The Radium Beer Hall in Orange Groove, wich is the oldest pub in Johannesburg, there has been rumours the the pub might have to close down. Picture: Mujahid Safodien
After an impressive forty-year run as a cornerstone of community spirit and celebration, the iconic Radium pub, on Louis Botha, Orange Grove, is set to change hands.
Owner Lina Cabeleira, who has been instrumental in nurturing the establishment since she and her late husband, Manny took over, has announced her decision to sell, a move that she describes as both challenging and bittersweet.
“I have been around for 40 years. Since Manny passed away, I have had to deal with keeping the business going on my own,” Cabeleira shared with emotion. “I am getting on in years and feel that I don't have much more to contribute. The Radium needs someone with a stronger mind.”
The Radium, known for its vibrant blend of rugby and jazz, holds a treasured place not just in the local community but across South Africa.
Over the years, it has welcomed countless holidaymakers, hosts for weddings, birthday parties, and even the occasional funeral, all while serving up delicious food that patrons rave about. Cabeleira reflected on her enduring connection to the pub, saying, “The Radium was my husband’s baby. He loved the limelight and made many friends who today still come and support the business." For many, the Radium is more than just a pub; it’s a “home away from home.”
However, the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and Cabeleira acknowledged the toll it has taken: “Since COVID, it is a bit run down and needs a bit of attention. However, I feel that the Radium has great potential going forward.”
As Cabeleira seeks a buyer, her hopes are high that the new owners will continue the legacy established by her husband. “Whoever wants to buy the Radium, I hope they will continue in the same manner,” she emphasised.
“The business needs stronger legs, more ideas, and someone with more enthusiasm.”
The heartfelt account of how Manny originally acquired the Radium adds another layer to its storied past.
“The Radium was not for sale at the time, but the owner was getting on in years.
Manny was asked what he was going to do with it; he simply said, ‘to keep it going as it is,’” Cabeleira recalled.
That handshake ultimately led to the transformation of the Radium into a beloved and vibrant venue. While the weight of this decision rests heavily on her heart, Cabeleira remains optimistic about the future.
“My patrons would be ecstatic if the Radium could continue,” she said, firmly believing that with the right leadership, the Radium can reclaim its historical place at the heart of the community.
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