Chapter 12: Rooftop Drinks
Rooftop bars in Cape Town all have views to-die-for, where delicious drinks are a given. But these cloud-busting hangouts all have a little something extra to offer.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Enveloped in wooden mansards, the old attic is an eclectic mix of new and old with a Japanese shrine-inspired red bar offset by a black and white Tokyo & Kyoto photo wall. The bar opens up to an airy outside rooftop terrace.
Why go?
This much-loved rooftop bar is well known for its current indie and electronic music, expect a wide selection of bespoke cocktails, spirits, wine and otsumami.
Details
a: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre
w: tjingtjing.co.za/rooftop-2
t: +27 21 422 4920
e: info@tjingtjing.co.za
h: Tuesday to Saturday, 16h00 till close
The Silo Rooftop
Located on the 11th floor of the V&A Waterfront’s tallest building, The Silo Rooftop is a brilliantly imaginative mixture of the traditional and the contemporary. Expect well made classic cocktails and delicious South African wines.
Why go?
Arguably the best views among the rooftop bars in Cape Town, particularly from the 360-degree viewing platform, which may only be topped by Table Mountain itself.
Details
a: Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo-hotel/dining/the-silo-rooftop
t: +27 21 670 0511
e: dining@thesilohotel.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – sunset (weather permitting)
GiGi at Gorgeous George
The show-stopping cocktails reflect much of the sky-high designer influence of this rooftop bar. Think dry ice drama, unique glassware, elaborate decoration and outlandish ingredients.
Why go?
GiGi boasts a wooden and terracotta-tiled pool deck, an emerald-green glass-panelled swimming pool, and views of whitewashed heritage buildings.
Details
a: 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town
w: gigirooftop.com
t: +27 21 612 0999
e: gigi@gorgeousgeorge.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 23h00
Chinchilla
With killer views of the ocean a stone’s throw away, it’s the ideal place to lounge past the hours sipping on gloriously refreshing cocktails and listening to the coolest beats spun by Cape Town’s finest DJs.
Why go?
A beachy boho-chic vibe, bold and brilliant colours and expansive, panoramic views.
Details
a: Shop 120, Second Floor, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
t: +27 21 286 5075
w: chinchillarooftop.co.za
h: Monday to Friday, 16h00 – 22h00, Saturday to Sunday, 12h00 – 22h00
The Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro
The Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro is a double level restaurant offering a unique dining experience with some of the best 360-degree views in the city.
Why go?
The is the perfect innercity sundowners spot.
Details
a: Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa, 12 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof
w: hotelcloudnine.com/dining
t: +27 21 424 1133
e: mountainclub@hotelcloud9.com
h: Friday to Sunday, 12h00 – 23h00
Chapter 12/14
Featured image credit: The Royal Portfolio. Photographer: Mark Williams