Raise Your Glass to Joburg’s Hidden Gems

Hey there! So, you’re on the lookout for some cool spots to grab a drink in Joburg? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s forget about the well-known places for a moment and explore the city’s hidden treasure trove of watering holes.

Now, I gotta be honest with you – it’s not always easy to find these hidden gems. But trust me, the adventure is well worth it. You get to experience something different, away from the hustle and bustle of the popular spots.

So, where do you start? Well, let me give you a little tip. One of the key things to consider is the atmosphere. These unique places have their own vibe, you know? They’re cozy, they’re laid-back, and they make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret hideaway.

But it’s not just about the atmosphere. The drinks menu is also an important factor. You’ll find a whole range of options – from expertly crafted cocktails to local craft beers. Whatever your taste, you’re bound to discover something that tickles your fancy.

And let’s not forget about the staff. In these hidden bars, you’re likely to find passionate and knowledgeable people who take pride in what they do. They can recommend the perfect drink for you and maybe even share a fascinating story or two.

Now, I can’t give everything away at once. After all, half the fun is discovering these places for yourself. But I can assure you that if you’re willing to step off the beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable night out.

So, what are you waiting for? Raise your glass to Joburg’s lesser-known watering holes and embark on a journey of exploration. Cheers!

Hey, let me show you a cool way to balance your work and personal life by exploring some amazing hidden gems in Joburg. You won’t find these places advertised on big billboards, and that’s what makes them so special. Each spot has its own vibe and serves some of the tastiest beer you’ll ever try.

The Radium Beer Hall

The Radium Beer Hall, situated on Louis Botha Avenue in Orange Grove, is a legendary establishment and Joburg’s oldest surviving bar. Locals consider it an important part of their town’s history, and it has also gained a reputation among visitors from other countries.

The Radium Beer Hall has a fascinating origin story. It began as the Radium Tea Room in 1929, providing alcohol to people of color in defiance of the racist laws of the time. In 1942, it obtained a liquor license and became The Radium Beer Hall. The bar counter itself has its own tales to tell. It was salvaged from the Ferreirasdorp Hotel, which was supposed to be demolished during World War 2 to make room for the present-day Magistrates Courts. One of its most noteworthy uses was as a tomato box by activist Pick Handle Mary in 1922 when she used it as a platform to inspire striking miners. It’s hard to believe that a simple tomato box could serve such a purpose!

In 1986, Manny Cabeleira became the third owner of The Radium. However, he sadly passed away in 2021. Despite this loss, The Radium’s spirit lives on through his widow, Lina Cabeleira. When I spoke with Lina on a rainy day in Joburg, she shared with me how The Radium was always Manny’s dream. Music has always played a vital role in The Radium’s atmosphere, and now that restrictions are easing up, the lineup of acts is once again filling up. I can’t wait for the return of the weekly jazz nights.

As I sit at Pick Handle Mary’s runway, drink in hand, I strike up a conversation with Sonnyboy Dube, the barkeep. Sonnyboy has been working at The Radium for 12 years and takes great pride in the bar’s rich history. He tells me about all the young men who have passed through the doors with their fathers and later returned as fathers themselves. It’s amazing to hear how The Radium has played a part in their lives. By the way, do you remember those hilarious Savanna adverts featuring Barry Hilton? Well, the bar and its counter were actually used in those commercials!

Make sure you take a moment to check out the newspaper headline posters at The Radium. They’re displayed behind the stage and have been collected over the years. These posters have a unique way of capturing the spirit of the times with their witty satirical style. They’re sure to transport you back in time and bring a smile to your face.

You can find The Radium Beer Hall at 282 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove. If you have any questions, feel free to give them a call at (011) 728 3866.

The Point of View

I’ve always found how others perceive the world around them fascinating. Everyone has their own unique way of seeing things, and I believe that understanding different perspectives can broaden our horizons and help us grow as individuals.

When I try to put myself in someone else’s shoes, I start to question the way I’ve always thought about things – it’s like a mental adventure that challenges my assumptions and makes me see the world in new and exciting ways.

For instance, have you ever stopped to think about how the same object or event can be viewed so differently by different people? I find it mind-boggling how something can be seen as beautiful by one person while another person sees it as completely ordinary or even ugly. It reminds me that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

And it’s not just objects that can be interpreted differently – stories, ideas, and even emotions can have varied meanings depending on the person experiencing them. Take love, for example. Some people may see it as a joyful and uplifting emotion, while others may see it as a source of pain and heartbreak. The same goes for success, failure, and all the other complex aspects of life.

This diversity in perception is what makes life so interesting. It’s like a kaleidoscope of different viewpoints, each one valid and worth exploring. By being open to different perspectives, we can learn from one another and expand our own understanding of the world.

So, the next time you come across a different point of view, I encourage you to embrace it. See it as an opportunity to learn something new and challenge your own beliefs. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new way of looking at the world.

Back in 1897, Sir Thomas Cullinan built The View in Parktown for his family. This remarkable house is one of the oldest still standing in Joburg. However, it’s not just a historic building – it’s also the home of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment, which is pretty cool!

The regiment was first formed in 1902, when soldiers who had fought in the Second Anglo-Boer war decided to band together. Many of these brave warriors were from Scottish units, hence the name. From that point on, the regiment saw action in pretty much every major conflict the South African Army was involved in, including World Wars 1 and 2, as well as the South African Border War.

Speaking of Cullinan, did you know there’s a town near Pretoria with the same name? It’s true! If you’re curious about what Cullinan has to offer, check out some of the exciting things you can do there.

Hey there! I gotta tell you about this amazing place called The View. It’s a blast from the past, all beautifully restored and ready for you to check out. Let me set the scene for you.

When you walk in, it’s like stepping into history. The rooms are filled with all kinds of cool stuff that’ll take you back in time. It’s like a museum, but way more interactive.

I should mention the upper floor. That’s where you’ll find a museum with all sorts of artifacts. It’s chock-full of interesting things to see and learn about.

Now, let’s talk about the bar. It’s stocked with all the good stuff. They serve up a limited menu of classic pub grub. Just ask the bartender, Blessing Ngwenya, what’s on the menu for the day. No fancy, laminated menus here. It’s all about keeping it casual and friendly.

Oh, and let me tell you about Blessing. He’s been working at The View for thirteen years. He’s seen it all, including the renovations in 2010. The walls, with their beautiful paint details, were lovingly recreated by hand. Talk about dedication!

In conclusion, if you’re into history, artifacts, and good food, The View is the place for you. Swing by and take a step back in time.

As you climb the stairs to the upper floor, make sure to pause and take in the breathtaking sight of the Delville Wood Cross. This magnificent cross, crafted from a tree from the French forest, serves as a tribute to the brave South African soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Delville Wood during World War 1. Inside the museum, you’ll also find a cloak once owned by Emperor Haile Selassie, which was generously donated to the Transvaal Scottish Regiment after the liberation of Abyssinia.

You can find The View at 18 Ridge Road, Parktown. If you have any inquiries, feel free to give them a call at (011) 643 2961.

Now, let’s move on to another amazing rooftop spot: The Rooftop at Hallmark House.

Check out this picture of Hallmark House. It’s a cool building in New Doornfontein, right next to the Maboneng Precinct. Can you believe it used to be a diamond polishing factory back in the 1970s? But now, it’s been transformed into something totally different.

Guess who led the makeover? It was none other than Sir David Adjaye, an amazing architect from Ghana and Britain. He’s worked on some really famous projects, like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. That’s pretty impressive, right?

So, what’s Hallmark House all about now? Well, it’s got a bunch of things going on. There are cozy apartments where people live, a fancy hotel for visitors, and even a cool jazz club. But you know what really caught my attention? The rooftop bar on the 15th floor.

Let me tell you, the Rooftop at Hallmark House is something special. When you go up there, you’re treated to a magnificent view that goes all the way around. 360 degrees of pure awesomeness! You can see the heart of the Joburg CBD and even catch the most breathtaking sunsets. It’s like magic.

If you go in the evening, they’ve got a DJ there to set the mood with some cool tunes. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the city lights as they come alive. It’s a time to relax, take it easy, and think about life here in Rand.

When I climbed up to the rooftop, I had the pleasure of meeting barkeep Mbongeni Moyo. He told me how the breathtaking views from up there have given him a newfound appreciation for the City of Gold. Let me tell you, The Rooftop at Hallmark House is hands down one of the coolest places in Joburg, and it’s perfect for catching up with friends.

If you happen to spot one of Joburg’s famous thunderstorms rolling in, make sure you make a beeline for The Rooftop at Hallmark House. Trust me, it’s like scoring front-row tickets to an A-list VIP event. You’ll have the best seat in the house to witness Mother Nature’s spectacular light show.

You can find The Rooftop at Hallmark House at 54 Siemert Road, New Doornfontein. If you have any questions, just give them a call at (010) 591 2879.

Cheers To That!

Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for some cool places to hang out in Joburg, I’ve got you covered. No need to waste your weekends wondering what to do – I’ve got a bunch of hidden gems up my sleeve.

Let’s face it, sometimes we all need a change of scenery. Whether it’s meeting up with old friends or exploring new spots, Joburg has an abundance of hidden watering holes just waiting to be discovered.

Forget about the same old bars and restaurants you always go to – it’s time to spice things up! And lucky for you, I know just the places to do that.

Grab your buddies or fly solo, it’s all up to you. We’ve got options for every mood and occasion. From cozy pubs with great live music to trendy cocktail lounges with Instagram-worthy decor, there’s something for everyone.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – where do I even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ll be your guide, showing you the way to these hidden gems.

And hey, if you want some company, just give me a shout. I’m always up for exploring new places and trying out new drinks. Who knows, we might just discover our new favorite spot together.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the town and raise a glass to good times and great company!

Pictures: Ryan Enslin

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