After the alcohol ban, they need your support.
During South Africa’s level 4 lockdown, which only recently ended, alcohol was banned yet again. The industry was already on its knees and had to endure another stretch without income for just over a month. Luckily, the ban has been lifted and the sale of alcohol is open yet again with a few restrictions.
Bars are allowed to trade and sell liquor, even on weekends. Cape Town offers some of the best drinking spots in the country and we decided to list a few of our favourite local bars to inspire you to plan a visit to one of them.
Publik Wine Bar
Located in the heart of Kloofnek Road, Publik is a small, intimate bar that focuses on bringing underrated wines directly to the public. Their mission is to support independent producers, so you won’t find mainstream wine on their menu. All of the wines they sell have been carefully selected and the bar staff are super knowledgeable about each and every one, making them well-equipped to guide you as to which wine you ought to try.
Publik also regularly hosts food popups. During these sessions, a chef takes over their kitchen and guests can order delicious food while sipping away at marvelous vino. Until tomorrow (4 August) they are offering a chicken burger popup which they call “Return of the Sando”.
Find them at 11D Kloof Nek Road.
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Pinchos Wine Bar
Chef’s Warehouse is a celebrated restaurant brand in Cape Town. They recently opened a new concept bar called Pinchos. At this establishment, they offer the finest Spanish cuisine and a range of great wines and cocktails. All of their drinks pay homage to their Spanish roots, meaning you are bound to find extraordinary wines that you might not have even known existed otherwise!
Their bar is big and designed in a modern style, making it feel very classy and elegant when you walk through the door. The atmosphere is chilled and no matter when you go, there are always tables full of people having a good time.
Visit them at 92 Bree Street.
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Leo’s
Leo’s is a bar that goes by a different name by day. Capetonians might have seen Leo’s before dark when it is called “Max Bagles”. At night, though, they go through a metamorphosis and enter their bar state.
What makes Leo’s great is that they offer a selection of tapas, including bagel pizzas, that one can enjoy with your drinks. They are located close to a range of restaurants and many patrons pay them a visit for pre-drinks before going off to their final destinations.
Visit them at 120 Bree Street in De Oudeschuur.
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The Gin Bar
Do you fancy hidden bars? Then this gem is for you! Located at the back of Honest Chocolate in Whale Street, The Gin Bar specialises in bringing you the best botanicals that are available in South Africa. They mainly consist of exciting G&T’s and they go the extra mile to create flavour fusions that you cannot get anywhere else.
They also have a few wines on their menu and a range of international whiskey for those who do not really drink gin. But their gin is so good that we urge everyone to give it a try!
Visit them at 64A Whale Street.
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Culture Bar
If you are going out with a group of friends, Culture offers a spacious setting in an upstairs bar area. They offer wine, hard liquor and cocktails, all served from a massive, yet beautiful bar. Further to their range of drinks, they also offer tapas, which are great for sharing.
Culture is unique because they regularly offer informative wine events. During these sessions, wine lovers get the chance to meet winemakers who carefully explain all the detail and effort that went into the creation of their wine. These events are usually free to attend, barring the cost of the wine you order.
Visit them at 103 Bree Street.
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