It was a popular restaurant, sports bar, and nightclub in Umhlanga, operating for many years and especially prominent in the nightlife scene during the 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s. It was located near the beachfront (around 2 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga), close to the Beverly Hills Hotel, and served as a go-to place for dining, drinks, and late-night partying. People remember it fondly as part of classic Durban/Umhlanga nightlife.
- It combined a restaurant vibe (sometimes described as Irish-style) with a lively club atmosphere, including music and dancing.
- There are old photos and mentions of it as a coastal spot with views, popular for after-work crowds and holidays.
- By around 2013, there were reports of noise complaints from residents, leading to issues with the municipality (including a closure notice for related venues), which likely contributed to its eventual closure.
It appears to be no longer operating today—it’s often mentioned in nostalgia posts, “places we miss” discussions on forums like Facebook groups about Durban history, or Reddit threads about closed Durban spots.
Note: There’s also a separate modern venue called The Joint / The Cotton Club on Marine Parade in South Beach, Durban (a café/restaurant with beach views), but that’s different from the Umhlanga Cottonfields. And “Cottonfields” also names a retirement/security complex in Glen Hills, Durban North, but that’s unrelated to any club.
If you’re looking for memories, photos, or similar current spots in Durban/Umhlanga nightlife, let me know! 😊