Entertainment in Kwa Zulu Natal
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Harvey Wallbanger’s
A smart, trendy spot on the top floor, above its very own restaurant.
reviewed
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A
Society
Housed in a former harbourmaster’s house, this flamboyant bar is where the beautiful people meet. The decor – classy kitsch – has a wonderfully 1930s feel with black chandeliers, black-and-white tiles and funky lounge suites. A restaurant serves lunch and dinner, but drinking in these refined surrounds provides the most fun. Definitely worth packing the stilettos for.
reviewed
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Bent
Durban is a bit short on gay and lesbian venues. However, new on the scene is Bent, which organises monthly parties (not on set nights) at roaming, classy venues in Durb's 'burbs. Parties range from between 200 to 600 patrons - both guys and gals - although they're more popular among the 'wymyn' (their spelling, not ours). International guests are welcome.
reviewed
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B
Playhouse Company
Opposite City Hall, Durban’s central theatre, The Playhouse Company, was recently renovated and is a stunning venue. The Zulu mosaics and beadwork in the foyer are alone worth seeing, as are the dance, drama and music performances. Ask at the box office or Durban Tourism for information about what’s on. Newspapers also have listings.
reviewed
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C
Sun Coast Casino
The glitzy, nouveau art-deco of Sun Coast Casino is popular among locals and features slot machines, cinemas and some well attended restaurants.
reviewed
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Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club
In Pinetown, 8km west of the centre, this was the first place in Natal to cater to blacks in a so-called ‘white area’ in the 1980s. With a reputation as the centre of the jazz scene and still the preferred local haunt, it features concerts and headline acts on the first or last Sunday of the month.
reviewed
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Centre for Jazz
University of KwaZulu-Natal has contemporary music and jazz performances every Wednesday afternoon at 5pm during university term. Performers vary from township jazz players and professional performers (the likes of Jimmy Dludlu and Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse) to student performers.
reviewed
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Franki Bananas
This upmarket cocktail bar is the current place to be seen. It’s popular among students and young professionals, especially Thursday through Saturday. Good nightly specials are on offer – Monday is beer and burger night (R45). Note, only ever take a taxi to and fro.
reviewed
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E
Joe Kool’s
The inevitable finish line for any day on the beach, this venerable nightspot has had a facelift and still cooks up a cocktail of cold beer, big-screen TV, dance music and feisty crowds. If here at night, ask management to book a taxi; do not wander in this area.
reviewed
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Hexagon
There are several theatres including the Hexagon, which is part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It’s about 3km south of the centre, off Durban Rd.
reviewed
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Cool Runnings
More than a decade on this (in) famous place is still true to its name – this Rasta bohemian hang-out stays open until 6am. Come late as it fills up after 11pm and catch a cab – this is not an area to walk around.
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G
Barnyard Theatre
This unique and popular place houses more popular reconstructed barnyard and mainstream theatre productions. Audience members can take their own food (and buy drinks at the bar) or buy food at the takeaway outlets.
reviewed
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Zeta Bar
Voluptuous red-plush seats and curvy soft lines provide the backdrop for this lounge lizard's favourite. Sip your cocktail and watch the beautiful people - or just have a cold beer on the terrace.
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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H
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.
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ThunderRoad Rock Diner
You can get into the groove at this guitar- and LP album–flavoured bar (note the walls). For live music die-hards, there’s open mic night on Tuesday and bands on weekends.
reviewed
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J
BAT Centre
One of Durban’s more interesting, arty haunts, this venue features semiregular jazz performances. Check what’s on before heading down; this area is isolated – never walk here at night.
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Rivets
As glossy as you'd expect a bar in the guts of the Hilton hotel to be, Rivets boasts Thursday jazz nights, chichi décor, a contingent of the beautiful set and pricey cocktails.
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KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
The orchestra has an interesting spring concert programme with weekly performances in the City Hall. It also performs in the Botanic Gardens Music at the Lake concert series.
reviewed
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K
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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Club 330
Clubbing in a point-blank sense. In-your-face full-on rave scene and throb city, depending what level you're on. This is not an area to walk around - taxis are obligatory.
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Billy the Bum’s
Attracting a crowd of Durban’s upwardly mobile (even the sign above the bar says ‘elegantly wasted’), this suburban cocktail bar is reliably raucous.
reviewed
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Clapham Grand
The newest and smartest top class, two-storey nightclub. It’s part of an international chain, and was opening at time of research. Tuesday night is student night.
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Cubaña
This is one of a chain of Havana Lounges around South Africa, and a good one at that. This laid-back, yet stylish, spot is a great place to chill Latino style.
reviewed
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O
Crowded House
Late-night boozers head here, where 'Pigs Night' means you can down as many drinks as you can stomach in two hours for only around R30.
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