After closing its doors permanently due to difficulties faced with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, The Phoenix Hotel that was put up for sale during the same year, will now be auctioned.
The iconic hotel that has formed part of the history of Nelson Mandela Bay for several decades, will be auctioned along with its restaurant and bar.
PE Expresspreviously reported about the popular pub closing its doors, with owner, Warwick Ofsowitz, announcing that they are sad to say goodbye.
“The hotel was family-owned for over 50 years. There is no one to carry on the tradition. Sadly it is time to move on,” he said on social media recently.
“We closed because of COVID but everything is ready for a fast reopening now that there is light at the end of the COVID tunnel,” he added.
With the initial announcement of its closure, Ofsowitz said that you might have come in as a stranger, but you left as family and friends.
“Our team always looked forward to your next visit. We are going to miss you.”
The walls of the restaurant, known as Stage Door, are decorated with photos and memorabilia from bygone times. The floor of the restaurant area is covered in sawdust and the walls features an array of slogans, number plates, posters, signs and advertisements dating back as far as the 1950s.
The hotel has 11 fully furnished bedrooms and has been in operation for 183 years, according to Ofsowitz.
“So much history, so many stories. So many wonderful memories, so many laughs, so many incredible friends!” he said.“To all the Phoenix team members, who worked with me over the last 55 years, I was blessed to have had you do your part in helping make the Stage Door, Polly’s Fare Deal Saloon and The Cantina Port Elizabeth institutions. Without the right people, we would never have succeeded. Thank you,” Ofsowitz wrote at the time.
Although the hotel in Chapel Street was up for sale for R7 million as was listed by Solomons & Crafford, Home & Hectare is handling the auction that will take place on Friday, May 5, commencing at 10:30.
Those interested in the auction, can preregister by visiting the auction house’s website at www.homeandhectare.agribidder.co.za/.
Those preregistering can use the Home & Hectare web reference: CL203.
For more information, interested bidders can contact Walter Fisher on 082 926 1376
