Symphony cuts niche image

Having evolved over the years from being just a high market restaurant and pub, Symphony has rolled out a whole new concept of a day’s outing either on a business or private outing. The concept, which is a first in Zimbabwe, involves a package tailored to give clientele a relaxing and refreshing ambience while they enjoy a meal or a drink.
Symphony recently introduced the Amarula Celebrity Nite — in partnership with Amarula and Nederburg Wines — an innovative once-in-a-calendar-month event where a local or foreign artist is invited for an appearance. But the real deal is that the event gives clients the opportunity for a photo shoot and be able to chat face-to-face with the artist.
This time around, Symphony has invited one of South Africa’s most successful contemporary musicians — Zolani — of Freshly Ground. Zolani makes her appearance this Sa-turday.
Last month, Symphony invited Loyiso Bala, an acclaimed South African R&B sin-ger.
According to Sifiso Hlazo, a director at Sym-phony, Celebrity Nite is not a concert as such, but a platform to interact and mingle with the artist though the artist might do a song or two.
Hlazo said his management would like to introduce a whole new concept to a day out for the “discerning, mature” customers who would want “to hang out at a place which is not a pub, but where they can have a drink, a meal and can be able to chat in privacy and in a secure environment”.
As a corporate social responsibility gesture, the proceeds from the event will go to Tose Respite Care Home, a special needs centre for people with learning disabilities. But the icing on the cake is that management is focused on upgrading the place so that it meets international standards. In line with its new service thrust, Symphony has continuously From W1
been sprucing up its facilities — from changing the furniture to setting up an outside bar.
“We also need to raise the profile of the place especially the exterior. The location is very convenient as it is on the outskirts of the central business district . . . there is enough parking and we provide our own security,” Hlazo said.
He, however, lamented the economic downturn and said it had put a dent on standards in the hospitality industry, “but we are upgrading so that we can be able to take care of every taste whatever it might be”.
“Our bar has the widest range of drinks . . . wherever one comes from at any part of the world should be able to find a drink of their choice. We are working to have a wider variety of beverages in our bar that is consistent, and should get better and better,” Hlazo said
Loungers can also make use of the VIP lounge facility, which Hlazo said emphasises “privacy” and that “extra something” that you don’t get in bars and restaurants.
But, wait a minute, VIP membership is by invitation and the only condition is: Are you someone who represents the more discerning, mature individual? If your answer is yes, then you are in.
For a more social interaction, Hlazo said there is also fine old skool music to go with it on selected days. Those who would want to watch sport while passing away time can be assured of satellite link for the various sporting disciplines.
However, he was quick to clarify that Symphony is not a pub or “beer hall” pointing that even corporates have found the venue convenient for their functions as well as it being ideal for birthday parties.