Good news for Durbanites, The Royal Hotel’s flagship restaurant, The Royal Grill, has been reopened after being shut for a year, and its one-time chef, Adam Seviour, has returned to head the kitchen.

The lovely, 70-year-old room has been restored to its former splendour, with high ceilings, dark woodwork, chandeliers, white napery and stained glass skylights, but given a more contemporary feel with fresh upholstery.

The menu pays tribute to classics like bouillabaisse, salmon gravalax, twice-baked gorgonzola soufflé, rack of lamb on mushroom risotto, grilled ostrich fillet and vanilla creme brulee with berries. Complementary sherry and canapés are served in the lounge before dinner, coffee there afterwards. The Grill is also open from 7am for breakfast.