EXPLORING THE CITY OF GOLD
BEING THE ECONOMIC HUB OF SOUTH AFRICA MEANS THAT GAUTENG – AND JOHANNESBURG IN PARTICULAR – IS FREQUENTED BY MANY BUSINESS TRAVELLERS, BUT IT’S NOT EVERY DAY THAT YOU COME ACROSS SOMEONE WHO HAS JOBURG ON THEIR “MUST SEE” LIST FOR A FUN LEISURE TRIP. YET, THERE ARE A HOST OF REASONS TO VISIT THE AREA FOR A BIT OF R&R.
Johannesburg has so much to offer – and the locals know it best. It is for this reason that Airbnb chatted to their Joburgbased Airbnb hosts.The home sharing company wanted to get an insider’s guide on where to eat, drink and have fun in the City of Gold, and to see what smaller and lesser-known establishments the hosts are recommending to their guests. Right now, in a time when so many restaurants and businesses have suffered as a result of Covid-19, it’s more important than ever to support as many as possible – like these…
THE ROVING BANTU KITCHEN
This unique eatery isn’t something that you might find in a tourist guide, butThe Roving Bantu Kitchen is certainly a culinary gem.This eatery and live jazz venue was started by Sifiso Ntuli and Ashley Heron. Sifiso found himself in political exile in the early 80s when he was forced to leave the country for a while. Now back, he and Ashley are trying to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy great music and delicious food.
Address: 125 Caroline St, Brixton
THE BIOSCOPE
The Bioscope is an independent cinema that was created by two film students who saw a gap in the market. Here guests sit in repurposed car seats and watch local and international films or documentaries before (or after) popping over to the “Chalkboard” bar and pizza parlour for some drinks and snacks.
Address: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark
SALVATION CAFE
The owner of this charming cafe is half-South African and halfItalian. She is passionate about tasty food and quality ingredients, so guests of Salvation Cafe are always in for a treat when they visit. The food is always freshly prepared, and the menu takes inspiration from the owner’s travels, with each dish telling a different story.The courtyard is a great spot in which to catch up with friends.
Address: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark
HOME OF THE BEAN
Leroy and Itumeleng, two radiography graduates from the University of Johannesburg, always dreamed of owning a restaurant.
However, when their passion for specialty coffee was ignited in 2015, thanks to a local Maboneng coffee shop, they decided to change tack and the idea for Home of the Bean was born. Home of the Bean offers a homely environment where patrons can enjoy a delicious cup of java in the cool interior with statement furniture by local award-winning design duo, Houtlander.
Address: Maboneng, 24 Albrecht St, Jeppestown
VICTORIA YARDS
This inner-city development is filled with a vibrant community of artists, artisans and craftspeople.Also available at this space is an urban agriculture project that aims to create jobs and income opportunities, as well as the chance to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to the general public. There is a market on the first Sunday of the month, called the Makers and Growers Market, that showcases all the tenants and small businesses that callVictoriaYards home. Expect art, food, jewellery and more.
Address: 16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville
DR PACHANGA
Known for making vegan leather handbags, Dr Pachanga is a fashion brand that everyone should get acquainted with. With bold colours, environmentally friendly materials and stylish statement pieces, this brand is making waves on the local scene for all the right reasons.
Address: 25 4th Avenue, Parkhurst
WILD HAIR
For some pampering and self-love, pop in to Wild Hair salon for hair treatments, colour touch-ups and more.This is also a great place to add some colour to your nails as there’s a nail bar, too.
Address: 41, Corner 4th Avenue and 9th Street, Parkhurst
COLOURBOX BOUTIQUE
This one is for the fashion lovers and those looking for standout and unique clothing items. Colourbox Boutique sells stylish garments sourced from top local and international designers and they stock everything from stunning patterned swimwear to shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, silk head scarves and more.
Address: Shop H68EF, Slip Street Piazza, Melrose Arch Mall, Melrose North