News

A historic railway station in Gillitts has been given a new lease on life with the opening of MIST, an ambitious new restaurant exploring the diversity of African cuisine and culture.

Shrouded in early morning mist, the historic Gillitts Railway Station has witnessed generations of journeys. During the Anglo-Boer War, the station formed part of the railway network carrying people towards the front and, for some, on the difficult journey home.

After years of relative silence, the station is moving again – this time as the home of MIST at Gillitts Station, a new dining destination in KwaZulu-Natal's Upper Highway.

The concept takes its inspiration from African railway history and iconic stations across the continent, with the venue designed to evoke the experience of a train arriving at a station. More importantly, it uses the idea of the railway journey as a way of exploring African food, culture and heritage.
At the centre of the concept are five curated culinary Journeys, presented as multi-course tasting menus inspired by South Africa, Cameroon, Senegal, Tanzania and Morocco.

Each Journey represents a different destination, with the menus exploring the flavours, spices, techniques and culinary traditions associated with its region. The broader vision is to explore African gastronomy as a living and evolving journey – connecting where we have come from with where we are going.

It is an exciting concept for South Africa, particularly in a restored heritage building with such a strong connection to travel and place.

The station has a new purpose.
The journey has begun.