A gastronomic novelty -- dining 50-metres high in the sky

Popular in more than 60 countries around the world including Australia, Japan, India, Dubai and China to name a few, South Africa's version of 'Dinner in the Sky' has introduced a new gastronomic treat - 50-metres high in the sky.

The novelty restaurant, 'Higher Ground' offers customers an opportunity to experience panoramic views of Johannesburg's skyline, with a sunset backdrop while enjoying a gourmet three-course dinner, accompanied by fine wine and soft music.

The table is suspended at a height of more than 50m from the ground by crane and executed by a team of professionals for 90 minutes.

Guests are lifted high in the air on an open platform, which is suspended from a construction crane & held up by cables.

The table seats 22 people and three staff, including a waiter and entertainer.

"The crazy thing about dining, dining at 55 meters up, you and the clouds, having drinks up in the clouds and having fun so I've just been pushing along so the first business model failed so I own the restaurant and dinner in the sky and the two work together you know, I've got the back end and the front end and so ya, it's become very popular, we do between 150 and 176 people per day that we operate," said Higher Ground's owner, Mark Burger.

The sky dining concept was first introduced in 2006 by entrepreneurs, David Ghysels and Steven Kerkhofs, and has gone on to become a global dining phenomenon over the years.

Burger started the franchise almost five years ago, after it failed to gain success from its previous owners.

Since its rise in popularity, adventure seekers from all over the world have made it a top go-to spot for private functions, dinners and meetings.

Though leaving the table is not an option, diners can enjoy the beautiful scenery

"It's almost just being on top of the world, really for me hey? I'm just loving seeing Joburg in these lenses, that I've never thought that we had such a beautiful city you know, so many trees around - loving it," said one diner, Siya Msimango.

"Well, the experience is quite different, you having you dinner, having a look at the whole of Johannesburg and seeing the city around you, seeing the trees around you, watching the sunset and being able to see, having the eye bird view, being on top of everything," added another diner Mpho Ramomotsi.

A seat at the Sky Dining table varies according to the menu however a standard dinner costs less than $70.


"If you look at our price structure compared to the rest of the world, if you went to the Big Wheel in London, the same meal that you've experienced today, the 3 course meal will cost you nearly R4000. Where here you at R975 for one and a half hours experience and there (London) you've got an hour's experience," said Burger.

He added that the pricing is aimed at accommodating customers across different price points to avoid making the experience inaccessible, especially to locals who cannot afford to pay top dollar.

Burger hopes to expand his franchise into neighbouring countries, such as Botswana.




VIDEO SHOWS: #SKY-DINING CUSTOMERS BEING LIFTED INTO THE AIR/ STAFF MAKING COCKTAILS AND SERVING DINERS/ INTERVIEW WITH DINERS AND THE OWNER, MARK BURGER/ #JOHANNESBURG SKYLINE IN THE DAY AND AT NIGHT

50-metres