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South Africa

Pub entertainment in South Africa

  1. 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

  2. B

    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

  3. C

    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

  4. D

    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

  5. E

    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

  6. F

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

    reviewed

  9. G

    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

  10. H

    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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  12. I

    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

  13. 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

  14. Dros

    Part of the fast-growing South African chain, Dros is a favourite spot to quaff down a beer while watching the rugby. There's a pub-grub menu and a good selection of wines, too.

    reviewed

  15. J

    Harry B’s

    Knysna’s first residence (1863) houses a popular restaurant and pub.

    reviewed

  16. K

    Mystic Boer

    Cool kids hang out here in surroundings that can perhaps best described as posttransformation-era retro- Boer chic. Pizzas and steaks are on the menu.

    reviewed

  17. L

    De Akker

    Stellenbosch’s oldest pub has meals from under R50 and an upstairs cellar for live music.

    reviewed