Cape Town is a vibrant city filled with culture and colour. The pub scene reflects this and has a wide variety of amazing places; featuring tempting traditional delights and world-class drinks. If you haven’t visited these yet, you’re missing out on some of the most authentically awesome pubs in town!

Irish:

• The Dubliner (at Kennedy’s) – 251 Long Street, Cape Town City, 021 424 1212
  This authentic Irish pub is a cosy haven in the midst of Long Street’s hustle and bustle. The live bands which play nightly add to the atmosphere, and if you want to catch the latest sports game, their flat screen television never fails to impress.
  • Kennedy’s Cigar and Cocktail Lounge
    Adjacent to The Dubliners, Kennedy’s Cigar and Cocktail Lounge is possibly the oldest of its kind in Cape Town.  Their dance-floor brings in the younger crowd as the evening wears on, but their traditional Irish fare such as Irish stew, Guinness Beef pie, and infamous Dubliners Beef Burger make them a very popular venue.
• Brazenhead – Andringa Street, Stellenbosch, 021 882 9672
  As you step across the hardwood floors to the cosy lounge set-up, you’re likely to feel as if you’ve landed on Irish shores, while soft lilting strains of Irish music surround you. The atmosphere, cuisine, astoundingly well-thought out design, and traditional Irish drinks, make this one of the best Irish pubs around; the picturesque courtyard even has a small fountain. The hearty meals are well worth a try, and best-seller drink brands include Kilkenny, Tullamore Dew, Baileys, and – of course– Guinness.

• Skelligs Pub – Erinvale Estate, Somerset West, 021 847 1160
  Slightly further afield than most of these other pubs, Skelligs Pub (which translated means Rockpub), has a friendly atmosphere, and serves light lunches and dinners. The Guinness is always cold, and the stylish outdoor pool helps alleviate the heat in the summer months.

Scottish:

• Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House – East Pier & Dock Road V&A Waterfront, 021 419 5074
  This authentically Scottish alehouse is one of the best places to head to when the winter weather sets in. The large flat-screen TV with surround sound, will make you feel as if you’re at the sports match, and Tuesday evening Karaoke sessions are always entertaining. The enticing smell of pizzas, steaks, and other gourmet delights will draw you in, and the variety of house beers includes Bosun’s Bitter, Mitchell’s 90 Shilling, Milk & Honey, Raven Stout, and even Old Wobbly!

English:

• The Two & Sixpence Tavern – 88 St. George Street Simons Town, 021 786 5735
  The warm welcomes, cold beers, and traditional décor at the Two & Sixpence are a welcome respite against the chilly autumn months. Here you will find all-day breakfasts served, a variety of beers, and a games area with a pool table and dart board. There are also several big-screen TVs – perfect for watching sports.

• The Royal Oaks – Marine Circle, Cape Town, 021-557 0354
  The Royal Oaks has a traditional English atmosphere, and are quite famous locally for their amazing Sunday roasts, which include roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, peas, carrots, cauliflower and cheese sauce, butternut and horseradish sauce. The UK newspaper the Telegraph voted the Royal Oaks as one of the best British expat pub/bar in South Africa, and it was also rated as the 6^thbest British pub in the world (outside of Britain).
  

Carribbean:

• Banana Jam Café–157 2^nd Avenue Kenilworth, 021 674 0186
  This authentic Caribbean restaurant and bar has tempting traditional foods, fast and friendly servers, and a laid back atmosphere. Some of the authentic dishes include Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya, Curried Goat, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken. If you’re a vegetarian then there are plenty of options for you too – like the Sunshine Soup, and Mo’bay mushrooms (short for Montego Bay). The cocktails here are amazing, and Happy Hour is a daily occurrence between 17:00 – 18:00; they also happen to have the largest rum collection in South Africa.

Let us know which of these pubs you’ve visited recently, and which you’d recommend without hesitation to international visitors.