Looking to visit some of Cape Town’s oldest pubs for a beer and bite to eat?
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Here is a list of five of the most historic bars in the city to get you started:
Perseverance Tavern
Despite only getting its official status as a pub in 1836, the Perseverance Tavern remains the oldest operating bar in Cape Town.
Persies, as it is affectionately known by locals, was actually established in 1808, nearly half a century before its closest rival.
Influential patrons of the establishment include the likes of Cecil John Rhodes, along with countless political figures from both Africa and Europe, who would meet for a cold beer after a hard day’s work.
With its beautiful, cool courtyards for summer and cosy fireplaces for cold nights, it remains a firm favourite among locals two centuries after its initial opening.
Over the years, Persies has undergone extensive renovations, but never at the expense of its authentic charm and ambiance.
- Location: 83 Buitenkant Street, City Bowl
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm
Fireman’s Arms
Established in 1864, Fireman’s Arms is another of the oldest pubs in Cape Town, offering fine beers and wines with delicious food and light meals.
While the pub has undergone extensive renovations and upgrades in its 150+ year history, the original building and atmosphere have remained largely intact.
Fireman’s Arms offers exceptional service in a relaxing setting with no shortage of high-definition televisions and big screens, ensuring that patrons never miss a moment of the sporting action.
There are both smoking and non-smoking areas, as well as facilities for private functions and events.
- Location: Corner of Buitengracht & Mechau Streets, City Bowl
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 12am
Foresters Arms
Nestled at the foot of Cape Town’s majestic mountains, in the leafy suburb of Newlands, Foresters Arms is another pub that has truly stood the test of time.
Established in 1852, Forries, as it is better known by locals, has been a perennial favourite for well over a century.
While the space has undergone a few usage changes, it was eventually settled as an inn, and the pub remained.
Guests can enjoy a relaxing draught beer, accompanied by a delicious meal off the gastro-pub’s menu.
- Location: 52 Newlands Avenue, Newlands
- Times: Monday to Thursday, 11m to 11pm | Saturday, 9am to 10pm | Sunday, 9am to 10pm
De Akker
Not quite in Cape Town but close enough, De Akker in Dorp Street has been a Stellenbosch icon for over 150 years.
While the history remains somewhat unclear due to a slave revolt and fires back in the early 1800s, this pub remains a gem of the Cape Winelands.
However, it is generally accepted that De Akker got its licence in 1872.
Visitors can look forward to a decent outdoor terrace and an upstairs section, known as the Hidden Cellar, which is a regular venue for live music.
- Location: 90 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 11am to late
The Kimberley Hotel was built in 1895 and is situated in the heart of Cape Town.
This pub was the original starting point for the first settlers, miners and prospectors who travelled on horse-drawn carriages to the town of Kimberley’s diamond mines.
It offers a vintage charm with tiled walls and dark wood, as well as diamond and gold mining bric-a-brac from yesteryear.
Despite retaining much of its historical ambiance and charm, the pub has developed a reputation for getting rough and rowdy over time and is sure to provide an interesting experience.
- Location: 48 Roeland Street, City Centre
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm
Article written by Murray Swart for Cape Town ETC.
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