CAPE TOWN– For more than five decades, the beloved Seven Spur in Sea Point has been a local landmark, welcoming countless visitors through its doors. But soon, it will serve its final meal, as the restaurant is set to close permanently later this month.
The Seven Spur first opened its doors in 1968, becoming the second Spur restaurant in South Africa.
It was originally located on Main Road, Sea Point (corner Conifer Road), but later relocated twice before settling in its current site in 2006.
Moshe Apleni, spokesperson for Spur Corporation, said the reason for the closure is redevelopment in the area.
“The closure follows the landlord’s decision to renovate and redevelop the property, sadly resulting in the non-renewal of our lease.
“This occasionally happens during significant landlord property upgrades or relocations.”
Apleni said Sea Point remains an important community for them and said they are “actively pursuing alternative sites” in the area.
Regular patron Catherine Rice explained that she and her family shared many memorable moments at the establishment.
“My children’s memory are woven into the Sea Point Spur. We would always get the table by the children’s play area. So, I can have my glass of wine and the children can play and I could watch them through the window.”
She said many birthdays celebrations were spent there.
“Whenever I asked my kids ‘where do you want to go for your birthday’, they would always say Spur. Every photograph from their birthday has the Sea Point Spur background. It was a special part of their childhood.”
Rice explained that they recently shared their last meal at the restaurant.
“My daughter in now 19 and my son is 21. When I told my daughter it was closing she told me that we have to go there for the last time. I feel sad about it. This was a wonderful place,” shared Rice.
Taking to social media, loyal patrons shared their memories.
One customer said: “So many memories. My favourite Spur. I lived just across the road. During my first pregnancy that was my daily dinner place. Now a mother of three. I still take my family there once in a while. Sad to know it’s closing.”
Another said: “This was the first Spur I worked at and loved every moment.”
One patron said he met his wife there.
“I worked at Seven Spur in 2002 and met my future wife there – we married in 2003 and are still going strong. Sevens will always be special to us both.”
Apleni expressed his gratitude to the thousands of loyal customers who walked through the doors.
“We are deeply grateful to have served generations of families at Seven Spur over the decades.”
