Phat Boys joins the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge 2025
Nestled in the heart of White River, Phat Boys Beer House isn’t just another pub or restaurant, it’s a vibrant, welcoming space born from friendship, community and a deep-rooted passion for hospitality.
Phat Boys officially opened its doors to the public on December 1, 2015, but its story began long before that. The idea was sparked by four close friends who shared a mutual love for the hospitality industry. Already seasoned restaurateurs, the Naude and Elvey families each had their own establishments, but they dreamed of building something together, a space that reflected their joint values, vision and a whole lot of fun.
For years, this concept was tossed around between them until the perfect opportunity presented itself: a property in White River, formerly a clergy house from the 20th century, became available. With its charming character and ideal location, the property felt like fate, and Phat Boys Beer House was born.
Says one of the restaurant’s owners, Carmen Naudé:
“The name Phat Boys is as cheeky as it is clever. Playing off the slang “phat” (meaning excellent), we lovingly referenced our husbands’ “beer boeps” – a nod to the friendly, unpretentious vibe we wanted to cultivate. It was a playful way to let guests know that at our establishment guests can relax, laugh, eat well and feel like part of the family.”
The fun element of the restaurant is what brings Phat Boys Beer House back to the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge. They entered in 2022 and 2023 but took a break last year.
“It’s not only a lot of fun,” says Naudé, “but it also give the team a great incentive to make and serve some amazing pizzas while encouraging our loyal customers to cast their votes and get us into that top 10!”
The Phat Boys concept was never meant to be hands-off, and the owners are passionate about being involved in every detail – from the kitchen to the customer experience. Their goal is to create a local gathering spot where great food, cold drinks and genuine hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
In no time Phat Boys has become “the place where everyone knows your name.” Regulars and newcomers alike are greeted like old friends. As the saying goes: Walk in with no friends, walk out with a few more.
Today, Phat Boys is one of the most beloved pubs and restaurants in the Lowveld, offering something for everyone. Their reputation is built on excellent food with generous portions, outstanding service from a passionate team, value for money, with rotating specials that keep patrons coming back and an extensive and unusual drinks menu that’s constantly being updated
From juicy burgers and flame-grilled steaks to tempting surf ‘n turf baskets and platters, the menu is as bold and comforting as the atmosphere itself.
But it’s the Phat Boys’ pizza menu that deserves a spotlight of its own. Baked in a traditional woodfired oven using homemade dough and sauce, each “box shaped” pizza is a flavour-packed experience. From simple, satisfying classics like Margherita and Regina, to bold creations like the Cheeky Russian (chicken, Russian, garlic, onion, peppadews, sweet chili sauce and cream cheese) or the Flyhalf (Cheese focaccia topped with red onions, cherry tomatoes, basted steak strips drizzled with a balsamic reduction and sprinkled with fresh herbs), there’s something for every palate.
Even vegetarians are spoiled for choice, despite the ironic twist in names like “Chris’s Vegetarian Surprise“, which is hilariously anything but vegetarian!
At its core, Phat Boys is a story about community, laughter, shared dreams, and a love for good times. It’s about taking a chance, following a vision, and turning a fun idea into a cornerstone of local culture.
So whether you’re a local or just passing through White River, come hungry, leave happy, and maybe, just maybe, with a few new friends.
Phat Boys Beer House is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10h00 to 22h00 and closed on Sundays. It is located at 11 Chief Mgiyeni Khumalo Dr, White River. Call 013 750 0680 or email info@phatboysbeerhouse.com for bookings. Visit their website for more information.
Now in its fifth year, the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge sees the public voting for their favourite local pizzeria via a dedicated website. The restaurant with the most votes will be crowned South Africa’s favourite pizzeria, picking up the ultimate bragging rights as well as wine and marketing collateral to the value of R40 000. The top 10 restaurants will win R1,800 in vouchers plus three cases of wine to award to their top servers.
Consumers voting for their favourite venue can win a weekly prize of six bottles of Porcupine Ridge wines and EarthFire pizza accessories, with one voter selected Grand Prize Winner at the end of the competition and receiving an EarthFire Tabletop Pizza Oven, pizza for a year (to the value of R2 000) and five cases of Porcupine Ridge Wines, for a combined value of R10 000. Vote here.
The competition kicked off on September 1 with the last day of voting being October 31 and the top 10 announced in mid-November.
