East London’s pubs and bars
The Pub, a drinking establishment fundamental to the cultures of many countries across the globe and whose history can be traced back to the Roman taverns. In many places, especially in smaller villages and towns, pubs can be the focal point of the community. In South Africa, a nation of beer lovers, there is a wide variety of different types of pubs. Coupled with the fact that the nation is also, officially, sports mad, the majority of the pubs feature big screens for fans to watch their favourite teams whilst sinking a couple of cold ones.
East London is no exception in this regard and features a large number of drinking establishments that cater to everybody’s tastes. Whatever type of pub outing you’re looking for, whether it’s for a quiet drink after work or a night out at the weekend, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the city.
Buccaneers Sports Pub and Grill in Marina Glen is somewhat of an institution in East London with breathtaking views of the beachfront and a party atmosphere. It is a regular stop for well-known SA bands and DJ’s and for the sports fans, there are massive screens ensuring you don’t miss a thing during your team’s game. Buccaneers is also known for its delicious food, offering everything from toasted sandwiches to Dutch fillets. Telephone 043 743 5171.
Situated inside The Blue Lagoon Hotel in Beacon Bay is The Highlander, a lively bar which overlooks the picturesque Nahoon River – the ideal place for a drink while watching a spectacular sunset. A popular hangout for the who’s who of East London, The Highlander plays hosts to regular DJ events and in addition to having a reputation for their excellent wines, they also offer a wide variety of meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Telephone 043 748 4821.
Located in Vincent, Dr Jekyll’s is a pub and restaurant with a great vibe, the perfect place to relax and catch up with friends, enjoy some good food or watch the latest match on the big screen. A popular pub, Dr Jekyll’s also offers a licenced games room. Telephone 043 726 6164.
Where there’s a Dr Jekyll, there has to be a Mr Hyde and you can find this particular counterpart in Beacon Bay. Also a very vibey pub, Mr Hyde’s Restaurant and Pub is all about comfort and relaxation, a place where you instantly feel at home. Enjoy a meal, catch your favourite team on the big screen or head there on one of the evenings when they host live bands. Telephone 043 748 2249.
Another popular pub in Beacon Bay is Monty’s, the ‘pub in the hub’. Featuring live entertainment seven days a week in the shape of local artists and karaoke, Monty’s boasts a large pool room, dance floor and braai area where you are more than welcome to take along your own meat and enjoy one of the nation’s most favourite pastimes. Tasty pub meals are also available with great specials on offer throughout the week. Telephone 082 753 5665.
Catz Pub in Berea is a popular, warm and friendly local pub with a real home away from home feel. They have a fireplace for the colder nights and a great outdoor section for sunny days. Every night at Catz has a different feel with live music, karaoke and various themed evenings. It’s also a fantastic place to head to watch your favourite team in the latest match. Telephone 084 959 9262.
At The Gonubie Hotel on the beachfront you will find both The Deck and the Captain’s Cabin. The Deck is a pub and restaurant which overlooks the main beach and offers very popular dishes from fresh fish to mouth-watering steaks. The Captain’s Cabin is renowned for its great vibe and hearty pub menu. Both are pubs that are definitely worth a visit with regular live music from local artists and resident DJ’s. Telephone 043 740 4010.
Situated on the East Coast Resorts Road at Crossways, The Fish & Farrier is a lovely country pub with a lively bar and great food. A relaxed and warm atmosphere, The Fish & Farrier regularly hosts live music events and karaoke nights. Telephone 043 737 4455.
The Abbotsford Arms is a great venue with a real Old English pub and grub vibe. With regular live music, this pub is perfect for both after work pints and relaxing mixers over the weekend! Telephone 043 721 0363 (Abbotsford Arms).
Located inside the Blue Waters Hotel is The Slipway Pub and Grill, one of Gonubie’s most popular family pubs and restaurants. It is close to the beach yet still maintains its privacy and offers a safe, friendly environment with delicious food and great customer service – don’t miss out on the weekly specials! Also a great place to watch the latest match. Telephone 043 740 2019.
Located right on the waterfront inside the Premier Hotel Regent on the Esplanade is the Y-Knot Pub and Restaurant. Offering breathtaking views of the ocean while you sip a cold one, Y-Knot provides the perfect setting to relax, have a light lunch and watch the dolphins at play. Telephone 043 709 5000.
Offering you an unbeatable dining experience with a relaxing atmosphere with breathtaking ocean views is Café Neo, located in Quigney. Enjoy cocktails made from the finest ingredients available while you watch one of East London’s spectacular sunsets. Delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners are also available. Telephone 043 722 4531.
The Subway in the Cambridge Sports Club is a lively pub with a delicious pub menu and specials are always available. The Subway regularly holds different evenings combined with live music which make it a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Telephone 078 603 0591.
Dezzy’s Pub in Gonubie has a friendly and cosy atmosphere with an awesome dance floor, regularly filled with party goers on one of their Karaoke or live music nights. Sports fans can also enjoy the latest matches on the big screen there. Telephone 072 212 8311.
BarCode at Xtreme Valley in Beacon Bay is an upmarket venue with very reasonably priced drinks on offer. Catering primarily for the young professional, it has a lively vibe and is perfect for both after work cold ones or pre-club drinks at the weekend. It is also an ideal venue for families during the day over the weekend when parents can sit and have a drink and a light meal and watch their kids playing lazer tag at the same time. With plans to have live entertainment once a month in the bar, it also has an upstairs venue where DJ events will be held on a regular basis. For the sports fans, there is also a big screen where all the latest soccer and rugby matches are shown. Telephone 086 198 25539.
The Milk Shed is an upmarket bar in the heart of Nahoon which opened in 2016. Situated in Beach Road, this pub has a great atmosphere and is an awesome place to have a drink and delicious burger. Telephone 043 735 1513.
Last year also saw the opening of The Captain’s Table in Abbotsford, a pub that’s quickly growing in popularity. Enjoy great tasting and value for money meals, sip a sundowner on the deck or get your friends together for a fun night out and enjoy some awesome music. With friendly staff and a chilled, laid-back vibe, The Captain’s Table is a place where you’ll feel right at home. Telephone 043 721 0083.
Located on Pearce Street in Berea, 57 on Pearce is an upmarket establishment offering you only the best dining experience. Telephone 043 726 1713.
Latitudes Action Bar, located within Hemingways (opposite the cinema), is the perfect destination for sports mad East Londoners and visitors to East London. Boasting five large TV screens, stage, sports memorabilia and decor, not to mention a well-stocked bar, Latitudes is quickly becoming a local favourite. Telephone 043 707 7925.
The Rattler Pub & Grub at Python Park is a family style venue with a friendly, homely vibe and offers a relaxed atmosphere, good cold beer and delicious food. Located on the friendly N6 towards Stutterheim. Telephone 083 654 7638.
Blackspades Entertainment Lounge is a new exciting venue that will bring you fun and a variety of entertainment. A classy bar with a dance club and music nights, Blackspades is the place to be. Telephone 076 753 9949.
Chintsa Bay Restaurant & Sundeck is situated along the coast in Chintsa West, away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. With great and reasonably-priced food, fast and friendly service, this venue has the winning combination. Telephone 072 518 5004.
Situated in the unspoilt natural beauty of the Wild Coast on a farm between Chintsa and Cefani, Emerald Vale Brewing Company is a boutique craft brewery specialising in hand crafted beers. Visitors to the brewery can enjoy a pub-style meal in the brewery restaurant or outside overlooking the rolling hills. Telephone 043 738 5397.
Table 58 Brewery and Brewpub, located within the Floradale Complex on the Old Gonubie Road, is to open its doors very soon. The beginnings of Table 58 started with Friday evening drinks in East London and the story continues. Watch this space! Telephone 072 699 3246.
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