We’ve already covered the 20 best pubs in Cape Town for winter, and it just wouldn’t be fair to ignore our readers further north. For those eager to escape the winter weather by enjoying a hearty meal and cold brew coupled with entertainment, check out our 10 pub picks in Gauteng!
1. Gilroy Brewery, Muldersdrift
At Gilroy Brewery you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, scrumptious foods including beer-battered hake with chips, a selection of hand-crafted beers, and live jazz music. Please note it is closed on Mondays. Contact: +27(0)11 796 3020.
2. The Brazen Head, Sandton
With a large indoor and outdoor restaurant, a private ‘library’ dining area, televisions located throughout, and a good selection of beers on-tap, the Brazen Head has secured its status as being a firm local favourite. Pies and curries are top winter warmers, while the Eisbein caters perfectly to meat lovers. Contact: +27(0)11 783-6122.
3. Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, Fourways
The affectionately dubbed “Molly’s” offers an authentic Irish pub atmosphere. The cuisine includes very generous pies with specialized flavours like chicken and sage, as well as beef and Guinness, and they have a good selection of draft beers. Keep an eye on the time on Saturdays though, as it can get quite rowdy after 7pm with live bands and DJ’s. Contact: +27(0)11 467 8052.
4. Just Cuban, Hatfield
Sophistication and elegance are the norm at Just Cuban, where classical music, cognac, and haute cuisine combine. Enjoy a whiskey and cigar in the unique 18th century decorated lounge before or after dinner. Contact: +27 (0)12 362 1800.
5. The Jolly Roger, Parkhurst
The Jolly Roger is one of the top pubs to enjoy a home-like atmosphere which time and again lures in young and old alike. Take a turn dancing to tunes to from the Jolly Jukebox, enjoy pub grub and pizzas, or cheer on sports teams from your comfy seat in the pub. Contact: +27 (0)11 442 3954.
6. Hemingway’s Restaurant and Cellar, Centurion
At Hemingway’s, set just outside of the Leriba Hotel and Spa, you can expect classical décor, a roaring fireplace, and plenty of seasonal food choices, making them the perfect place to catch up with friends or have a romantic night out. Contact: +27 (0)12 660 3810.
7. The Bull Run, Sandton
Set opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, The Bull Run provides some of the best steaks around, and well they should with their own butchery on-site! Enjoy sirloin and T-Bone steaks, sky-high burgers, or ribs at the restaurant, before moseying on over to the pub to enjoy cognac, whiskey, or a cigar. Contact: +27(0)11 884 1400.
8. Oakes Brew House, Modderfontein
Dubbed the first “all-girl brewery”, the Oakes Brew House has a very avid fan base of both the finely brewed coffee as well as the craft beer selection which consists of Blonde Ale, Wise Beer, and Butt Stout. The irony of the brew house name becomes less ironic when you see the two beautiful oak trees located on the property. Contact: +27(0)11 608 0612.
9. Rafters Pub and Grill, Garsfontein
Set just outside of Pretoria central, is Rafters Pub and Grill, a homey affair that will have you coming back for more. And not only for their quiz nights and live entertainment! They offer a family-friendly restaurant that serves burgers, salads, and steaks, while the cosy pub is perfect for those after a pint or the latest sports scores. Contact: +27 (0)12 480 0347.
10. Radium Beer Hall, Johannesburg
Regularly appearing on lists as one of the top 20 bars in world, Radium Beer Hall offers visitors a chance to settle into the oldest pub in Johannesburg with a pint or two. Live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays give the beer hall a jovial atmosphere, and their menu selection is quite extensive. Contact: +27 (0)11 728 3866.
Which pubs in Gauteng can you recommend?
Main image credited to Hemingway’s Resturant and Cellar (via Leriba Hotel and Spa)7.
