TAVERN REVIEWS
R E V O E C N E I R E TAVERNS TO EXPASON! E S Y A D I L O H E TH g Once again our Spoton t ou ab d an t team were ou s rn ve ta st sampling the be as d an Soweto has to offer ey would be expected th ! ed nt oi pp were not disa
THANDI’S TAVERN de Alex
A gem of a find insi
The two owners, Sam and Thandi Radebe, were incredibly nice (a genuinely collaborative pair). The place is undergoing a name change soon, moving from a tavern to a shebeen. It makes a lot of sense, as it caters for a more mature clientele. Thandi’s is quite a nice spot that is
not too crowded, nor too loud, nor too expensive – an excellent find! We chatted with Sam, who reminisced about how it all started back in 1963. He spoke of a number of misfortunes along the way, but he still managed to carry on. Sam spoke of how he started as a distributor of sorghum beer, and only later started liquor trading. “There were, however, several unpleasant setbacks because of the political uprising that took place between 1976 and 1994.” We really liked the low-key vibe of this
GRANT’S TAVERN W urite local.
Spotong’s new favo
Grant’s Tavern
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www.spotongmag.co.za
e love it at this pozzie! With great staff, decor, music, drinks, atmosphere, ambience – it’s got it all.
Walking inside, we felt intriguid – there was something particularly special about the place, despite the fact that it’s a standard-looking pub with a handful of tables and chairs scattered throughout the joint and a chill area on the side. Harry Grant started his establishment in November 2010, after he finally decided to utilise the permit he obtained four years earlier in 2006. In 2007, he joined RAFBEA (Responsible African Food and Beverage Association), which is an association aimed at part of the greater Alexandra township. He spoke of the impact the association has had on his business since he joined, saying: “The
place, and would like to go back with a bunch of friends to chill on a weekend. We couldn’t fault a thing. We were pleasantly surprised by the service from both the bar and wait staff – they were attentive and quick to offer us drinks. The menu has a decent selection of drinks and everything is very reasonably priced. Definitely worth a visit. Location: 63-3rd Avenue, Alexandra Township
association serves as a pillar in the running of the day-to-day business.” As much as the community of 130 River Park, Alexandra is a no-crime zone, Bra Harry still sticks to the operational hours recommended to him by the association. He is open on Sundays and Thursdays 10am until 10pm, while on Fridays and Saturdays he is open from 10am until 12am. The establishment does not serve anything other than liquor. It has shied away from serving food, as it proved not to be a best seller. The vibe and atmosphere here was very comfortable and friendly. In short, this is amazingly authentic spot for a hang-out, and is also centrally located. Residents of River Park are definitely spoilt for choice, but this place is our best bet. We left happy! Location: 130 River Park, Alexandra Township
Images: Tavern Owners
T
handi’s is a great place to go if you want to sit and chat. We honestly can’t think of a better spot to beat the heat with an ice-cold, freshly poured beer.
Sam Radebe
