FAMILY FRIENDLY: There is something for everyone from bouncy castles and swings for little ones to fun nights for adults, writes Edgar R. Batte
Anyone can be tempted to make a turn to this hangout. The environment at Temptations is inviting, with well-maintained lawns and organised seats that share space with trees and big hut. There is a children’s play area on the upper side, in the gardens.
Further on is a kitchen and grilling stoves simmering with different types of meats. There is a middle-aged guy skilfully turning the meat into tasty muchomo. Temptations is open for anyone because there is something for everyone.
You can enjoy oldies music on Mondays, get tickled by comedians on Tuesdays under the dub Bonna Baseke (let everyone laugh) and on Friday, there is a beer rush where you can enjoy all beers at Shs2,500.
Be sure to catch costume parties every Saturday, for example the UG Party where local dishes, local brew like kwete, tonto, malwa etc, are served. During the night, deejays play strictly Ugandan music all night long. On Saturdays, you will catch other theme nights like the Jungle party and Bikini Night.
Sundays don’t have to be dreary. You can take the little ones out for a family day out. There is a play area for children, traditional or local food is available and later on in the evening, there is a movie to catch on the projector and plasma screens.
There is kimere every day of the week. The muchomo is worth tasting and is affordable. The gardens and lounge are big enough accommodate up to 800 people. Its hearts that fail to fit in spaces, bodies can fit always.
The proprietor, Dr Innocent Nahabwe, says Temptations is open daily, so the doors are just for decoration. If it is not a Friday where you can get a beer at Shs2,500 then you will part with 4k. Sodas go for 2k. The bar is well-stocked with a variety of wines and spirits. If you enjoy cocktails, you just have to name your choice.
Temptations changed names from Virgin Island more than a year ago. Temptations fits for a name because the set-up has gardens and hide outs, which brings the idea of the biblical Garden of Eden to mind.
Before switching names, Dr Nahabwe says he discussed the name with fellow directors and friends and agreed that the place is dark enough to allow revellers to get tempted to enjoy a drink, a meal, play pool or simply lay low.
“Besides there were no more virgins in Bugolobi,” he jokes. Anyway, with the National Housing flats opening just in the hangout’s backyard, the proprietors thought it strategic to rebrand it into a more family friendly place.
“We added bouncing castles, children’s swimming pool and swings in addition to bar, barbeque and theme nights. We were rebranding from a youth hangout to a family hangout. We are opening Virgin Island again in Kabalagala soon,” Nahabwe discloses.
Nights don’t have to be cold. There is a campfire during evenings for you to catch up with friends as you enjoy a cold one and chat about everything or nothing at all.