Café Riche on Church Square

The heart of Pretoria, Church Square, hosts several architectural marvels, but one building, in particular, stands out both for its exquisite design and for its fascinating history: The Café Riche Building.

This magnificent structure was the brainchild of the Dutch architect, Frans Soff. In 1905, this edifice was constructed and it would go on to become an iconic landmark in Pretoria. Soff's brilliance was not confined to Pretoria alone. Collaborating with the talented Anton van Wouw, the duo also brought to life the revered National Women's Monument in Bloemfontein.

The Café Riche building showcases the Art Nouveau style with its unique and detailed design. Anton van Wouw added special touches, like the stone owl on the North East corner and a stone image of 'Mercury'. The building also reused window frames and doors from the Toringkerk, a former church in Church Square.

Despite its initial designation as the Rand Investment Building, the popularity of its inhabitants soon overtook its original moniker. Two notable entities resided within.

The Cabin Tea Room, helmed by Misses Clarke and Doyle, was situated on the ground floor. An eastern entrance beckoned patrons inside, where a unique experience awaited. Descending steps to the basement, guests could sit at tables, and through lead-reinforced glass portions of the pavement, observe the feet of passersby, adding an element of whimsy to the tea-drinking experience.

Also sharing the ground floor was the famed Mr. R. W. Harcourt's Cafe Riche Lounge Bar. Harcourt's establishment was no ordinary bar. He proudly advertised it as "the most luxurious lounge bar in town with only the best brands of foreign and colonial liquors". This was not an overstatement. The lounge bar quickly cemented its place as one of Pretoria's premier spots, drawing crowds and attention. Such was its allure that the entire building came to be identified with it, causing the original name, Rand Investment Building, to fade into obscurity.

The Café Riche Building, with its rich history, architectural elegance, and bustling activity, encapsulates the spirit of a bygone era. It stands as a reminder of Pretoria's vibrant past and continues to inspire stories and memories for all who pass by.