soul food . events space . restaurant
elevate your senses: art, taste & more
Welcome to House 87: Braai sizzle & local art vibes. Unwind in our intimate lounge with live music & free
WiFi. It’s East London’s cultural escape
Intimate Xperiences
Our food
Forget safaris, dive into Xhosa soul food! House 87 isn’t your average braai spot – it’s a taste of Nelson Mandela’s childhood, sizzling braai, vibrant uGeme stews, fiery Umleqwa, and the comfort of pap & steam bread. Experience Xhosa culture on your plate, share stories in our intimate lounge, and let live music guide your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a Xhosa feast!
Our location
East London adventure awaits! Immerse in Xhosa culture at House 87, just 5 minutes from the beach, buzzing CBD, and bus stops. Explore nearby ICC, hotels, and stadiums like Buffalo Park. Relax on the beach, then jet off from King Phalo Airport (20 min away). Universities like Fort Hare and WSU add to the melting pot of culture. More than a meal, it’s your East London cultural escape!
Our Community
Forget generic crowds, find your tribe at House 87! Whether you’re a young professional on the rise or a seasoned entrepreneur, you’ll connect with like-minded souls over sizzling Braai and vibrant art. Families mingle and business deals blossom in our warm ambiance, fueled by free WiFi and live music. Tourists from across the globe join locals, creating a unique cultural exchange. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a community coming together, one delicious bite and heartfelt conversation
at a time.
Our Art
Walls whisper culture, music grooves the soul! Local art ignites our space, reflecting the heart of Xhosa life. Thursdays thrum with soulful SipnSounds, while weekends unwind with private school amapiano and deep house. Escape with our book nook featuring South African voices, or host your own event – House 87 is your canvas for cultural connection. More than a meal, it’s an artistic journey.
Our Menu
Get Relax. Eat.
Classic PLATTER: 150g beef, 150g pork, 150g sausage + chips + 2 salads + steam bread - r195.00
SIDE CHICK: CHICKEN LEGS & HEADS, AMATHUMBU, GIBLETS & HEARTS PLATTER SERVED WITH STEAM BREAD
LIVER PLATTER: to share: 750g beef liver with a side - r220.00
ULUSU: made on potjie pot served with one bread - r90.00
MLEQWA: umcindo served wi th one bread - r110.00
lamb : lamb chops or curry with roasted veg. - r195.00
BACON, CHEESE & TOMATO- r50.00
caramel milkshake - r35.00
Dirty iced chai latte - r35.00
grapetizer - r25.00
JOHNY BLACK SOUR: SCOTCH, LEMON JUICE, SIMPLE SYRUP, AQUA FABBA, BITTER - r96.00
Meet founder of House 87
experience
- Owner, House 87, events space, eatery & coffee lounge: 2022-current
- Founder, iiMbono Pty Ltd: 2020-current
- Head of Sales, Pearson South Africa, global education company: 2010-2021
- Co-Founder & Chairman, Peppy Thomas Foundation, NPO: 2017-current
- Acting Principal, Pearson Institute of Higher Education (PIHE): 2017 – 2018
- Trade & Investment Advisor, UK Trade & Investment: 2009-2010
- Marketing Consultant, Deloitte SA, financial services: 2006-2009
- Assistant Statistical Office, Statistics SA: 2004-2006
education
- Master’s in Business administration (MBA)
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BCom Hons): Marketing Management
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Business Management & Industrial Psychology