Afton Restaurant

The Afton Restaurant operates from what is still regarded as Howick’s finest surviving settler residence. 

This double storey building remains a beautiful and lovingly maintained example of the town’s Victorian history.  The house was built in 1885 for Howick’s first Doctor, Julius von Mengerhausen and accommodated the von Mengerhausen family home and a hospital.  

Dr. von Mengerhausen was both a qualified Doctor and Chemist. He saw service in the Franco Prussian war of 1870 before moving to South Africa with his young wife, and finally arrived in Howick in 1884 where he practiced until 1918.  A much loved an appreciated member of the community, many artefacts from his medical practice are now housed in the Howick Museum. It is interesting to note that two other Doctors followed Dr von Mengerhausen as owners of the house; Doctor Edlington from 1919 and then the Hyslop’s from 1924; in 2007 we still have a Dr Hyslop practicing in Howick. 

Since 1924, the Afton has undergone many changes. Now, the Afton is regarded as one of Howick’s finest eateries; a gracious old building which offers an excellent menu and unobtrusive service.  For a feast of fine food, affordable prices and an ambience of yester-year, visit the Afton which is open between Wednesday and Sunday.