When you think of Durban, you think of warm, tropical weather and long sunny days on the beach – not necessarily a buzzing nightlife or a diverse food scene. However, that’s all about to change with the opening of the long-awaited latest development in Umhlanga: The Arch.

This award-winning mixed-use development is home to numerous top-tier facilities such as bespoke retail outlets; artisanal food in the Legacy Yard food hall; and rooftop drinks at Back Yard, overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are also business and networking spaces within the iconic glass arch, as well as the Hilton Garden Inn – a first in South Africa. The Arch even offers residential apartments.

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WE.ARE.LIVE Durban’s premier destination for living your best life is ONLINE 🙌 — Follow the link in our bio and explore The Arch. Learn more about our Live, Work, Stay, Play offerings and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the activity at Umhlanga Arch.

A post shared by Umhlanga Arch (@umhlangaarch) on Aug 24, 2020 at 4:44am PDT

Bryan Pietersen – the owner of Purl, one of London’s most famous experimental cocktail bars – is the man behind The Arch’s restaurant offering. Seven artisanal food vendors and two bars result in a mouth-watering array of tastes. “The offering distinguishes itself from others because of the authentic and cultural variety of cuisines on offer,” says Bryan. “We have mixed experienced vendors with passionate foodies to create a mix that Durban has never showcased before.”

There’s something for everyone, whether you’re going for something healthy or you just want to indulge. Try a deliciously fresh smoothie bowl from Mama Wanda Health Bar, or have a pizza at Home Base, which serves stone-fired thin-base pizza.

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SOON your Friday will look like this — we can’t wait to welcome you to our roof top bar at @umhlangaarch 🙌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ OPENING 6 OCTOBER 2020 #PLAYatthearch

A post shared by Back Yard @ The Arch (@backyardumhlanga) on Sep 24, 2020 at 11:25pm PDT

Open every day of the week, Back Yard sits at 140m above sea level with views over the Durban coastline. Expect cocktails, a cool Tiki beach vibe and live music by Durban’s hottest local artists.

The Arch is open from today, with the Legacy Yard food hall trading Mondays to Saturdays from 7am to 11pm and Sundays from 7am to 8pm.

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