Business is the heartbeat of Joburg, but where do people go to unwind after a hectic day at work? The perfect spot should be chilled enough to accommodate chatter to colleagues about office life, and it should offer a diverse range of drinks and snacks to meet all tastes. From cosy neighbourhood pubs to glitzy Sandton wine bars, Jozi really has it all. We’ve rounded up our favourite after-work bars and pubs.

Central One Bar at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
Seal a deal in the Slow in the City business lounge, located in the same building, and then hit the swish Central One Bar to celebrate. The pool deck, with its views of the Sandton skyline, is a great place for sundowners. Mingle with Joburg’s beautiful set and business travellers on their way to the airport, and order classic cocktails, bubbly and wine by the glass. While breadsticks and biltong are complimentary with your drinks order, light meals include asparagus risotto and beef kebabs.

Die Kneipe
This cosy German pub in Kensington is a laid-back and friendly spot to while away an hour or several before heading back home after the traffic. It’s like a second home to the many regulars, so make sure you don’t steal their seat! You’ll find bottled Erdinger Weissbier, Guinness and Kilkenny, and beers on tap include Hansa and Windhoek. There’s also a good range of ciders. Hearty fare to still your growling stomach after a long day at work includes the traditional eisbein, bratwurst, sauerkraut and potato salad.

Giles
This is a very popular after-work spot among Joburg’s young professionals, particularly on Friday night when it’s jam-packed and you have to yell to attract a barman. It attracts a smart northern suburbs crowd, with cash to burn on the decent selection of beers and good-value wine list. Try to nab a table or spill outside onto the spacious deck and soak in the leafy views over Craighall Park. Fish and chips and home-made pies are usually part of the changing seasonal menu.

Island Bar at Southern Sun Hyde Park
For a Sex and the City vibe, hit this cool rooftop bar set high above the Hyde Park shopping centre. There are floor to ceiling windows, and a huge pool terrace with panoramic views over the ‘burbs. It attracts a trendy, urban crowd with a party atmosphere on a Friday, but is quieter on a week night. There’s a selection of interesting French and Italian wines and cocktails, and the sushi is very good. You could also hit the Whisky & Cigar Bar for something stronger.

Kitcheners Carvery
Seek shelter from the cold streets of Joburg in this warm and inviting Braamfontein pub. Housed in one of the oldest surviving buildings in the CBD, nothing much has changed in the décor, from the red velvet curtains to the battered 100-year-old wooden bar. Over the weekend the atmosphere changes from old-school pub to music venue. It’s a friendly hangout where you may well find yourself chatting to strangers over an ice-cold Castle or playing long games of 30 Seconds.

The Circle Bar at the Rosebank Crowne Plaza
This is one of the best cocktail bars in town and is handily located in the heart of the Rosebank business zone. Head here for a splash of bling and cutting-edge drinks like the Rosebank Bubble, a mouth-watering blend of rose liqueur, cranberry juice, gin and sparkling wine. The Circle Bar features colour-changing, crystal-beaded pods (book in advance), which are perfect for a good gossip. Meat and seafood platters and other bar snacks are available.

Vintage Varga at Cantare
Okay, so the ‘1940s-style glamour’ of this retro bar and entertainment venue may be bordering on naff, but you’ll still have a whole lot of fun here with the office crowd. The vintage décor and age policy (over 23 for gals and 25 for guys) attracts a lively, older crowd. Part of Cantare Dinner and Dance within Montecasino, the place has a bit of a sexy vibe reflected in the extensive cocktail list. Different packages are available (one includes a stretch limo to pick up a group from work), Tuesdays are open mic night and Thursdays are ladies’ nights.

The Polo Bar at the Westcliff Hotel (now closed)
For a taste of old-school luxury, book a table at one of the city’s most historic hotels. Set amid lush vegetation, the venue is an ideal spot to impress clients. A chauffeur will whisk you up the winding hill to the bar and terrace, which features expansive views over the forested northern suburbs and the zoo opposite. (Look carefully and you may even spot an elephant.) Sit back with an expertly mixed cocktail, single malt whisky, liqueur or glass of champagne, and nibble on the likes of salt and pepper calamari and ostrich spring rolls.

By Claire Hu

Pictured (from top): Central One Bar, Cantare, Basilicious cockail, Central One Bar, Pretty in Pink cocktail