Drinking in Johannesburg

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Good pubs and clubs are available in the Melville student district, Newtown cultural precinct. Posh and upmarket clubbing happens in the Rivonia and Sandton area. Rivonia also contains Liliesleaf Farm, where Mandela and top ANC leaders once plotted to overthrow the apartheid government.

• Back2Basix, 167 Perth Rd, Westdene (Opposite the University of Johannesburg (RAU)), ☎ +27 (0)11 726-6857 (info@back2basix.co.za), www.back2basix.co.za. Primarily a concert venue it is also a fully licensed restaurant and bar. This venue hosts up-and-coming artists in addition to more established musicians, as well as a variety of music genres.
• Back o' the Moon Nightclub, Located in Gold Reef City Casino, ☎ +27 (0)11 496-1423, www.goldreefcity.co.za. A casino-restaurant with live traditional and contemporary jazz, plus dinner and dancing. It has a wide selection of grills and seafood on a good-value set menu. Open Tu-Sa for lunch and dinner, R25.
• Carfax, ☎ +27 (0)11 834-9187, www.carfax.co.za. One of the City's main venues for night time entertainment is in the suburb of Newtown - which is being developed as the city's cultural precinct.
• Monsoon Lagoon, ☎ +27 (0)11 928-1280, www.monsoonlagoon.co.za. Good nightclub with DJ Sebastian. Closed.
• Roxy Rhythm Bar, 20 Main Rd, Melville, ☎ +27 (0)11 726-6019, www.clubroxy.co.za. This club has a rooftop dance floor and a monster sound system. It welcomes live rock bands, dance events and even stand-up comedy. The more popular bands play at the weekends and Monday is student night. R50 cover charge.
• SAB World of Beer, 15 President Street, Newtown, ☎ +27(0)11 836-4900 (events.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com, fax: +27 (0)11 836-4900), www.worldofbeer.co.za. The SAB-Miller Beer museum. R25 for the tour, including 2 free drinks in the pub at the end of the tour..
• The Manhattan Club, 19 Wessels Rd, Rivonia (From the N1 take exit 100 (Sandton/M9 Rivonia Rd), follow Rivonia Rd south and turn left into 12th Ave at the second traffic light, turn left into River Rd and follow that until it becomes Wessels Rd), ☎ +27 (0)11 803-7085 (guyb@manhattanclub.co.za), www.manhattanclub.co.za. Th-Sa 8PM-4AMish, Tu W 9PM-3AM. Closed Su M, Th. A huge stylish and bustling venue, with a total of 8 bars which include a shooters bar and a ladies only cocktail bar. Discounts for students and ladies. R50-70 cover.
• The Radium Beer Hall, Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, ☎ +27 (0)11 728-3866, www.theradium.co.za. This place has been serving beer since 1929.
• House of Nsako, 101 High St, Brixton, ☎ +27 072 2232 648, www.nsako.co.za. Live music venue, museum and institute of Afrikan popular culture

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