Get your groove on

It’s time to get social, so we’ve rounded up the hottest spots to check out this summer.

Written by Shaazia Ebrahim

 

Celebrate the season in style at one of these slick city hotspots around the country.

 

 

Jo’burg

Alto234

Alto234 is next level, literally! It is the highest urban bar in Africa, located on the rooftop of The Leonardo in Sandton, with 360-degree views of the whole of Jozi, even as far west as Magaliesburg! This is the spot to catch the sunset while sipping on luxury cocktails and enjoying delicious tapas.

 

MIX Cocktail Bar

For a fresh seasonal menu and the chance to rub shoulders with an artsy crowd, head over to MIX Cocktail Bar. Located on the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank – its walls adorned with contemporary art – the bar enjoys views over the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg. Part of Mesh’s curated members’ club, the bar is open to non-members from 16:00. Catch a hip, young and fun-loving crowd, especially when the DJ drops his Friday sundowner sets.

 

Zioux

Experience pure opulence at Zioux. The luxury cocktail bar and champagne lounge is situated next door to popular restaurant Saint at the Marc in Sandton, and forms part of David Higgs’ Marble Group. With plush interiors featuring dark wood, velvet armchairs and oil paintings, Zioux is somewhat reminiscent of private members’ clubs in London. Expect to indulge in extravagant tapas and sharing plates and sip on some of the finest cocktails around.

 

Peachy

Quirky and fun, Peachy is tucked away in the courtyards of 44 Stanley in Braamfontein Werf, offering a change of pace in the heart of the city. Enjoy modern street food, a bevy of fresh and delicious cocktails and groovy music.

 

Cape Town

Kwa Ace

Take a break from the CBD and enjoy the premium clubbing experience that Kwa Ace has to offer in Khayelitsha. Located at number 158 Phakamani Street, Kwa Ace has something for everyone: it’s open as a pub and grill between 11am and 2am from Friday to Sunday, features two dance floors, four VIP Rooms and a dining area, as well as a restricted VVIP area.

Always hosting the hottest DJs and live performances, the music will never disappoint – from soulful, lounge and deep house tunes, to hip hop, gqom and amapiano. Expect to have the time of your life.

 

Chinchilla

Rated by Time Out Chicago as one of the top five rooftop bars in the world, Camps Bay’s Chinchilla is a place to see and be seen. Overlooking the ocean, the trendy and exclusive bar offers 360-degree views of Camps Bay, Lions Head and the Twelve Apostles. Step off the sandy beach and into an elegant, boho chic interior. Experience a sunset heralded by a live DJ on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while enjoying cocktails curated by an in-house mixologist. What more could you ask for?

 

14 Stories Rooftop Bar

14Stories Rooftop Bar is the ideal inner-city hotspot. Towering above the city centre on the 14th floor, overlooking Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the V&A Waterfront, the views are unmatched. Offering a light menu of casual snacks and signature cocktails, it’s the perfect location for an after-work summer wind down.

 

Athletic Social Club

With three floors – each with their own distinct look and feel – the Athletic Social Club is conveniently located on Buitengracht Street in the heart of the Mother City. With vintage sports memorabilia scattered throughout, it has a Wes-Anderson-inspired sports bar feel about it while being classy, cosy and quirky.

To drink? Take your pick from barrel-aged options, an impressive wine list, a selection of signature cocktails and some more eclectic ones. Grab a bite from the bar’s Mediterranean-inspired menu or enjoy one of the regular live music performances.

 

Durban

The Chairman

If jazz is your thing (and even if it’s not), you have to check out The Chairman, a boujee jazz bar situated on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Durban. A restaurant, bar and live entertainment venue in one, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Every weekend brings in smooth jazz performances, mouthwatering traditional South African cuisine and a range of creative cocktails to try.

 

Back Yard Rooftop Bar

For an island-like escape on the coast of Durban head over to Back Yard, a cosmopolitan rooftop bar at Umhlanga Arch. Step into the tropics with Tiki bar-inspired decor, murals of palm trees, fluorescent strip lighting and botanical motifs. Relax on a daybed or get the perfect Instagram shot on a swing, while sipping something cold and enjoying its famed ocean views.