The Hub: Watch a movie, get a book and enjoy a great meal

Malls are one’s best friends because they save one the hustle of moving to different places for services. Likewise the Hub enables one enjoy a movie, book shop and have a meal at Kawa Lounge.

It took a while before the Hub opened in Oasis Mall and many people were wondering if in fact the cinema complex would ever come to fruition. Three movie houses under one roof seemed like a farfetched idea, in addition to which there would be a modern bookstore and a café. It is now coming to one year, and looking at the results, the accomplishment is impressive and, from what I gather, proving to be a success.

Some of us who grew up loving the big screen, back in the 60’s whilst living in New York, fondly remember seeing the likes of Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty and so many other fine actors. In those days, movies were the in thing and we would line up for hours on end to see premieres featuring the great actors and actresses of the day. Mind you, video halls were unheard of during those days and it was very much in vogue to go on a date and see a movie.

Today, it is another story altogether and with VIP seating costing Shs 35,000 while steerage class is Shs20,000 this pretty much rules out the hoi polloi who undoubtedly feel more at home in the local video hall where entrance costs a song!

The menu is no brainier
It is only logical to assume that those who go to movies will wish to eat and no need to guess who frequents Kawa Lounge with much frequency; cinema goers. Wisely, the menu on offer is straight forward with a minimum of items from which to choose. And yes, popcorn (a must for movie buffs) is available though they did not seem to know about the buttered! On this occasion, we had not come to the movies and on a Sunday afternoon, the place is far from busy though I am told that this is not the case in the evenings. Scanning the menu, I chose the only pork item that comprised a couple of skewers and looking at the price, a cool Shs25, 000, wondered whether I would be satisfied? The answer was a gratifying yes though the fries were definitely a child’s portion. As an afterthought, I gave them the benefit of the doubt, agreeing that movie goers would most likely fall asleep on a full stomach!

Tasty but wanting portions
Fellow trencherman chose the Chicken Milanese which is basically breaded chicken that is dipped in an egg and cheese and turned out to be surprisingly tasty. The fish fingers were enough for a toddler and far from being over done and dry, were perfect. While the portions for the main course may have appeared to be wanting, this was more than ably compensated when it came to the desserts. We had a white chocolate cake and chocolate fudge both turned out to be gargantuan in portions. By way of accompaniment I chose a large coffee cappuccino while my companion had African tea that not only came piping hot in an elegant, white porcelain teapot, but was enough for two!

The food is good and the service friendly and they are open every day of the week. Kawa Lounge is a pleasant place to repose when you are in the Mall and hanker for a bite in a pleasant, cozy and private environment.

The place: Kawa Lounge, the Hub, Oasis Mall
Our Rating: Worth a visit
The Space: Rustic and unpretentious with the floor bedecked with wooden planks from the Budongo forest that gives the place a feeling of unbridled character
The Crowd: Cinema goers and shoppers from the mall
The Bar: Very good coffee, and an array of juices and sodas
The menu: Nothing elaborate, more what I would term as being basic.
Sound level: Pleasant and agreeable
The check: A meal for two with coffee is around Shs 50,000
Parking: In the basement and forecourt.
Daily Specials: Ask the waiter
Smoke free zone: Not allowed
What we liked: A nice alternative to the proverbial shopping mall food courts. It is nice to know that in a busy mall such as Oasis Mall, on can find a place that offer tranquility, decent food and be far away from the maddening crowd.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com