(Johannesburg, 10 July 2023) —Step into a world where high fashion meets championship horse racing to create the ultimate see-and-be-seen event in South Africa’s social calendar. Welcome to the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July, where Greyville Racecourse was transformed with luxury marquees featuring lounges, parties, and dining venues. This year, Disoufeng collaborated with Bisquit & Dubouché to treat their A-list attendees to a curated buffet, cognac tasting experience, private betting tote facilities, screens broadcasting a live feed, and the highly-anticipated local debut of one of Camapri’s prestige cognacs, Grand Marnier. 

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Of the partnership, Ryan George, Marketing Manager of Campari Group, says, “Disoufeng is one of Bisquit & Dubouché’s lighthouse venues, housing an exclusive Bisquit & Dubouché VIP lounge at their A-class pub and restaurant in Soweto. Disoufeng is known for being a purveyor of excellence within the entertainment industry and is known for attracting SA’s best talents. Being the home of good food, good music and good people, the prospect of collaborating for the Durban July was a no-brainer.”

In the build-up to the big day, Norman Goodfellows and Disoufeng ran competitions for fashion enthusiasts and cognac connoisseurs alike, where they could stand to win a luxury weekend at the Durban July. Then, the day before the event, Bisquit & Dubouché put together a lavish pre-dinner at Mary & Joe, another of Campari’s exclusive outlets. Here, 33 selected guests—including competition winners—were treated to an unforgettable evening hosted by the brand. This exclusive pre-dinner event served as an exciting preview of the splendour that awaited the next day.

Guests were welcomed to the marquee with curated cocktails showcasing Grand Marnier.

At the Durban July, the VIP marquee was adorned with grey and blue couches, exquisite white chairs, chandeliers, and billowing white curtains. The star-studded guest list included A-listers like Somizi, Stokie, Kelvin Momo, DJ Young, Sir Trill, Lunathi Mampofu, Nobantu Vilakazi, Vetkuk Mahoota, Vinny Da Vinci, DJ Christos, Thebe, Milkshake, Spectacula and DJ Naves, Last Born, Bigsky, Stoks, Chai Latte, Brian Temba, Lebo Molax, The Billionaires, Crazy Black Dude, Refiloe Motsei, Bongani Drama, Lastborn, Tshepo Jnr, and Njomane. 

Lunathi Mampofu enjoying one of the cocktails at the VIP marquee.

As guests arrived, they were greeted with two welcome cocktails, Autumn Sip and The Grand Tour, and a premium bar service until 6pm. Each cocktail showcased Campari’s Grand Marnier, A premium cognac, infused with orange essence. One unforgettable highlight was the Bisquit & Dubouché Tasting Experience, an immersive and sensorial journey that unfolded throughout the day. Guided by Orefile Sealetsa, Brand Ambassador for Campari, this sensory delight paired Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP with handcrafted chocolates from Von Geusau Chocolatier. Throughout the educational journey, Orefile accentuated the nuanced aromas and delicate tasting notes that dance within each sip of Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP.

Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP and Von Geusau Chocolatier pairing.

Culinary excellence reigned supreme throughout the event with an all-day premium buffet for guests to enjoy. Disoufeng’s delicious offerings included succulent lamb curry, butter chicken, hake, roast beef, and an array of vegetarian options, including vegetable lasagne, roast butternut, country vegetables, potato salad, and Greek salad. For those craving sushi, Soweto’s world-class mobile sushi bar, Johnitto’s Sushi, offered a wide variety of selections, including vegan and vegetarian options.

Andile Ndunge (digital content creator) and Lubabalo Mxalisa (photographer, content creator & entrepreneur)

This was Bisquit & Dubouché’s first time at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and this inaugural appearance is just the beginning of the relationship between Bisquit & Dubouché and this iconic event. While this year’s Hollywood bets Durban July has come and gone, follow Bisquit & Dubouché on Instagram to keep up with more exclusive events and product launches