In January, social media was buzzing with reports that The Njunguna’s Place, a famed Nairobi eatery, was closing after decades of existence.
The allegations arose when building work was observed at the facility.
However, the restaurant came out and cleared the air, stating that it was temporarily closing to allow for repairs.
After a year of renovations, Njuguna’s Place has reopened with a new style and a considerably larger space, including an upper seating area.
Recognising the high level of competition in the hotel industry, Njuguna’s Place has used modern interior decor along with beautiful furniture to entice clients.
The once darkly lit, smoke-filled hotel is now bright and airy, thanks to contemporary lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Additionally, the floor is formed of shadow-grey glazed tiles, which are replicated throughout the restaurant, including the stairs to the second story and patio.
For football lovers, the restaurant has strategically placed giant screens throughout the premises so that visitors can watch their favourite TV show or sports while drinking or eating at the institution.
Joseph Njuguna Macharia who passed away in August 2015 is the founder of Njuguna’s Place.
For more than three decades, he fed thousands of Kenyans on the country’s famed nyama choma from an early 20th century stone building along Waiyaki Way.
The building was built during colonial days to serve as a canteen for the Westlands community and families in the neighbouring military camp.
After establishing his business, Njuguna roasted and boiled meat by himself, made ugali, mukimo, kachumbari and also sold bread.
He did most of the work himself, never leaving everything to workers for he believed they would not do the work he had perfected over the years.
