Funky Lab Gives Caribbean Flair

The Caribbean beach is certainly one of the most loved places on planet Earth.

A blissful Caribbean beach bar experience is something that many people have sought for decades. Funky Lab Social Café, located on Independence Avenue in Windhoek, opened its new Caribbean-styled bar just a few weeks ago.

With various lookalikes just as the Caribbean beach, many youngsters are heading straight to the hottest hangout spot to kick back and relax. The Caribbean bar is designed uniquely to satisfy everyone.

The Social Café now has three bars – the others are the Island and DJ bars. The open staircase is one of the first things that attract the visitor’s attention. Open staircases have become increasingly popular and offer a contemporary look.

The only challenge that staircases often have is the worry of losing your step, especially after an evening of having one too many alcoholic beverages. This however does not seem to bother the regulars at all.

“I always watch my step. I would advise others who have any doubts to ask for assistance from the staff. They are all friendly and always willing to help,” one guest, Claudine Ndakondja says.

Thomas Nakasole, manager at Funky Lab, is a huge believer in supporting local talent. Painter Taanyanda Matheus from the Omusati region showcased his creativity on the inside walls. His painting consists of various Caribbean beach looks such as the ocean, dolphins, palm trees, beach sand, boats and balloons.

In-house DJs Paul Natz, B Mix and Suny Muny entertain the audience on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Guests are also entertained by live bands such as Taps, Joe and Lau on Sundays.

“I love live music. I want people to feel the rhythm that live music offers. Live music is great to relax people after a long week. Our older clients are mostly more into live music and old school, so we want everyone to be part of the experience of Funky Lab, especially at the Caribbean bar,” Nakasole said.

Nakasole said his initial idea was to open the bar at Walvis Bay, but he changed his plans due to the Covid-19 lockdown. “I will still open the bar at a later stage in Walvis Bay. Renovations are under way. It was always my dream to open a bar that has a sky view. I got the idea for the Caribbean bar a few years ago when I was in Johannesburg,” Nakasole said.

The Social Cafe has a kitchen that caters for all sorts of food, from pizza, steaks, chips, hot dogs, Oshiwambo chicken, hot chicken wings and burgers to pap and stew and kapana, all at affordable prices.

Pizzas are priced from N$60 to N$120, with different flavours such as Mexicana, Hawaiian, vegetarian, Margherita, chicken mushroom and pepperoni. Kapana goes for as little as N$30 a portion. Although there are very few good things happening in the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nakasole said the pandemic has inspired him to open the bar.

“Having three bars will certainly help to curb the peak of Covid-19, as it prevents large gatherings from taking place in one area. We have various health and safety measures put in place to ensure that everyone is safe.

“We have a no-entry-without-mask rule, we however also sell masks at the main entrance. Staff also walk around regularly sanitising clients’ hands,” Nakasole said.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many social cafés to shut down, Nakasole said he opened the bar because he wants to inspire those in the industry to not give up on their dreams.

“Yes, it is not an easy time for our industry now, but this does not mean we need to give up. We have to find ways to stay active,” he said.

Nakasole plans to make the place bigger and better by opening a bottle store, snack bar and clothing shop.

“The clothing shop is for local brands to sell their work. We will sell the items for them with no additional costs. I want to support the industry and help it grow,” Nakasole said.

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