affects service speed, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Whether you operate a high-volume bar, fine-dining kitchen, or luxury hotel, understanding the difference between modular and self-contained ice machines is essential. Let’s break down the key features of each type and help you decide which best suits your operation.

What Are Modular Ice Machines?

Modular ice machines, also known as ice machine heads, are built solely for ice production. These units must be paired with a separate ice storage bin or ice dispenser, making them highly customizable to specific volume needs.

Benefits of Modular Ice Machines

• High Output: Ideal for large-scale operations, producing between 100 and 1,000+ kg of ice daily.
• Custom Storage: Choose a bin size that matches your needs without over- or under-storing.
• Flexible Integration: Compatible with soda dispensers and other back-of-house systems.

Best For: Hotels, function venues, large restaurants, and catering operations where consistent, high-volume ice is critical.

What Are Self-Contained Ice Machines?

Self-contained ice machines combine both the ice maker and the storage bin in one compact unit. These are plug-and-play options that are easy to install and ideal for operations where space is at a premium.

Benefits of Self-Contained Ice Machines:

• Space-Saving: Perfect for under-counter or bar setups with limited room.
• Simple Installation: Fewer components make setup fast and straightforward.
• Moderate Output: Produces 40 – 150 kg of ice per day, suited to small- or mid-size establishments.

Best For: Coffee shops, boutique hotels, cocktail lounges, and cafés with moderate ice requirements.

Choosing Between Modular and Self-Contained

When deciding on the right machine, consider the following:

• Ice Volume Needs: Estimate daily usage.
• Installation Space: Modular machines require more clearance and room for bins.
• Workflow: Consider staff access and service flow needs.
• Maintenance: Modular units may require more upkeep; self-contained models may include auto-cleaning.

Both modular and self-contained ice machines have their place in hospitality operations. The key is to align the machine’s capacity and footprint with your venue’s specific service demands.

Contact us today to discuss your project and ensure you get the right equipment for long-term success.
Visit: https://corecatering.co.za/

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Featured Client Spotlight – Humble Coffee Brought to you by Core Catering Supplies, Durban Branch

A Humble Introduction

In the heart of Durban’s bustling hospitality scene, there’s a name that continues to percolate through the city’s creative and culinary circles—Humble Coffee. What began as a small roastery in Stamford Hill has evolved into one of the country’s most celebrated café and coffee roastery brands. And for our Core Durban branch, it’s been both a neighbour and a valued client—proof that the best relationships in hospitality are brewed slowly, with care.

Humble Coffee’s current home on Lilian Ngoyi Road is a beautifully curated space that blends simplicity with authenticity. Visitors are greeted with large windows revealing the behind-the-scenes action of their coffee and pastry lab—an intentional design choice that invites customers into their process. This transparency, paired with warmth and a welcoming team, is what defines the Humble experience.

As Core Catering Supplies continues to serve a diverse client base across KwaZulu-Natal—from the north coast to the Midlands—our Durban branch plays a pivotal role in supplying high-performance hospitality gear to both boutique operations and high-volume venues. Humble Coffee’s growth story is one we’re proud to support.

Rooted in Durban, Roasted with Purpose

Founded by Amy Gardiner in 2017, Humble Coffee started as a mobile roastery. In 2019, Amy took a bold step and opened a café alongside the roastery on Churchill Road, creating a hybrid space where guests could enjoy specialty coffee and witness the roasting process up close.

Humble Coffee has since been crowned South Africa’s Café of the Year by Coffee Magazine, and rightly so. Their menu reflects their values: no meat, gelatine or alcohol—just vibrant, Halaal-friendly dishes, fresh juices, baked goods, and quality coffee roasted in-house twice a week.

The roasting, handled by their in-house machine fondly named “Big Rosie,” is done every Tuesday and Friday. Their roast philosophy is straightforward: let each coffee’s natural flavour shine. Medium-roast only, Humble offers three distinct profiles—Espresso, Filter, and Omni—ensuring every guest finds their perfect brew.

More Than a Café—A Community Space

Humble Coffee is proudly women-led and deeply connected to its community. The space is a magnet for creatives, entrepreneurs, and early morning joggers alike. From their commitment to local, small-scale suppliers, to their belief in transparent sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, every decision reflects their values of humility, empowerment, and quality.

Their founder’s journey—from barista in Scotland to coffee entrepreneur in Durban—is as compelling as the brand’s steady growth. Today, the café and roastery not only serve exceptional coffee, but also inspire a new wave of mindful, modern hospitality in South Africa.

Client Connections That Matter

For Core Catering Supplies, supporting businesses like Humble Coffee affirms our commitment to empowering hospitality excellence—whether it’s with quality glassware, efficient kitchen tools, or coffee-specific solutions. Our Durban branch continues to offer tailored service across KZN’s wide-reaching hospitality map, while building genuine, long-term partnerships with inspiring brands like Humble.

As Humble puts it: “Being nice, humble, and gracious will take you far.” We couldn’t agree more.

Visit Humble Coffee at:
– 222 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Windermere, Durban 4001
– 262 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban