NIGHTLIFE

ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY AT ANY AGE

Who needs a hot date and double the price tag when you can celebrate solo?

If you’re one of those who sniggers at those in love and rather celebrates the greatness of solitude, we have just the thing. There’s no need to be ashamed if you’d rather hand out black roses and think Cupid is stupid!

Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 40 Words Bianca Spinner Images Supplied FOR THE MILLENNIAL Plan an Anti-Valentine’s Day date at: Rooftop yoga under the stars Millennials are like fingerprints: They’re all unique. So, this was a hard choice, but we reckon a ‘not going out, going out’ event will do the trick. They’re all ethical and sustainable they want to know where it came from, which soil was used and how the insects were treated so we recommend a night under the stars. Namaste, breathe and enjoy the me time. After all, this generation is all about self-love (or narcissism ... you choose). If you’re willing to splash the cash, head on over to one of the trendy bars or pubs on 4th Avenue for a nightcap post-yoga. Where: 9 6th Street, Parkhurst When: 18h00 to 19h00 How much: R150 per person Book: rooftopsyoga@gmail.com (remember to bring your own mat) FOR THE MISS THAT USED TO BE A MISSUS Plan an Anti-Valentine’s Day date at: The Rocky Horror Show What could be better than celebrating love? Fortunately, this ain’t your usual love story, romance, fairy tale kind of show. Instead, it’s fullof crazyquirkiness, frivolity and thus it’s a guaranteed party. Audience participation is encouraged, so you don’t need an excuse to get dressed in your most outrageous fancy dress. Plus, which single lady wouldn’t want to sing along to Dammit Janet and Sweet Transvestite? Where: Pieter Torien Theatre, Montecasino When: 20h00 How much: R100 to R500 Book: www.tsogosun.com

FOR THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN Plan an Anti-Valentine’s Day date at: 86 Public Illovo If your gut matches your middleaged status, then this is just the spot. Grab an inebriant and let’s get this cheese-pairing party started! Now, this is a cool spot, so ensure you’re dressed casual yet sharp because at this joint you might just pick up a ‘lucky’ lady. You’ll be grinning and bobbing your head to the latest pop tunes and you might even catch a few good oldies in the mix. When your blood sugar leveldrops, orderapizza–itwill compensate for your lack of a hot date. Where: 198 Oxford Street, Illovo When: 20h00 How much: Free Book: No needto book… just arrive and jive!

FOR GOGO Plan an Anti-Valentine’s Day date at: The Landmark Cocktail Bar

Who needs to watch loved up couples smooching all night? Thanks, but no thanks! Instead, have a ‘love sucks’ blouse made and head on over to this gorgeous bar for a cocktail or three. You deserve the spoil, grandma! The music isn’t too loud and the people aren’t too annoying, soyou’lleasilyfindsome solace. If you can’t hear too well, don’t fret – order an Old Fashioned and tell them to keep them coming. Unfortunately, they don’t serve scones or sudoku boards, but you can order bar bites and savoury snacks.

Where: Bryanston Shopping Centre, corner of William Nicol & Ballyclare Drives, Bryanston When: 17h00 (an hour before bedtime) Book: 011 463 0207

COCKTAIL by Thirst Bar Services OF THE MONTH

A good G&T is a fantastic cocktail most of the time, but the Strawberry

Grapefruit Twirl with

fresh strawberries and a grapefruit bowtie is the ultimate cocktail to celebrate Valentine’s Day … and the abundance of fresh strawberries that are around during summer!

STRAWBERRY GRAPEFRUIT TWIRL Glass: Copa filled with cubed ice Method: Build/stir Garnish: Strawberries and grapefruit bowtie

Ingredients: 50ml Beefeater Pink Strawberry Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic 4 strawberries Dash of lemon juice 1 grapefruit bowtie

1 www.thirst.co.za E @thirstbarservices D @thirstybarman Q @thirstybarman

THE TINY TIKI BAR Whether you’re looking to grab afterwork drinks with coworkers or a spot for an early-game Tinder date, The Tiny Tiki Bar knows how to make the warm weatherremain abreeze. Adjoining sister venue The Anti-Social Social Club, here you can look forward to a colourful, laidback atmosphere and kitsch cocktails, such as The Zombie made with a famous blend of four differentrumsandtheBahamaMama; an exotic blend of coconut, Kahlua and Sailor Jerry Rum. The next morning, go back to cure your hangover with a pancake stack with housemade miso and maple bacon. 10 7th Street, Melville m 071 774 5242

THE HIDE OUT The Hide Out is just the place to go if you’re staying at a backpacker in the inner-city. Not only because you should have plenty left to splurge on drinks seeing as you won’t be splashing out on a fancy pants bedroom, but also because you’ll meet fellow travellers and like-minded people over drinks like the Mojito Mint, Cranberry Daiquiri and Strawberry Bubblegum. Fun fat? The building the bar is inside used to be a secret printing press and hideout for anti-apartheid leaders, hence the name. Curiocity Backpackers, 302 Fox Street, Maboneng m 011 027 5257

THE IMMIGRANT BAR Brought to you by the same guys behind 86 Public and Republic of 94 and closely linked to the Once in Joburg ‘flashpackers’ hostel, you can betthat The Immigrant Bar is where the party’s at. Find on a seat on the two-tiered terrace that overlooks Braam’s busy Grove Square and get happy drunk on signature citrus-based jam jar cocktails. On the cocktailmenu you’llalso find the likes of a Cinnamon Pear Mojito, Raspberry Grapefruit Rosemary Martini andPineapple Breeze. Unfortunately, apart from the nachos, we wouldn’t recommend the food. 90 De Korte Street, Braamfontein m 061 443 0084

SHAKERS COCKTAIL BAR You might recognise Shakers Cocktail Bar from most of Joburg’s markets a couple years ago. Its permanent location that takes form of an open-air cocktail bar in Maboneng’s quirky Maverick Corner only has a few tables available, but you won’t mind that once the salsa dancing starts. The cocktail menu includes all the warm-weather classics as well as cocktails served in teapots, buckets and jam jars, all garnished with fresh fruit and berries. Plus, theirnewkitchenservesupfinger-licking gastropub meals like burgers, ribs and halloumi sticks. 300 Commissioner Street, Maboneng m 011 015 7111

CULTURE trip Where to find the best public art in Jozi

Joburg’s inner city is known for a number of things – not all of them are good (we’ll admit it), but the City of Gold is home to some truly exceptional public art. This art is not only beautiful but also embedded with cultural history, making it a must-see for all. One thing’s for sure: Whoever said Jozi wasn’t beautiful clearly hasn’t seen these stunning pieces!

Newtown Heads

The Newtown Heads have been a distinctive part of the Newtown Cultural Precinct for over 15 years and are even more mesmerising since having had a facelift in 2018. The collection of over 500 wooden heads was refurbed by a team of artists led by Americo Guambe, who was one of the lead artists in their original creation in 2001. Made from disused railway sleepers, the heads are all unique andreflectthenumerouscountries and traditions from across the African continent.

Fire Walker

Made in a collaborative effort between celebrated artist William Kentridge and Gerhard Marx, Fire Walker is truly a sight to behold. The 10-metre sculpture was constructed as part of in the inner-city rejuvenation project ahead of the 2010 soccer world cup and depicts a woman with a fire brazierbalancedon top of her head. Due to its large size, the sculpture was constructed in situ and pays homage to South Africa’s numerous female entrepreneurs who cook and sell mielies on the side of the road.

Una Salus Victis Nullam Sperare Salutem This magnificentwallmuraldone byinternationallyacclaimedartist, Faith47 is a popular spot for Instagram photos and it’s easy to see why. The painting, which spans the length of two walls on the corner of FoxandRissikStreets, shows aherdof photo realistic zebras running. The action of the animals goes hand in hand with the energy and life of the city. The title for the artwork comes from an ancient poem by Virgil that translates to ‘the only hope for the doomed, is no hope at all’, embodying the theme of the work, which implies that you cannot escape your destiny.

Democracy is Dialogue

Situated in Beyers Naude Square is artist Lawrence Lamaoana’s Democracy is Dialogue. This bronze statue waserectedinthe square in 2015 as a part of the Women’s Day proceedings and pays respect to the known and unknown heroines during South Africa’s many protests and pursuits of political liberation. The woman holds a placard that reads, “Democracy is dialogue” (hence the name of the work) and a Molotov cocktail in her other hand, which is a play on the Goddess of Democracy who typically holds a torch. She’s placed on three steel pillars, making her visible from the street as well as the square.

43Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za Eland

Clive van der Berg’s enormous concrete and metal Eland sculpture has become a significantpartofBraamfontein, acting as a gateway of sorts between the suburb and the city. The size of the Elandgives ita grand look although there’s also something slightly forlorn about it. The grooves on the beast are filledwithindigenousshrubbery, which further symbolise the country’s stunning plant life and natural heritage while also representing the growth of the city.