THE GIN BAR AND ITS HIDDEN DELIGHTS

Thanks to its refreshing taste, use in trendy cocktails and an endorsement by the twenty-somethings of the world, gin is no longer an old lady drink.

It has become so popular, that bars dedicated to the spirit have popped up. One such place is The Gin Bar on Wale Street. It was started by Dennis Williams, Michael De Klerk and Anthony Gird and it is the very definition of cool. Here’s why:

Let’s start with its location.

If you’ve been to The Gin Bar, you can’t help but feel that you are part of an awesome inner circle. This is because you have to know where it is to find it. Neatly tucked away, you have to go through the Honest Chocolate Bar at 64A Wale Street to get to it.

The only clue that it is there is a chalkboard sign on the outside, and even then, you might still be unsure whether you have found the right place. When I took friends there recently, I was constantly asked if I know where the place is, and if we were in the right area, but once you find it you are hit with a pleasant surprise.

With Cape Town’s picturesque scenery, some local spots are lucky to have great views of the mountain, sea or both. The Gin Bar is not one of these places, but for some weird reason, this adds to its charm.

When you enter the victorian-style courtyard, you are surrounded by high walls that block the outside world. You are instantly transported. It’s rustic walls, checked floor and charming ambiance makes you feel like you are in a tiny town somewhere in Europe.

Now to the important stuff – the gin.

The menu is simplistic, but amazing. There are four cocktails to choose from, one or two specialty cocktails and a selection of craft beers for those heathens who go to a gin bar and don’t want to drink any.

The main cocktails are named Head, Heart, Soul and Ambition and are all aimed at helping a particular ‘problem’ associated with these parts. Each has the perfect combination of ingredients to accommodate your particular tastes.

My current favourite is Intimacy, an incredible cocktail garnished with cucumber and passion fruit. All the cocktails are unbelievably delicious. For the purists out there, you can enjoy a traditional G&T. They have some of the best brands of gin in the game and a wide variety of tonics, so you can choose which type of gin and which type tonic you want. For those who are watching those calories, you can swap out the tonic for soda water.

The Gin Bar is a great, intimate gathering place to grab a drink after work, or to spend a wonderful gin-filled evening. Gin lovers will adore it, and those who are undecided about the spirit will be converted. Join the inner circle and enjoy all the delights this hidden bar has to offer.