Best Holiday Hangouts in SA: From Brunch Offerings to NYE Parties
The end of the year is upon us, and so is summer! And now is the time when everyone is wondering how to celebrate the end the year with their colleagues and friends. Thankfully, hotels, restaurants and businesses across South Africa come to the party every year and curate special events for everyone to enjoy. There is such a wide variety that one is actually spoiled for choice.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration for ways to celebrate the holidays, here are a few fun suggestions to say farewell to the year that was.
Leisurely brunches
What makes a good brunch? Long, lazy culinary sessions, preferably with a view. Famously known for starting with a round of drinks and ending in a belt-loosening satisfaction. Brunch is a favourite across the world, particularly during the warmer months, when fresh spring and summer produce can be enjoyed in the comfort of the outdoors. And it’s perfect for year-end celebrations with the team or loved ones.
There are a number of brunch options around the country, but one of the most popular ones at the moment is the Breaker’s Brunch at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town. The famous brunch sessions are held on selected Saturdays from 13:00 to 16:00, and are styled in the form of Dubai long brunch where guests spend hours engaging in an ambient culinary experience.
The Boujee Brunch package at R795 per person, consists of a wide selection of bottomless beverages including summery cocktails, local beer, wines, tequila and Graham Beck bottomless bubbly. Food comes in the form of all-you-can-eat buffet-style starters that are made with seasonal ingredients, a platter choice for mains, rounded off with an all-you-can-eat dessert array. There’s also the alcohol-free Soft Life package, with unlimited soft drinks and mocktails for only R595 per person. No matter which option you choose, live music by a local resident DJ will ensure that the vibe is always just right.
Rooftop hangouts
Rooftop bars have become increasingly popular over the years and summer is the perfect time to enjoy these!
Cape Town has a number of well-documented rooftop hangouts, including Tjing Tjing on Longmarket Street. This bar is housed in a 200-year-old attic and takes inspiration from Japan with its décor. There are a number of bespoke cocktails to enjoy, as well as Japanese whiskey and a selection of wines.
In Durban, The Rooftop BBQ with the most majestic ocean views, offers Tuesday to Sunday all-day-long drinks and dining options. The menu includes a colourful array of cocktails, canapés and main meals. Hearty mains are divided across meat lover’s braai options, seafood and sushi options.
If you’re in Johannesburg, head to Red Roof in Rosebank for more than just its spectacular views of the City of Gold. In addition to being an excellent location to wind down with friends and family, there will also be a New Year’s Eve party. For R1,050 per person, guests receive a welcome drink on arrival and will be entertained by DJs until well into 2023.
Christmas buffets
There are many people not up to the task of cooking for all and sundry this Christmas. It simply takes too much time, and it costs quite a bit of money, too. Why not use that money on enjoying a Christmas lunch or dinner out this festive season? Across the country, hotels and restaurants are offering up delectable Christmas meals.
For those in Polokwane, there will be a Christmas lunch buffet on offer for R395 per person at Park Inn. Guests can expect all the Christmas favourites and then some! Radisson Blu Hotel in PE is also serving up something special this Christmas. For R545 per person, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet spread that includes a soup station, salad station, mains and desserts.
If you’re in Johannesburg for Christmas, then Central One Restaurant in Sandton is planning a delicious spread that includes a seasonal harvest table, a range of sides, a wide variety of mains and, of course, many sweet treats.
Year-end wind-down
It’s been a while since many of us have thought of celebrating the new year anywhere else other than from home. If you’re keen to make a fuss over saying goodbye to 2022 this year, then there are a number of fun and vibey parties happening in every city!
Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner for R680 per person. The cost includes a four-course dinner, a welcome drink on arrival, live entertainment and a glass of bubbly at midnight. One80 Pool Deck & Bar will also be hosting a refreshing New Year’s Eve pool party. The cost is R350 and includes live entertainment and a welcome drink.
For those in and around Umhlanga, head over to Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar for a New Year’s Eve Pool party where a DJ will keep the party going into the night and well into the new year.
There is clearly something for everyone across South Africa this summer and festive season. No matter in which city you find yourself, there is a party to enjoy, a lunch session, a brunch to be had, cocktails or mocktails to drink at sunset and so much more.