For those of us who romanticise beautiful spaces, good music, and the quiet confidence of a well-set table, you’ll understand this feeling:
There’s something about a new, aesthetically pleasing spot opening in Maseru that feels like possibility.
Over the years, Maseru’s culinary and lifestyle scene has evolved. Slowly. Intentionally. And beautifully. We’ve watched our capital grow from “limited options” to curated experiences — places where you can dress up, lean into the music, order a proper cocktail, and feel like you’re part of something global yet grounded in Lesotho.
November 2025 added a new chapter to that story with the soft launch of News Café Maseru.
And for me?
It felt personal.
The Brand Behind the Vibe
Founded in 1995 by the Fournews Group, with its first branch opening in Hatfield, News Café grew into one of South Africa’s most recognisable lifestyle restaurant brands. Over three decades, it expanded across South Africa and into neighbouring countries like Botswana, Gaborone, and now, Maseru in Lesotho.
News Café isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a hybrid space — part cocktail bar, part dining experience, part entertainment hub. It’s known for its bold interior design, curated playlists, striking aesthetics, and that unmistakable “News Café energy.”
If you know, you know.
My Personal News Café Story
My relationship with the brand didn’t start in Maseru. It began in 2004/2005.
I was a high school student in Bloemfontein, often passing by News Café at Loch Logan Waterfront. I wasn’t old enough to be part of that world yet — but I was observant. I watched the confidence. The fashion. The conversations. The energy.
I remember thinking: One day, I’ll belong in spaces like this.
Fast forward to university at the University of Pretoria in Hatfield. My friend and I would save up just enough money to afford cocktails at News Café. The crowd was mostly young professionals — people who were earning, building careers, living.
We weren’t quite there yet.
But we were inspired.
We would order our favourite cocktail — the Psycho Jack — nurse it strategically to extend our stay, and stretch our student budgets just enough to feel part of the experience. On good weeks, after surviving semester tests and assignments, we would even order food and celebrate ourselves.
Those evenings were not just about drinks.
They were about aspiration.
News Café represented a lifestyle we were working toward.
A Full-Circle Moment in Maseru
So when I heard that News Café was opening in Maseru, I didn’t just see another restaurant. I saw a full-circle moment.
And then came the honour: I was invited to host the grand launch on 12 February 2026.
As a corporate master of ceremonies, I’m intentional about the spaces I align with. Hosting the launch of a brand that had quietly shaped parts of my young adulthood felt deeply aligned with the Escapes with TKay journey — growth, evolution, and stepping into rooms you once dreamed about.
The opening night? Electric.
Legendary South African DJ, DJ Fresh, headlined the event, delivering a set that transcended generations. Old-school house from the early ’90s blended seamlessly with early 2000s anthems and current chart-toppers. He performed alongside a live guitarist — a detail that elevated the entire experience.
The restaurant was fully packed: corporate Lesotho, dignitaries, influencers, entrepreneurs, creatives — Maseru’s cool crowd.
We danced.
We sang along.
We showed up.
For one night, Maseru felt global — yet unmistakably ours.
The Bigger Conversation: What This Means for Maseru
But here’s where I want Escapes with TKay to sit differently from a typical lifestyle review.
A new establishment opening is exciting — yes.
But sustainability is the real story.
For News Café Maseru to thrive, it requires two things:
- Support from us — the patrons. Showing up beyond launch night. Booking the dinners. Hosting the meetings. Celebrating milestones there.
- Consistency from the brand — protecting the experience, maintaining service standards, curating the vibe, and delivering excellence consistently.
Maseru is evolving. But evolution requires participation.
If we want our city to compete regionally — with Johannesburg, Pretoria, Gaborone — then we must build a culture of supporting businesses that raise the bar.
And businesses must honour that support with quality.
That’s how lifestyle ecosystems are built.
My Honest Take
Here’s what stood out for me:
- The aesthetic stays true to the News Café brand DNA.
- The entertainment standard is high — and that sets the tone.
- The positioning feels aspirational yet accessible.
For Basotho who have experienced News Café across the border, this is familiar territory.
For non-Basotho visiting Lesotho, this is a recognizable lifestyle anchor — a place that signals, “You’re still in Southern Africa’s premium circuit.”
And for young professionals in Maseru?
This could become one of those aspirational spaces — the same way it once was for me.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes — with the understanding that lifestyle spaces are living ecosystems. They grow through community and consistency.
If you’re visiting Maseru and want:
- A lively dinner setting
- A polished cocktail experience
- A space that transitions from restaurant to nightlife seamlessly
News Café Maseru is worth adding to your list.
And if you’re local?
Maybe this is your Psycho Jack season — the space where you dare to imagine your next level.
Until then,
Stay trailblazing. ✨
About Escapes with TKay:
Escapes with TKay explores the intersection of finance, travel, and becoming — offering practical money insights, honest travel storytelling, and reflections on designing a life of intention, freedom, and sustainability.
