Woolworths, in collaboration with Between U & I, Botswana’s pioneering curator of pop-up dining events, hosted their experiential event of 2025 titled Summer Escape this past Saturday.
The celebration was attended by an illustrious guestlist, including Botswana’s leading influencers, content creators and media. The occasion also served as a platform to spotlight Botswana’s homegrown talent in fine dining and blended food with fashion, beauty, and homeware décor.
Set against the backdrop of Botswana’s blue-skies and scenic Mokolodi, the glitzy event was a feast for the senses. The setting was perfectly complemented by Woolworths homeware range, creating a stylish and comfortable setting that set the tone for fine dining and living.
Guests were treated to a multi-sensory journey, featuring a Sicilian-inspired menu masterfully crafted by Between U & I. The flavourful Italian food was paired with Woolworths’ expertly curated wine selections, with each sip gracefully enhancing the richness of the meal.
Woolworths beauty products enhanced the glow of the event, through a dedicated WBeauty pop-up area where the attendees indulged in the retailer’s full-range of cosmetics, including live make-up demonstrations, and tried products first-hand. Guests were given a glimpse of Woolworths’ summer-ready fashion.
To capture the essence of the day and preserve its exquisite memories, Botswana’s leading influencers brought the event to life with interactive selfie opportunities, insights and tips ‘n tricks. Botswana’s beauty influencer Gosego Katai, celebrated food influencer Kenneth Middleton, lifestyle influencers Marang Selolwane and Kennedy Thal and other content creators actively documented the event, sharing picturesque moments and behind-the-scenes highlights shared on social media, using the hashtag #WoolworthsBotswana and #BetweenUandI.
For Woolworths the highlight of the event was its support of local sourcing and suppliers in Botswana. From the use of locally grown citrus fruits to working with creative partners, Woolworths continues to expand its local product portfolio in Botswana, while fostering meaningful collaborations.
“We’re not only showcasing the best of Woolworths’ food, fashion, beauty, and homeware, but also building partnerships that celebrate Botswana’s creativity and talent,” said a Woolworths spokesperson. “Our ongoing relationship with Between U & I reflects our commitment to creating relevant, immersive lifestyle experiences for our customers.”
“At Between U & I, we believe that every table tells a story of our people, our land, and our culture,” said Uyapo Ketogetswe, Founder and Curator of Between U & I. With Woolworths bringing homeware, beauty, and fashion alongside food, the Summer Escape becomes a truly immersive experience. It’s about showing how Botswana’s story can be told one table at a time, not only through flavours, but through the spaces we create, the beauty we celebrate, and the lifestyle we share. Together, we’re elevating culinary tourism and positioning Botswana as a destination where culture and creativity meet.
Between U & I has quickly become a standout on Botswana’s cultural scene. More than just beautifully plated meals, the platform is pioneering a movement to position Botswana as a destination for immersive food and lifestyle tourism, celebrating the richness of local talent, ingredients, and creativity on a global stage.
Looking ahead, Woolworths and Between U & I plan to continue their series of events, strengthening their footprint in Botswana and building platforms that uplift local communities, talent, and suppliers.
