It was in Hillbrow’s diversified heydays that Craig and Nina Holmes started their journey together.
Craig worked in a restaurant called The Front Page, in Melville. In the midst of these vibrant cosmopolitan hubs in Johannesburg, Craig and Nina’s chronicles in the restaurant business took off. Their first steps were all but tentative; quite the opposite.
As both of them possess an innate love of people, food and good company they launched themselves into the restaurant industry.
Growing up in a big family, with eight siblings, Craig has always been surrounded by people. Navigating his way around the everyday ups and downs of family life shaped him into the person he is today. The easy way in which he connects with others, his sharp organisational skills and bold sense of humour paved the way for a successful career as restaurateur and, later, estate agent.
Nina’s family history includes an interesting voyage to the south.
Half a century ago, Nina and her family arrived in South Africa by boat from Southampton after 21 days at sea. To Nina, family and loyalty have always been key priorities which spilled over into, and crystallised in every aspect of her life.
After leaving Johannesburg, Nina and Craig also continued south on their life journey. In Knysna they owned a restaurant, called The Pelican, for a few years. From there, they moved to a hotel in Knysna’s Main Street. From this main thoroughfare they ran The Main Street Café and fed and entertained the hotel guests as they passed through, as well as the locals.
“This was a really successful, profitable business. We did outside catering, as well as room service. That was a wonderful time. So many stories to tell,” they laugh. “It was one of the first restaurants with a balcony. You could sit on the street, overlooking the town’s daily hustle and bustle; the comings and goings of its people.”
It has always been their keen eye for detail that led them onto the right path where new opportunities opened up.
Wandering further down the country, Nina and Craig settled in Gqeberha, where they lived in Summerstrand, as well as Walmer. But it was Nina who first fell in love with the house they bought in Sherlock Street in Richmond Hill.
“When I set foot in there and saw the sea view, I knew that this was the house for us.”
It took a bit of persuasion to get Craig to agree, but on closer inspection he too saw the house’s vast potential. And after having bought it, they embarked on a large renovation process that turned out to be a huge success. Their home was known as Holmes on Sherlock.
Having joined the restaurant 34 Degrees South in Knysna, they started 34 Degrees South Food Emporium at The Boardwalk in Gqeberha in 2000.
“It was an emporium with a restaurant, wine shop, deli, sushi bar, bakery and 60 staff members. We had 12 years of fun times running this amazing place,” Craig says nostalgically.
During this time Nina also worked as an estate agent. After 34 Degrees South, Craig ran a restaurant called Buenos, in Richmond Hill’s Stanley Street.
“For us, Richmond Hill is the heart of the city. For us, having lived in different places in Gqeberha, Richmond Hill has been the best by a mile. Not only does this suburb have its own character, but it is also made up of many interesting characters; a diverse mix of people. Come to think of it, living in Richmond Hill reminded us of having lived in Hillbrow all those years ago!” they reminisce.
After Buenos closed down, Craig also ventured into the business of selling houses.
“I learned a lot, especially about the legal side of things. You have to be really dedicated. Luckily, I’ve always dealt with people in the restaurant business, so there were similarities. It was a joy to sell the unique houses in Richmond Hill. Here, the old houses hold so much character, with their high ceilings and wooden floors.”
They both agree that Richmond Hill is not situated in Central for no reason. With many of the homes sea views, you always feel close to the beach, never too far away from anywhere.
“Being an estate agent is like being a psychologist and very much so. There has to be complete trust and honesty, and a close working relationship between agent and client. The wonderful thing is that, in the midst of this competitive industry, we’ve often become friends with clients and stayed friends,” says Nina, after 22 years in the business.
“When you sell a house, it’s similar to having experienced a fantastic night at your restaurant. All your customers are happy. You’re on top of the world! And then, two days later, you realise now you have to start all over again!” Craig exclaims good-humouredly.
Both of them have worn many hats during the course of their lives.
“From childhood I’ve always thought that it would be wonderful to work in the circus. There everybody does a bit of everything!” Nina says playfully.
They have indeed mastered the art of a perfect balancing act over the years. Juggling so many responsibilities and roles at once, they are far from ending their expedition.
Soon, Nina and Craig are emigrating to England to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Richmond Hill will be sad to say goodbye to two such vibrant, colourful residents as they continue north, onto the next part of their journey of discovery.
