PABLO Honey in Hillcrest could easily be regarded as the coolest and most comfortable space for any creative or coffee lover in the Upper Highway area.
The space is run by Westville Boys’ High Old Boy, Liam Richards and Thomas Moore Old Girl, Sam Taylor.
The creative power couple met on Instagram (Liam slid into the DMs) and share a lot of the same ideas.
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“We both like clothes, we like to buy things and we most importantly like going to the markets to buy something; now we’re buying more than just clothes, we’re doing furniture
and other bits and bobs”, Liam explained. Sam added they started their business ventures on Instagram by selling clothes. They called it, ‘Hipster’s Piss’ where they did most of their business at the various markets in Durban.
The space is meant to fill a creative void not only Hillcrest, but Durban as a whole. “I didn’t want to go away to Cape Town for university, I wanted to stay because I like Durban, and it’s cool but Durban is missing something”, said Sam who also added that; “It’s just a safe space where you can come and be who you are, whether you’re a creative or not”.
When I walked into the cozy space I was greeted with lots of colour and a warm sense of belonging. Not only does Pablo Honey make good coffee, they also sell clothes (mostly thrifted pieces), vintage cameras and other antiques the couple has found.
The walls are dominated with old paintings, other images of fashion editorials that have been styled by the duo as well as Liam’s illustrations.
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Liam also wants the youth to socialise, network and meet like-minded people at the venue instead of traveling to Durban for the same purpose.
“When this opportunity came, we said we can have our own place where someone can listen to music and get inspired,” said Liam, who also wants to “have a network of creative people that help each other out”.
Sam also feels that people who enter their space can also conceptualise their ideas “We want your ideas to actually happen” she said.
The opening night saw musical acts like Savannah Thunder, Mouse, Ziggy Stardust and Oudskul Thoughts play to a seated audience, almost like a Tiny Desk Concert. The musical experience was an intimate one something that Liam and Sam were proud of.
Like Radiohead’s debut album, which is what the shop is named after, most of the creative work that Liam and Sam are doing is experimental.
In the future, the space could see the welcoming of an alchohol license, creative workshops and obviously more music-based events. It’s an exciting prospect for the youth in Hillcrest.
(Email student@dbn.caxton.co.za)
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