JESSICA SIMELANE and DANI VAN DER HORST
Hatfield is home to a collection of five bars and clubs along Lynwood Road, famously known as “The Strip” but the party doesn’t stop there. Here is a breakdown of all the places you can go in Hatfield to experience student life to the fullest:
1. The Grind Bar & Eatery
The Grind is situated on the end of The Strip. The Grind often hosts live gigs over weekends where you can see names like Van Pletzen, DSCO Cam and Shortstraw. Another staple at The Grind, is Bar Acoustics. Bar Acoustics takes place every Sunday afternoon and is a great way to unwind before the week begins.
Instagram: @thegrindbar @baracoustics
Facebook: The Grind Bar & Eatery
2. The Corner Pocket
The Corner Pocket is a pool bar situated just past The Strip on Lynwood Road. This is an affordable option for any avid pool lovers. They often have good bucket specials. The Corner Pocket is close to The Strip and is a great stop before you head out to party.
Facebook: Corner Pocket PTA
3.The Social Club
The Social Club is a cocktail bar situated in Burnett Street. They host fun events and you can expect to see acts like South African DJ sensation, DJ Fresh perform here. If you need a pre-party snack, they also offer half-priced burgers and wings on Tuesdays through Sundays from 12:00 until 15:00.
Instagram: @tsc_hatfield
Facebook: The Social Club Hatfield
4.Café Livingstone
Café Livingstone is commonly known as Livingstones and is situated in Burnett Street. Livingstones is one of the oldest bars in Hatfield and forms a core part of the University of Pretoria’s student life. Livingstones is best known for their beer special. You can buy one Castle Draught for R28.00 and get another one for free. This special runs from Monday until Sunday from 12:00 until 13:00 and then again at 17:00 until 18:00. Livingstones is a sit-down bar and is perfect for watching a sports game with a group of friends. They have many affordable drink specials and they are close to the residences.
Facebook: Café Livingstone
5.Aandklas
As you move away from The Strip and into Hatfield itself, you will find Aandklas on the corner of Prospect and Hilda Street. Here you can expect to dance on tables and listen to rock music. Aandklas often hosts live music events and you can expect to watch performers such as Jack Parrow, CrashCarBurn and Spoegwolf. They usually have a weekly schedule packed with fun activities, such as Karaoke on Thursdays, quiz night on Wednesdays and open-mic nights on Sundays.
Instagram: @aandklas_pta
Facebook: Aandklas Pta
6.News Café
News Café can be found in the Hatfield Plaza on the corner of Hilda and Burnett Street. News Café boasts an exciting cocktail menu and offers great drink specials. They often host DJ’s and Fresh Fridays are an exciting addition to anybody’s week. News Café is a great place to sit down and have a cocktail with friends.
Instagram: @newscafehatfield
Facebook: News Café Hatfield
7.The Jolly Roger (Jolly’s)
The Jolly Roger was the first club on The Strip. Jolly’s is famous for its First Thursday events. These take place on the first Thursday of every month and you can expect to hear the likes of Chunda Munki, DJ Speedsta and Timo ODV perform. Jolly’s is also well-known for its “all you can drink” special on a Monday. They often have weekly specials and performances.
Instagram: @jollyrogerhatfield
Facebook: The Jolly Roger Hatfield
8.Latino’s Bistro
Latino’s is situated next to The Grind. They often have good specials and you can expect to hear mainly hip-hop or house music. On busy nights, one can expect a decent wait to get inside. It is a small club, so it can get crowded pretty quickly.
Facebook: Latino’s Bistro – Hatfield Strip
9.Jukes Bar
Jukes is situated next to the popular Varsity Bakery and is in the same row as Latino’s. Jukes usually plays good sing-along music and has a nice outside area if you need to take a breather during a night out. Jukes usually hosts a bingo night on Tuesdays and a quiz night on Wednesdays. You can expect really good deals on food and drinks during these times.
Instagram: @jukes_bar
Facebook: Jukes
10.Springbok Bar
Opposite Aandklas is another signature bar, Springbok Bar, commonly referred to as Springboks. Springboks is a great place to sit down and have a few drinks with friends and it gets especially busy during the Varsity Cup season. A quiz night takes place every Wednesday and there are many drink specials on throughout the week. The food is reasonably priced and makes for a great lunch stop, as it is within walking distance from the university.
Facebook: Springbok Bar
11.The Blue Room
In Arcadia Street, you will find The Blue Room. The Blue Room is a stylish bar and nightclub. They often host live performances and you can expect to watch performers like Kwesta, DJ Fanatic and Yanga Chief. A popular drink special is a R10.00 Savanna, served from 19:00 until 21:00 on Thursdays.
Instagram: @blueroom_ hatfield
Facebook: Blue Room Hatfield
12.Mystic Bull
Mystic Bull is commonly referred to as Mystics and you can find them in the Duncan Yard centre, in Prospect Street. Happy hour at Mystics is from 17:00 until 19:00 every day and incudes a “buy one, get one free” special on cocktails and certain beers. Here you can expect sing-along songs, a good dose of old school rock and plenty of dancing.
Instagram: @mystichatfield
Facebook: Mystic Hatfield
13. Fokof Bar
Fokof Bar is the latest addition to The Strip and is the bar of legendary South African rock band, Fokofpolisiekar. Here you can expect ice cold Fokof Lager on tap. Fokof Lager is the band’s carefully crafted beer range. The bar is more of a sit-down bar and is perfect for those not wanting to dance the entire night away. The walls are decorated with memorabilia from the band’s tours and is a must-visit for any South African rocker.
Instagram: @fokofbar
Facebook: Fokof Bar
Alternative Activities:
Bravo Pizzeria
Pizza is an essential comfort food for students. Bravo Pizzeria, located on the corner of Jan Shoba Street and South Street, is another Hatfield gem. The quaint restaurant boasts a 4.4/5 rating on restaurant finding app, Zomato, and is widely praised for its thin-based and gluten free pizzas. It is also a social hub for live music and open-mic poetry nights. Bravo Pizzeria is the perfect place to grab a bite and enjoy a homey night out with friends. There is local art on display that is available for purchase. There is also a small book exchange corner and a comfy reading nook. Bravo Pizzeria stays open untill 21:00. Bravo Pizzeria does not serve alcohol, but you can often bring your own drinks to events such as the open-mic poetry nights.
Instagram: @bravo012pizza
Facebook: Bravo Pizzeria 012
Spoken Sessions
Spoken Sessions is a poetry/performance platform that takes place in and around Hatfield. The locations vary for each session, so it is best to check their social media accounts to see exactly what is going on and when. You can expect to see live music, slam poetry and performance art.
Instagram: @spokensessionsza
Facebook: Spoken Sessions
Hazel Food Market
The Hazel Food Market in Menlo Park sometimes offers a night market alternative to their weekly Saturday morning food market. Craft beer, craft gin and home-made treats can be found at the market. Be sure to check out their Facebook page to stay updated on any night market events. If you want to enjoy the market during its normal hours, it is usually open from 8:00 until 14:00 on Saturdays. It is suitable for a good time out with friends, morning or evening. It boasts an array of different stalls, from jewellery to brewery. There is no entry fee and it is a good idea to take cash.
Instagram: @hazelfoodmarket
Facebook: Hazel Food Market
DeepRoots Night Market
The DeepRoots night market takes place on the first Friday of every month at the CBC Old Boys Memorial Club in Groenkloof. It boasts a variety of different stalls but is mainly known for the gourmet food and craft beer. There is always an impressive line-up of live music and dogs are welcome. The market usually starts at 16:00 and stays open until around 21:00. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for more information on upcoming events. There is usually a small entry fee and it is a good idea to bring some cash with you.
Instagram: @deeprootsnightmarket
Facebook: Deep Roots Markets
Photos: Giovanna Janos, Leah Rees, Cletus Mulaudi, Adivhaho Maphwanya
