Cocktail Bars
In the mood for a martini? We list the 10 cocktail spots guaranteed to thrill the Bond (or Bond girl) within. By Leigh Robertson, Annaleigh Vallie & Nick Paul.
Shaken, not stirred...” How many times, given the appropriate circumstances, have you playfully dropped the famous catchphrase used by Ian Fleming’s James Bond character when asked how he wished his martini to be prepared?
The British Secret Service agent, played by Sean Connery, uttered the line for the first time on film in 1964’s Goldfinger, and cinema audiences have virtually squealed with delight at its inclusion in the scripts that have followed. And how satisfying for fans when a flustered Daniel Craig as 007 in Casino Royale (2006) muttered the unthinkable in response to the usual bartender question: “Do I look like I give a damn?”
Before Bond, the vodka martini was a virtual unknown among a colourful sea of old school cocktails, ranging from mai tais and slings to daiquiris and juleps. Yet its popularity was assured very soon after Fleming’s books made it to celluloid. Now it’s not enough to have it dry or dirty (the term for a dash of olive brine in the equation), with martinis coming in a multitude of flavours, from the sublime to, yes, the ridiculous.
Cape Town’s palm-fringed Camps Bay beach might not feature as an exotic location in this year’s Quantum of Solace, but embracing the cliché that is 007’s affi nity for martinis, swank bars and fast cars is irresistible – even though Champagne actually does the rounds with considerably more frequency than the martini in the Bond films… Nonetheless, South Africa’s hot summer suits the fun and frivolity of cocktail culture, and who hasn’t been known to let their hair down after a wellmade margarita?
And so, paying homage to both this perennially enjoyable pastime and the legend that is the inimitable James Bond, we bring you a considered selection of cocktail bars around the country that deliver on all fronts, from the mood and the crowd to the mixology, of course, plus the special something that gives each of them that all important “double oh” edge.
ASOKA
Kloof Street, Cape Town, Tel 021 422 0909.
Open Mon–Sun, 17:00–02:00.
WHY Just as Asoka (pronounced A-sho-ka), the powerful emperor who ruled India from 277-264BCE, renounced violence and turned to Buddhism, finding inner peace along the way, so might our latter-day James find solace in this warmly glowing, sensual and very soothing after-dark retreat in the midst of the frenetic City Bowl. Beautiful girls and heady tropical cocktails would further distract him from his mission…
AMBIENCE A cool, trendy crowd all but basks in the low golden light cast by lamps and a fairy light-entwined olive tree that sprouts in the centre of this exotic space. Lounge on velvety banquettes in view of Buddha statues, scented candles and fruitbowl-laden bar counters while DJs spin mellifl uous deep house grooves.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED From the vast cocktail menu, order classics such as the original Raffles Singapore Sling, or fi nd “Liquid Enlightenment” – literally – in fragrant cocktails made from unusual fruit and herbs, and with names intoxicating in themselves: Karma, Moksha and Nirvana, of course.
NIBBLE ON Vietnamese salad rolls, prawn tempura, spicy Thai fish cakes... or roll your own crispy duck pancakes.
OO FACTOR
What’s not to like about sipping a Tantric Passion while soaking in the excellent feng shui on “Chill-out Mondays” and “Seductive Sundays”?
BASCULE WHISKY BAR
Cape Grace Hotel, West Quay Road,
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Tel 021 410 7100.
Café open from 07:00, bar until late.
WHY For its sheer sense of exclusivity and pared-down luxury, not to mention a location simply begging for a bit part in a forthcoming Bond flick. It doesn’t get better than perched on the water’s edge of an international yacht marina.
AMBIENCE Chic and cosmopolitan, just like the crowd, which might include billionaires, just cruised in from somewhere excruciatingly hip (they’re the ones casually attired in plimsolls). Comfort pervades, lighting is flattering and the sounds oh so smooth.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED It’s a whisky bar first and foremost, impressively offering connoisseurs more than 460 brands from which to choose. But Bascule’s wine and Champagne lists are in a similar league, while impeccably made cocktails are of the classic variety. Like the venue, martinis are classy rather than flashy.
NIBBLE ON Tasty complimentary snacks accompany your drinks, while a comprehensive menu includes fresh oysters done three ways and appetising platters perfect for sharing.
OO FACTOR Who needs Monaco when, on still, balmy evenings out on the deck, you can sip cocktails in view of a flotilla of private yachts, among them the magnificent 56ft Spirit of the Cape, available for exclusive charter by Cape Grace guests.
CIRCLE BAR
The Rosebank, cnr Tyrwhitt and Sturdee Avenues, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Tel 086 174 7444. Open 11:00–01:00.
WHY Those in the know will remember with fondness the Round Bar and the discontent when it was no more. That it’s shaken its old retro image and reinvented itself with lashings of glamour is worthy of applause.
AMBIENCE Chic and stylish; think faux croc-covered wing-backed chairs, black vinyl and plush purple. The crowd is distinctly cool, from media types to showbiz divas. Special attention has been paid to the music so no piped elevator sounds here.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED Top mixologist Kurt Schlechter has designed an ever-changing cocktail menu using only premium brands, with a substantial list of wines and Champagnes all by the glass. With friendly, clued-up staff full of cocktail recommendations, you’re in capable hands. Try the signature Kiss Kiss Bang Bang or the aptly named 360degree. Warning: these are so delicious you might be enticed to stay the night at the hotel.
NIBBLE ON Complimentary snacks including spicy nuts and biltong are served on silver platters.
OO FACTOR Sexy round couches veiled by crystal bead curtains offer privacy for Bond-style seduction with bubbly on tap. These luxe booths offer adjustable lighting according to your mood and iPod docking stations for a customised soundtrack.
ELEMENTS CAFÉ BAR
Beverly Hills Hotel, Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga,
Durban. Tel 031 561 2211. Open 12:00–22:00.
WHY Draped alluringly along the pool deck of the Beverly Hills and scrubbed clean by the sea breeze, it’s frequented by globetrotting hotel guests and savvy locals who can’t get enough of its commanding ocean views.
AMBIENCE Don’t go looking for sundowners in Durban; if you want the sun hanging low over a limpid sea, you’ll have to stay up all night. But Elements rather cleverly positions itself as a twilight haunt, and summer dusk over the Indian Ocean, as the northeaster dies and the lights start twinkling over the city to the south, is a beautiful thing. Décor is crisp and white, dotted with Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs; a blank canvas on which to paint your jet-setting fantasy.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED No first-timer should forgo the signature drink, the Elements High Tea, a mixture of citrus-infused spirits and the merest splash of rooibos or lemon tea, served in a teapot with Turkish Delight on the side.
NIBBLE ON Oysters still dripping from the rocks at Ballito, washed down with flowing Champagne. OO FACTOR Perfect for a flying visit from M when she needs to rap you over the knuckles for your unorthodox methods. They’ll soothe her with a Ginger Square. Or go there for a poignant last martini with the One Who Gets Away...
THE GRAND CAFÉ
35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Tel 021
438 4253. Open from 12:00–01:00 (closed Monday).
WHY Because it’s jolly grand, old chap. Grand, that is, in the deliberate sense of jaded, time-faded opulence, old money and noble ties, for while this sister establishment to Plett’s bespoke hotel of the same name is all about substance, it’s also decadent fun. A sensible age restriction means it attracts a more sophisticated crowd than its neighbours.
AMBIENCE As a member of the staff eloquently put it: “The rest of the strip screams Versace and Galliano, while we quietly whisper Lauren...” An eclectically charming aesthetic pervades the dining area downstairs and bar-lounge above, incorporating plush sofas, antique mirrors and chandelier, silver candelabras and a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk serving as a table. The view of the beach completes the blissful picture.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED Smart barmen shake up glamorous and unusual cocktails inspired by Absinthe, a famous bar in San Francisco. Syrups and brandied cherries are freshly prepared, while spirits such as the French Chartreuse are of the rare variety.
NIBBLE ON Caviar, toasted crayfish mayonnaise sandwiches and shrimp tempura.
OO FACTOR The utter romance of it all. Hundreds of pert red roses are brought in weekly, but there’s never an errant petal in sight.
THE LIBRARY BAR
Melrose Arch Hotel, 1 Melrose Square, Melrose
Arch, Johannesburg. Tel 011 214 6666. The Library
Bar is open 24 hours, the Pool Bar 09:00–19:00.
WHY Melrose Arch is something of a cosmopolitan city within a city, and still the place to be seen. It’s not unusual to witness the odd BEE-deal being signed in the Library Bar.
AMBIENCE Arrange yourself on a leather sofa while perusing the considered selection of books lining the walls, with weighty tomes providing plenty of conversationstarting material should the usual “so, do you come here often?” not cut the mustard as a pick-up line. If the library atmosphere reminds you of your private school years a little too much, head for the veranda – if you can secure a seat, that is. In summer, the Pool Bar is the only place to be. Dangle your feet in the pool or roll up your trousers and wade to tables arranged in the shallow water.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED Champagne, designer beers and an exhaustive selection of cocktails (try the signature Penthouse). The cigar selection warrants a special mention. NIBBLE ON Complimentary snacks like biltong and olives, or pick from the bar menu. OO FACTOR
A man like Bond doesn’t keep normal hours. That the Library Bar is open 24 hours means his Aston Martin could be parked outside the hotel at 4am for everyone to see.
METRO CAFÉ & BAR
Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre, Sandton,
Johannesburg. Tel 011 883 2304. Open Tues–Sat,
10:30–22:30; Sun–Mon, 10:30–21:00.
WHY A new addition to the Sandton scene, Metro is hip and happening on Thursday and Friday nights. Think models squeezed into skimpy tattoo-inspired Ed Hardy gear, the odd polo player and a bevy of former Miss SAs, Jozi’s answer to Bond girls. But arrive for post-work cocktails on a Wednesday and you can expect to see mining magnate Patrice Motsepe entertaining clients.
AMBIENCE It’s über trendy and the loungey sounds emanating from the speakers will have you swaying in your seat. The view of Sandton is breathtaking; the chandeliers with their old-money feel lending more than a touch of class.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED From a long cocktail list, the Cuban Mojito is a popular choice, but with Metro’s great selection of Champagne and MCCs, the bubbly flows too.
NIBBLE ON Only liquid calories for Metro patrons, so it’s little wonder they’re on the svelte side. But you can always sneak in something at the restaurant downstairs.
OO FACTOR The bar overlooking the eatery and the view of Jozi’s money section is a nice touch, while the crimson palette is sexy as it gets.
PLANET CHAMPAGNE
& COCKTAIL BAR
Mount Nelson Hotel, Gardens, Cape Town.
Tel 021 483 1948. Open nightly from 17:00
until late, and from 15:00 on Fridays.
WHY The posh, Old World airs and graces of the famously pink Nellie belie the cool, glamorous milieu of its Planet Bar, where a hip crowd of locals and eminent-looking foreigners rub shoulders over buckets of vintage Champagne.
AMBIENCE The bar itself is a crepuscular space complete with celestial ceiling and orrery (a mobile of the solar system), and velvety ottomans on which to lounge. A broad terrace allows for sitting under real stars in view of a magical garden.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED A cocktail selection that, appropriately, is nothing short of stellar, with all the classics alongside inspired creations by Planet’s accomplished mixologists. Try the signature Planet Passion or, for the connoisseurs, the No. TEN Martini. But, really, you can’t go wrong with bubbly here, and perhaps a fine cigar.
NIBBLE ON Quality complimentary snacks, or go all out with shrimp “lolly pops”, salmon tartare, spicy satays and oysters.
OO FACTOR The magnificent blonde to your right may well be the starlet to whom you think she bears an uncanny resemblance; that bloke over there could actually be Daniel Craig himself. It won’t be the first time he’s jetted into Cape Town to shoot a film. But Capetonians would sooner endure torture than ever appear star-struck…
THE POLO LOUNGE
The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff,
Johannesburg. Tel 011 481 6000. Open 09:00–00:00.
WHY It’s a reminder that true class is never out of vogue. Once chauffeured to the top of the hill on which this lovely hotel languishes, it’s as if you’ve been transported to a different, more genteel era.
AMBIENCE Young and old, but of the effortlessly stylish ilk, commune here for pre-dinner or late-night drinks, nursing single malt whiskies and fancy-looking cocktails while secretly comparing pedigrees. Clean lines and an old polo club feel make this a comfortable yet modern classic. Like an Armani suit, it simply won’t date.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED From an extensive cocktail menu, the fittingly named Big City, Bright Lights is just the thing to sip while gazing out at the wonderful city views. Or the Egoli Water, which will have you off the bottled mineral variety for life. There’s also a fine selection of wine and Champagne, with a more limited choice of MCCs. But then, what would Bond order?
NIBBLE ON Complimentary snacks such as peanuts and crisps, or pick at “club bites” like stuffed olives or more substantial options like skewered salmon sashimi.
OO FACTOR There’s something about the sport of polo that brings out the player in one.
SOCIETY
Hollis House, 178 Florida Road, Durban.
Tel 031 3123213. Bar open 19:30 until late.
WHY Society is layers of fantasy and history; a colonialthemed restaurant-cum-bar and club that references a fictitious remittance man with louche inclinations on a South Sea island. Occupying a Victorian townhouse, it embodies the spirit of this glam, sometimes shabby city, and its bar is surely one of the most beautiful in SA.
AMBIENCE Best experienced on Friday nights when the year winds down and the humidity kicks in (and the shiny black vinyl armchairs become ever so slippery). Dark corners are stuffed with interesting bits of reconditioned tat, but everything is rich and varied, from the people (Sharks through to loan sharks) to the décor and music.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED As premium as it gets in Durban. A thoughtfully flashy winelist and bubbly offering alongside artisanal beers and, yes, cocktails – the signature East Meets West, with its solid sake base and wisps of jasmine, is a must.
NIBBLE ON Dim sum and sushi at the restaurant with its Asian fusion leanings before heading to the upstairs bar. OO FACTOR: Durban has no shortage of tragic beauties and wild heiresses, and you’ll find them all on the dance floor on Friday nights.
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR...
IN THE CAPE
Baraza, Camps Bay: Tel 021 438 1758
Alba Lounge, V&A Waterfront: Tel 021 425 3385
Sevruga, V&A Waterfront: Tel 021 421 5134
Tobago’s Bar & Terrace, Radisson Hotel,
Granger Bay: Tel 021 441 3000
Wafu, Mouille Point: Tel 021 433 2377
Top of the Ritz, Ritz Hotel,
Sea Point: Tel 021 439 6010
IN GAUTENG
Ndau Lounge, Hyatt Regency,
Rosebank: Tel 011 280 1234
Rose Boys, Illovo: Tel 082 4669162
The Attic, Parkhurst: Tel 011 880-6102
IN KWAZULU-NATAL
Bean Bag Bahia, Umdloti: Tel 031 568 2229
Bean Bag Bohemia, Morningside: Tel 031 309 6019
Billy the B.U.M.S., Morningside: Tel 031 303 1988
