Churchill House: Unveiling Durban’s Hidden Gem

When it comes to exploring the vibrant city of Durban, many guides often list the usual tourist hotspots – the iconic Golden Mile, the bustling Indian District, and the exhilarating uShaka Marine World. However, I encourage you to venture beyond the beaten path and discover a hidden gem that resides off the radar: Churchill House. Nestled seamlessly between a charming cafe and an antique shop, this unassuming yet captivating destination invites you to experience a touch of Italian hospitality.

I’ve been going to Durban, KZN my whole life. We visit twice, maybe even three times, a year during school breaks. We mainly go to the beaches during the special December holidays, but most of my time is spent in Claremont, a township called Ndunduma. It’s everything I need, really. But when I had the opportunity to visit on assignment, I was over the moon. I would get to experience Durban in a whole new way, doing things I’ve never done and seeing things from a fresh perspective. Amidst all the amazing experiences, one place stands out at the top of my list: Churchill House. It’s a unique blend of a coffee shop and an antique store, owned by Stefano (Italian) and Terri-Anne Toffoli (South African).

When you step inside, you’ll find a bright and open space with walls painted in a soothing shade of pastel green, adorned with intricate decorations. The aroma of delicious pastries fills the air, and the coffee here is simply divine. And that’s not all – there’s even a bakery right on the premises! But what this cafe is truly renowned for is its selection of mouthwatering desserts: bee sting cake, baked cheesecake, carrot cake, and quiche, all made with the freshest ingredients.

Now, let’s talk about the rest of the menu. It’s a tough decision because everything sounds incredible. You have fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly paired with smoked salmon and a buttery croissant. And for lunch, you can’t go wrong with the corn fritters topped with smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraiche.

Once you’ve satisfied your taste buds, you’ll be delighted to discover the garden area straight ahead. It’s a little slice of paradise, especially on mild Durban summer days. Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, you’ll be enveloped in a peaceful ambiance.

But that’s not all – on either side of the cafe, you’ll find two wonderful clothing stores that offer locally-made garments. There’s also a vintage shop, and rumor has it that another one will be opening soon. To add a touch of charm, you’ll find tastefully arranged antique furniture scattered throughout.

Hey there! Guess what? Everything you see in the antiques section is up for grabs, and it’s all on sale! I gotta say, those intense blue walls really set the stage for these incredible collectibles, making them even more eye-catching.

Let me tell you a little secret about this store: Stefano, the mastermind behind it all, personally selects each and every piece that goes on sale. He’s like the captain of the ship, steering the direction of the concept store. And get this – he even has a say in the type of flour used in the bakery and the funky paint splashed on the walls! Talk about attention to detail!

Now, I have to be honest with you – some of these treasures were a tad out of my price range. But you know what? Just looking at them and appreciating their beauty was enough to fill me up with joy. I mean, who needs to own everything anyway? Sometimes, it’s the experience that matters the most. At least, for now!

Oh, and let me introduce you to Dumi, the incredible owner of the concept store DPC. This place is not just about antiques, you know. DPC also stocks the fabulous clothing of leading South African designers.

Oh, I almost forgot! I’ve got a picture of Dumi here. Have a look!

When I visited Churchill House, I felt right at home. The regular patrons were friendly and the staff made me feel welcome. They have all sorts of fun events in the outdoor area too.

Inside Churchill House, there’s another shop called Vintage Quirkiness. The owner, Sheila, and her partner Sally-Anne, have an amazing selection of vintage clothes. Sheila even let me try on some outfits, and I must say, she has a talent for making sales!

The interior of the store is cozy and filled with unique clothing from the past. The owners have a playful spirit that adds to the charm.

After my visit, I fell in love with Durban all over again. Thank you, Churchill House!

Contact Churchill House

Phone: 031 303 5959. You can also find Churchill House on Facebook.