Albie Morkel and Jo Black to open the biggest sports and entertainment centre in the country

The Ultimate Aim Sports Pavilion in Pretoria will soon be home to the biggest family entertainment centre in the country. Not only will it be the place for sports enthusiasts to gather to test their mettle and improve their skills in popular outdoor sports – including golf, archery and fishing – but it will also be a destination where families can feast on the tastiest dishes while enjoying various forms of entertainment on stage.

The centre, which is owned by three companies (AJAR, Ultimate Aim Group and The Bearded Butcher) with several shareholders – including South African cricket star Albie Morkel and award-winning singer Jo Black – will officially open its doors on 31 May. The grand opening will be celebrated with a Jo Black concert and tickets to the event will be available to the public.

According to Morkel, the main goal was to provide wholesome entertainment for the entire family in one place. The sports section of this jewel will boast a variety of sporting activities.

 “Our focus is on popular outdoor sports that families tend to do together, and we want it to be the best family destination in the country. I was crazy about the concept from day one and know that it is going to be a hit. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. Everyone has a vision beyond the building, and it is important to try and make a difference in the country,” Morkel said.

Jo Black’s theatre restaurant, The Bearded Butcher, will be the heartbeat of the lively entertainment area of the centre. According to Black, he and his three partners were looking for some land where they could establish a music restaurant with a driving range and children’s play area when Morkel happened to ask him for advice on some unused space at the Ultimate Aim site. As soon as Black saw it, he knew it was the spot they had been looking for.

 “The space was earmarked for a restaurant anyway and Jo immediately liked the idea when I approached him. It will add tremendous value to the centre, not only by serving excellent food, but also because of the family-friendly atmosphere we want to establish,” added Morkel.

The Bearded Butcher was the name of a biltong business owned by the singer years ago. Now it is synonymous with a dream come true for him – the opening of his own theatre restaurant, which will bring various art forms to the stage; from music to stage productions (with sit-down dinners) and even comedy shows.

“I myself live in Montana and there is definitely a need for a place where you can enjoy music and stage performances. We are going to try to secure a big name at least once a week to do an intimate show, with tables nice and close to the stage so the audience can get to know the artists better. There will also be comedy and one-man shows, as well as songwriter’s showcase evenings where young musicians will be exposed to artists who have some experience in the industry,” Black said.

Black said the new business had a fantastic team working behind the scenes to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. The kitchen will be manned by the well-known kykNET Kokkedoor finalist Linde Watson Graaff, who also has her own show, Spyskaart, on SABC 2. The day-to-day management of the restaurant and artist bookings will rest on the capable shoulders of Jenny Prinsloo, who boasts 16 years’ experience in the restaurant industry and who owned her own catering business.

A trip to Ultimate Aim Sports Pavilion will be more than just another outing with the family. It will be an experience that will ensure everyone goes home with a smile as it caters to the interests of every family member or friend – whether they like sport and/or music, or just hanging out. It will also leave the most discerning taste buds wanting more.