NEIGHBOURHOOD
This is the historical heart of Joburg, sandwiched between trendy Maboneng, 1 Fox Precinct and Braamfontein. Entrepreneur GERALD GARNER gives us a local’s tour
Of lawyers and locals in Jozi’s Ghandi Square
SOCIAL SCENE
‘I go to Elevate Rooftop Bar at the Reef Hotel. My perfect sundowner is a G&T – but with a great view, any drink tastes good there!’ 58 Anderson Street, 011-689-1000. ‘We’re opening Zwipi Underground Bar this month in the old United Safety Deposit bank vaults [a labyrinth of different rooms].’ Somerset House, Gandhi Square. 082-894-5216
GRAB A COFFEE
‘I love sitting outside Cramers Coffee, watching the fashionable people amble past. I’m a coffee purist: it must be Americano, black and bitter.’ 17 Harrison Street (corner of Main), 011-8332699. ‘Southeast of the square is Urban Backpackers with Kafe Noir – another brilliant coffee spot.’ 98 Anderson Street, 081-457-2744
FOUNDER OF JOBURGPLACES
‘I wrote a guide book to the city, Spaces & Places, in December 2010. Soon after, people asked if I could show them around. It has now grown and JoburgPlaces has taken more than 16 000 people on walking tours of the city. The business has expanded to include inner-city activations, pop-ups, events, bars and restaurants (we were involved at 1 Fox and One Eloff). We’ve just moved to Somerset House [built in 1906] on Gandhi Square. Thousands of people walk through the square every day – it’s the terminus for Metro Bus services – but it has a casual, almost tranquil atmosphere. It provides a breathing space in this built-up area and has wonderful vantage points of the surrounding skyscrapers. I love Joburg; it’s a real city – frenetic, energetic and gritty, yet the people are friendly and welcoming.’ Somerset House, 110 Fox Street, joburgplaces.com
LOCAL CUISINE
‘I enjoy a little pizzeria called Ben’s Pizza. I order the spinach, onion, olive and chilli pizza, with extra avo.’ 21 Loveday Street (corner of Main), 081-496-8345. ‘ City Perk Café is also wonderful with sidewalk seating on pedestrianised Hollard Street. I order the bean wrap.’ 70 Fox Street, 011-838-9755
UNIQUE FINDS
‘Shopping is compulsory in the inner city. I recommend designer Papy Kaluw’s two Urban Zulu shops, in Kruis Street (No. 37) and Anderson Street (No. 98).’ 081-432-3591. ‘Also walk up Eloff Street and turn left into Kerk – a wonderful, lively market street. On Eloff Street is the imposing No. One Eloff building and Joziburg precinct with eateries, retail shops and art galleries.’