Pub entertainment in Africa
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A
Mystic Boer
Bloem’s most popular long-standing pub and live-music venue provides an eccentric twist to Afrikaner culture – check out the psychedelic pictures of long-bearded Boers on the walls. One ‘big’ band plays per month, and there are regular gigs by unsigned rock and hip-hop outfits. The bar specialises in tequila, while pizza and burgers provide the fuel.
reviewed
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B
Capital Pub
An infamous imbibing institution in Kabalagala, this is cut from the same cloth as Al's. Check out the elaborate eaved roof at the back, with nearly a dozen pool tables, making getting a game that much easier. This place is always busy and has more than its fair share of pushy prostitutes from all over the region, but most of them troop off to Al's by the early hours.
reviewed
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C
Fireman’s Arms
Boxed in by new apartment blocks, this old-time survivor (here since 1906) is likely to be around for a while longer. Inside, the Rhodesian and old South African flags remain pinned up alongside a collection of firemen’s helmets and old ties. Come to watch rugby on the big-screen TV, grab some seriously tasty pizza or just down a lazy pint or two.
reviewed
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D
Eastwood’s
This hugely popular pub is often packed, especially at lunch time and after work hours. There’s a large outdoor deck, and banquette seating and a big bar inside. It has won the ‘best pub in Pretoria’ award several times and has good-value steak-and-beer deals, such as a 500g T-bone and a Castle beer for R49.
reviewed
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E
Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House & Brewery
Check all airs and graces at the door of South Africa’s oldest microbrewery (est. 1983 in Kysna) serving a variety of freshly brewed ales and good-value meals. Their ‘Old Wobbly’ packs an alcoholic punch. Next door you’ll find another pub, Ferryman’s Tavern.
reviewed
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F
London's Pub
A Tangerine dream of Olde England, this theme pub has a reassuringly long wooden-and-brass bar, and a good host of beers that try to deceive you into thinking you're within earshot of the chimes of Big Ben. It almost succeeds. A bar singer belts out a song or two, but sadly not 'Roll out the barrel'.
reviewed
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G
Castle Hotel
This historic pub, dating from 1900, has three rooms once frequented by the lawyers, police and criminals who lived and worked in the area that it once bordered: District Six. Expect political incorrectness, nicotine-stained walls and cheap booze. There's a surprisingly smart restaurant upstairs .
reviewed
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H
Jockey Pub
The Hilton's house boozer is a cosy English-style hostelry, but nonguests are subject to a hefty minimum-spend requirement. There's a free yard of ale if you can drink it in under three minutes without stopping, a feat possibly not to be attempted on a full stomach.
reviewed
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I
Perseverance Tavern
This convivial heritage-listed pub, which is affectionately known as Persies and has been around since 1808, was once Cecil Rhodes’ local. There are six beers on tap and you can order decent pub grub, such as fish and chips (R47).
reviewed
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J
Pub 28
The ex-pats in Zamalek are always coming and going, though this wooden, Brit-inspired drinking den has been serving up cold pints and whiskey on the rocks for quite some time, and certainly isn’t in danger of packing up anytime soon.
reviewed
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Oppikoppi Bar
On Magasyn Hill (opposite the Voortrekker Monument), this is one of the best-located pubs in Pretoria. The views over the city are great, particularly at sunset, and they offer DIY braais (barbecues).
reviewed
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Fagin's Pub
This extremely popular, down-to-earth watering hole is reminiscent of a US truckies' stop, complete with jocular staff, a faithful clientele and evening videos of your day's adrenaline activities.
reviewed
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K
Brown Frog
Popular with nongovernment organisation (NGO) workers who come to dance at weekends, this British-style pub is a bit of an institution. At weekends you'll have to shell out around ZK5000 to enter.
reviewed
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Firkin & Ferret
Numerous drinkable draughts, a massive deck and an enormous sports screen are here for those who want a big ‘pubby’ night out. There’s a grill to appease hearty appetites.
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L
Cockney Pride Pub
This little slice of East London features all the authentic features of a true English boozer: pub tucker, caricatures of the regulars on the walls, billows of smoke and stained carpets.
reviewed
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M
Johnny Fox's
This no-nonsense Irish bar, set in a plush colonial villa, serves up a passable pint of Guinness, a massive TV sports screen and a fair dose of craic (good times).
reviewed
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N
GC Pub
Almost next door to Samsun Hotel, this pub-cum-bar works to the same formula of booze, reggae beats, a touch of sleaziness and tight-packed bodies at weekends. Dive in!
reviewed
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Brass Monkey
Most Bulawayo pubs and clubs are fairly laid-back. Walkers Pub & Restaurant and the Brass Monkey are good pubs for a drink.
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O
Walkers Pub & Restaurant
Most Bulawayo pubs and clubs are fairly laid-back. Walkers Pub & Restaurant and the Brass Monkey are good pubs for a drink.
reviewed
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P
Malone's
St-Pierre's long-standing hip, hot (it gets congested) and happening spot on weekends. Swill a beer or two to imbibe the feel-good vibe before hitting the clubs.
reviewed
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Q
Maxim's
The main collection of pubs is along and around the seedy and rather dicey Rua do Bagamoyo (go in a group, and without valuables); current favourites Maxim's.
reviewed
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R
English Pub
Offering plenty of rough-and-tumble action and an English pub-style ambience, this is a good spot on the weekends for determined drinking and lively banter.
reviewed
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Workshop Roadside Cafe
A large, raucous pub with loud music, a big-screen TV and a reputation as a bit of a bikers' hangout, it's a good place to sink a few beers.
reviewed
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S
The Pub
As the name suggests, this place gets down to brass tacks - more cod-English décor, warm and cosy with reasonable bar food.
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T
Tokio Pub
A sticky-floor bar worthy of a frat party, although it mellows during the day.
reviewed
