The Radium Beer Hall
Photo credit: Anton Bosman
The oldest running bar in Jozi. Live music, great food and amazing people.
The beauty of old Jozi lies in the character of places like the Radium Beer Hall.
This Jozi Gem is the oldest running bar and grillhouse in Jozi, and fits perfectly in the Grand Old Dame category of Old Jozi.
When it first was opened as a tearoom by the Khalil family in 1929, the Radium doubled up as a shebeen. It sold liquor to black customers who were barred from drinking “white man’s booze” in that day and age. 13 Years later, a wine and malt licence was acquired and the Radium Tearoom became the Radium Beerhall.
My first visit to The Radium was in 2015, when we moved to the little suburb of Mountain View and discovered the wonderful Sunday jazz sessions, hosted every 1st Sunday of the month, with some of Johannesburg and South Africa’s musicians playing at The Radium.
For me, The Radium is a whole lot of my favourite things in one place – the oldness and heritage of Jozi that I love – the pressed ceilings and vintage style pub – the soulful jazz, and the most delicious Mozambican / Portuguese style food in Jozi!
I’ve been back a few more times since that first visit, but not nearly as often as I’d have liked to. Sitting here, writing this blog article, I feel rather sad, thinking about all the wonderful experiences that Covid has stolen from us.
We are at Lockdown Level 1 in SA, and The Radium Beer Hall is open, albeit not yet back to the ‘normal’ Friday and Sunday jazz sessions, filled to capacity with patrons, enjoying one of the best experiences that Jozi has to offer.
With December fast approaching, and a bit more time to chill and relax, I will definitely be visiting this Jozi gem soon.
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