The Sunday Mail
Leisure Reporters
While some prefer winter ahead of summer, the season is probably the worst for showbiz players who operate outdoor venues.
Partying during this time becomes restricted to indoor joints that are warmer.
Tables turn during this period as revellers become comfortable with visiting indoor joints like night clubs, casinos and other sheltered venues, some of which are not very popular during the summer season.
But again, indoor joint operators also find themselves in a tricky situation.
There are some revellers that also opt to stay in the warm comfort of their homes, which leads to a significant decline in the number of people who go out for leisure purposes.
Fortunately though, there are several venues around the country that have defied the chilly weather by introducing gas heaters and the like, this will help in keeping the showbiz running.
Last week, The Sunday Mail Leisure did a snap survey on some of the popular joints that are set to be affected by winter, including those that are likely to gain popularity in the period in question.
The finding indicates that common outdoor spots that offer afternoon braai facilities such as Mereki, Zindoga and Pahuku will likely soldier on although their patrons are now deserting the places earlier than they usually do during summer.
The aforementioned places have proven to be among the best in the city when it comes to relaxing and enjoying grilled meat during weekends, never mind the temperatures.
It is only rainfall that destroys the pull factor of the joints.
However, places like Lake Chivero, Dam View and Cleveland become highly unattractive during this time of the year as the cold breeze from the lakes tend to be unbearable.
Equally, most of the available remaining options are not conducive for family outings.
Live gig organisers are very much aware of the challenges posed by winter.
Accordingly, venues that usually become live show hubs during winter include Mushandirapamwe Hotel, City Sports Bar, Plaza De Castila, Private Lounge, Dandaro Inn, Las Vegas Night Club, Legends Sports Club, Super Label Night Club, Andy Miller Hall, the HICC, 1+1 Happy, Razzle, News Café, Pariah State, Londoners, Red Fox, Centurion and Archipelago among others.
There are other indoor venues that are still new but will certainly benefit from the season switch. Some of them are:
The Volt
The Book Café was one of the top live show joints in the city, particular for minority genres and its closure left a dent that was fortunately rectified by the entrance of The Volt.
The joint has not been disappointing in providing live entertainment.
Boasting of a warm environment, the venue has already attracted the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Alexio Kawara and Ba Shupi among other top artistes.
Bar Rouge
This is another venue that has been hosting live shows for a while and is set to benefit from the shift in preferred leisure spots.
Located at Longchen Plaza, Bar Rouge is yet to establish itself as a top entertainment hub but if we are to go by the current developments, that could soon change.
The only challenge with the joint is limited space. The place is just too small for big gigs.
Pablo’z
Characterised by elegance in every sense, the franchise has managed to crop up numerous innovative ideas which has seen them including live shows on their roosters.
The venue also provides a warm and comfortable setting.
