Hudson's was barely open when it became a favourite destination for students to hang out, especially for students in the last half of their degrees. We were no longer looking for bars with shooters and cheap vodka mixes, but rather restaurants with sun-downers and dinner (that still lie within the boundaries of our students budgets). Not too much to ask for, right? Well, Pretoria definitely had a shortage of places that met this description. Lucky for us, our patience was rewarded with half-price cocktails and starters from 16:30 - 18:30. Every. Single. Day. All courtesy of Hudson's Burger Joint in Hazelwood.
So when Inge, Saiy and I were talking about having a catch-up session now that our tests were cancelled for the week, Hudson's was the natural destination. Settled between The Club and Hogs Head (right across from the Pretoria Country Club), the restaurant has a simple elegance to it that we love. Inside there are normal tables and booths to sit at, as well as stools by the bar for those who want to receive drinks right away. Outside there are wooden benches and tables, with soft lights and flowerbeds along the side. This creates such a relaxing environment to unwind with friends, especially during a summer's evening as beautiful as last night.
Inge and I each ordered a Pimms Cup, and Saiy asked for a Grapefruit Crush. All drinks come with pieces of fruit that perfectly compliments the cocktails and gives each a revitalising twist. The Grapefruit Crush is Vodka with crushed ice and grapefruit juice, with grapefruit pieces. The Pimms Cup is served with pieces of cucumber, strawberries, and orange, mixed with the Pimms and Ginger Ale. I have heard great things about their Giant Gin Julep, which is Inverroche Cape Botanical Gin and Soda, with mint and cucumber, so that's definitely a cocktail that I'll try in the future.
For those who don't get as excited about mixed drinks and pieces of fruit as we do, and prefer something of the brewed variety, do not fear. I stand to be corrected, but this half-price special applies to beers and ciders as well! And they have quite a variety, from the usual Castle and Black Label, to the Devil's Peak and Corona. The even have their own Hudson's Pale Ale Draught.
What about their food? you may ask. My go-to favourite is the Calzoncini with Peri-Peri Chicken and Mozzerella Starter. Although how this is classified as a starter, I have no idea, because this is easily all I need for dinner. They have other lovely starters that I tried out before discovering my Calzoncini, such as Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese, and Chicken Strips with a Barbecue Sauce. Inge ordered balls of Fried Macaroni and Cheese, served with Truffle Mayo, which I was curious to try. Saiy ordered Falafel with Sauteed Mushrooms with Parmesan and Rocket, which also look great.
To be honest, since we heard of the golden hour[s] where some items are half-price, we don't really glance to the side of the menu where the special doesn't apply... However, I have had the pleasure of eating a Shroom Burger and a Blogger Pizza (on two separate occasions, mind you), and I can say that they were absolutely delightful.
Once the special no longer applies, and the students have finished their drinks and eaten their starters, we tend to evacuate the premises. This is all to make room for the young adults who just got off work and want to forget about their taxes and other adult things for a few hours. Either way, whether it's a Monday evening or a Friday night, this place is always has a lovely buzz to is. Bookings are recommended, simply to be safe rather than sorry.
