The Oyster Box Gold
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bbar

Victoria, London

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Victoria’s best cocktail venue

Located beneath London's largest Living Wall, recently replanted with more than 6,000 herbaceous plants to breathe life into our surroundings, bbar is a vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in the heart of Victoria.

Our new menu plays homage to our heritage, with dishes that beautifully reflect the flavours of South Africa with a playful twist, from Boerewors Eggs Benedict with chilli chutney biltong to The Gatsby Sub, a Western Cape pulled BBQ short rib of beef.

Alongside this exceptional new menu, we have live mix sessions and DJ sets throughout the week, as well as contemporary signature cocktails created by our resident mixologists.

A curated art collection

Our vibrant art collection brings together a wide selection of work by South African artists and emphasises the distinctive creativity of KwaZulu-Natal. There are over one hundred paintings by twelve artists, all living and working in KwaZulu-Natal province. Their narrative style is of vital importance in understanding South African history and specifically Zulu culture. A poignant historical counterpoint to this contemporary collection is a series of forty-three woodblocks by the late Cecil Skotnes, illustrating the life of Shaka Zulu, who reigned as king of the Zulus from 1816 to 1828. Intricate, creative ceramic and mosaic murals by Jane du Rand, a ceramicist based in Australia, can also be discovered throughout…

Discover the history of The Oyster Box

1863

1952

1952

1954

2006

2007

2009

1863

The original cottage – called ‘The Oyster Lodge’ – was built on the grounds in 1863. Made of Burmese teak, corrugated iron and reinforced concrete, the structure was originally used as a navigation beacon.

1952

Nearly a century later, The Oyster Lodge, and its overgrown grounds, were sold to the siblings Kay and Ken O’Connor. They opened a tea garden, which later grew into a restaurant.

1952

A beautiful young woman called Bea caught the eye of the distinguished hotelier Stanley Tollman, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel. They shared their first dinner together at The Oyster Box.

1954

After upgrades and expansion, The Oyster Box Hotel opened on a hillside above the famous lighthouse.

2006

The Oyster Box Hotel was put up for sale, with owner Wayne Reed seeking to sell to a family who would continue the hotel’s rich tradition of hospitality. Stanley and Bea Tollman purchased the property, fulfilling a promise they made to each other all those years ago.

2007

A major rebuild began in October. While iconic elements such as the revolving entrance doors and wrought-iron balustrade were retained, the hotel underwent a dramatic transformation.

2009

In September The Oyster Box reopened: reimagined and reinvented, yet retaining the coastal charm and warm hospitality it has long been famous for. The new property delivers a host of new events and dining spaces with spectacular coastal views.

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Our differences

From the remarkable seaside location to the lush tropical gardens, the array of restaurants and bars to the award-winning spa, there are so many reasons to fall in love with The Oyster Box. But we’ve narrowed it down to just 10…

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A love story

The Red Carnation Hotels story is a love story which started over sixty years ago. At the heart of this love story is our Founder and President, Bea Tollman - a woman and leader greatly respected and much adored by all those who have the pleasure of knowing her.

A love story

Discover more about The Oyster Box

Sunset view at The Oyster Box

Gateway to adventure

Discover the best of Umhlanga

We care

Explore our sustainable initiatives

Stories of The Oyster box

Discover our gallery

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades

We welcome families

Delight in all our family experiences

Sleep beautifully

Discover our bedrooms & suites
Sunset view at The Oyster Box

Gateway to adventure

Discover the best of Umhlanga

We care

Explore our sustainable initiatives

Stories of The Oyster box

Discover our gallery

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades

We welcome families

Delight in all our family experiences

Sleep beautifully

Discover our bedrooms & suites
Sunset view at The Oyster Box

Gateway to adventure

Discover the best of Umhlanga

We care

Explore our sustainable initiatives
Oyster Box Lighthouse illustation

Extraordinary experiences

At The Oyster Box you’ll find an array of events, activities and experiences to fill your days. From sipping on seasonal cocktails in The Lighthouse Bar to embarking on an unforgettable spice journey in the company of our talented local chefs, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of KwaZulu-Natal.

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Culinary adventures

The Oyster Box has long been famous for the culinary adventures on offer. The generous Curry Buffet offers an unforgettable taste of KwaZulu-Natal’s signature dish, while the elegant High Tea in the Palm Court adds a contemporary spin to a timeless tradition. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner, or celebrating a milestone with loved ones, the restaurants of The Oyster Box offer a venue for every occasion.

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The power of passion

"The Oyster Box has been making memories for visitors for as long as anyone can remember. The original cottage was built around 1863 as a navigational beacon for passing ships and, in 1952, was sold to a local family who opened a tea garden that became a restaurant, then a hotel.  Following its purchase in 2007 by the Tollman Family, the hotel underwent a two-year rebuild, transforming it into what it is today.


Family-owned to this day, the Tollman’s personal touch is instilled in the team and exceptional service is the hotel’s hallmark. I am so proud to lead this team who work with such genuine care to create memorable guest experiences. My personal favourite experiences include a feast at the Curry Buffet, our legendary High Tea, and our award-winning Spa, nestled in lush sub-tropical gardens.


The hotel’s location makes for easy adventuring. A five-minute walk brings you to the 18,000-year-old Hawaan Coastal Dune Forest, home to a variety of wildlife. The popular Promenade doubles up for exercise and magnificent sunrises.


As committed custodians of the planet, we have integrated the best use of water, energy and the treatment of waste. The recent establishment of two bee colonies on the roof provides honey for both guests and the kitchen.


However you choose to spend your time at The Oyster Box, we hope you will find your own special place in our story and personally discover why so many guests are compelled to return."


- Roberto Rosa, General Manager

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We are proud to be part of a number of select and exclusive collections and memberships that share our values of outstanding service, exceptional guest experiences and generous hospitality.

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