VANDERBIJLPARK. –  The River Palace has been part of the Vaal River scene for years. New owners bought this iconic pub and restaurant promising to make it again the place for Valies to gather.

Sunday, 18 June the place was packed for Father’s Day lunch. Everybody had a lovely time. On Sunday night, the new owner, Lady Colleen Glaeser received the terrible news, the River Palace was on fire. Watch a short video here

Although the fire brigade was on the scene and did a great job, the River Palace was destroyed.

In a telephonic interview on Tuesday morning, Colleen said that they have commenced cleaning up the debris. “We have just taken over, and the place has not been insured yet,” she said.

She thanked community members for their support and said all help in the clean-up process is welcomed.

“I first thought of just giving up, but then I said no, I’m going to rebuild the River Palace. We will once again have good times here,” she said.