Barney’s Pub and Tavern, synonymous with Gqeberha’s beachfront and Shark Rock Pier, is one of Gqeberha’s most loved pubs and restaurants and has recently been celebrating its 40th birthday.
The pub, which started as the very first micro-brewery in South Africa, opened its doors to the people of our city in 1991 and swapped the thrill of Gold Reef City for a stunning sea view, a tourist’s dream and a local’s daily vitamin sea boost with a Castle in hand.
Amid the exciting hustle and bustle in Barney’s on the morning of their birthday celebrations, I speak to Gus Ferguson, founder of Barney’s, originally from Gqeberha. His good-humoured yet dignified presence brings a certain gravitas to the conversation, and one soon realises that he embodies the strong ethics and enduring, old-fashioned values of the business.
It becomes immediately clear that Barney’s manager and co-owner, Craig Mittens, has infectious energy that matches that of his bar restaurant. Mittens met his wife, Ferguson’s daughter, while working at Barney’s in Gold Reef City in 1989 and studying at Wits University, before they upped and moved Barney’s to Gqeberha.
Having always integrated local history into the business, the tavern is filled with moments from the past. As one enters, a timeline is available for perusal, highlighting key moments from the history of South African Breweries (SAB), formerly Castle Breweries, and the rise and evolution of craft beer, alongside Barney’s landmark events. Within the Castle Corner section of Barney’s, vistas of the city from different times are showcased.
“We really tied ourselves into the history of the city itself and are always trying to do our bit to preserve heritage,” Mittens mentions.
Despite challenges along the way, the highlights are numerous. Barney’s was a prime spot for celebrating the Springbok Rugby World Cup victories in 1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023 in true jubilant South African style. And during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, it became the largest independent Castle Draught outlet in the country.
Mittens says, “It has been a lot of work leading up to today. We’ve got fantastic partners like SAB. They’ve been with us for the long haul and have put in a big effort for us.”
It is evident that Barney’s ability to adapt, catering to the changing times and needs of its customers while retaining its original business elements, has contributed considerably to Barney’s success and stability.
Ferguson emphasises the importance of having brought about subtle changes throughout the years to maintain the establishment’s unique character and appeal. Food has become a very important part of the business over the last ten years, bringing people together and changing the perception of the pub, as it is now known as a restaurant bar.
Mittens also highlights the importance of collaboration between the private and the public sector in driving business and tourism to foster further economic growth for the area and the city. Other businesses located on the beachfront, like the Boardwalk Mall, have brought increased foot traffic, and the positive effects of many cruise ships docking in the harbour continue to empower local businesses and contribute to a dynamic economic environment.
With good food and a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as a selection of local brews and the best view of the bay that the city has to offer, it is evident why Barney’s deck is always buzzing. Throw in some live music every day of the week, and there is no reason to wonder why Gqeberha’s “oldest brew house” is many people’s favourite hangout.
“We’ve definitely put a lot of musicians’ careers on the map,” Mittens adds.
The 80s-themed birthday celebrations include rewarding long-serving staff – some of whom have been working at Barney’s for a decade or almost two – and doing what Barney’s does best: treating invited guests, customers and representatives from SAB with good food, drink and music entertainment inside as well as outside.
On its 40th, it is clear that Barney’s has come full circle: from brewing the first craft beer at the Barney’s Gold Reef City Mini Brewery in 1985 to receiving a unique craft beer from SAB, specially crafted as a tribute to Barney’s 40th anniversary.
Ferguson’s advice, “Keep the business as steady as you can”, has most definitely reaped the benefits. When I ask him about future plans, he reiterates, “We’ll keep upgrading. It will be bigger and better!’
Ferguson and Mittens smile as they raise their glasses and the tide rolls in beside the pier: steady and unhurried, yet unstoppable.
