Explore pockets of leisure worth every penny within the heart of Sandton.
Escape within the city
The richest square mile in Africa – streets that buzz with vibrant city living and stunning skylines – is what we expect from Sandton.
But when we stayed over at Protea by Marriott Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, we were pleasantly surprised to experience more of an escape within the city of country style living, heritage and a sense of tranquility.
From the lobby, with its vintage allure, to the scents that waft over from the cakes at Coffee on Twenty, from quenching your thirst at The Lords Bar to popping over to The Bull Run for a steak or making your way one floor down to The Marc to indulge in a shopping experience … this is the central point that leads to pockets of leisure.
What you don’t expect to find walking outside into the courtyard is a gorgeous garden popping with colours, from the colourful flower beds to the in-full-bloom jacaranda trees. There are two swimming pools on their grounds – the Balalaika Swimming Pool designed for poolside lunches, and the Crown Court Pool in a more private garden area where you can lounge, sip cocktails and work on your tan.
The Conservatory Restaurant is the perfect breakfast spot … sitting outside on the terrace with a bowl of fresh fruit and ice cream is a proper Summer morning treat. There’s a great Destination Lounge & Bar, which exudes opulence and the original furnishing of rolling ladders and centered pool table, and the bedrooms, refurbished just a few years ago, are all fresh and neat … some with balconies, all with everything you need for a comfy night’s stay. Details: 011-322-5000.
A wealth of good taste
When you see an enormous bronze bull posing outside a restaurant, your first thought is steak house. But The Bull Run means business with a name taken from a financial term where investments paid off.
You know what you are in for from their new menu, updated on the regular and based on the stock exchange … different products and volumes are depicted from high and low, indicating growth since entering the market and traded in different currencies … Rand, Dollar, Pound and Euros. So, is it all business at The Bull Run? We definitely don’t think so. The wood burning fire place, plush furniture and gorgeous Dollar Bar offering their very own craft beer will have you lingering around for a little longer than planned. Order something meaty and you are in for a treat.
28 days matured, cut ranging from 200g to a whopping 600g, it’s the specialty, and shows. For lighter options, there’s the new mini chicken liver bunny chow, with organic options like vegetable curry, roasted mushroom herb orzo and a vegan burger. Open from noon until late, daily. Details: www.thebullrun.co.za
A mix of old and new
A recent R2-million revamp breathes new life into the Lords Bar watering hole … walking through the big blue door marked First Lord of Consumption, resembling 10 Dowing Street, London, you immediately pick up on the royal touches and vintage appeal.
Leather couches, hanging chandeliers and gold framed historic newspaper clippings on the walls. The venue sits on a piece of land that once housed a unique tearoom in the 1950s, welcoming travellers into Sandton for trade and was one of the first ladies’ bars in the area, and you really appreciate its 74 years of legacy.
While the wine, cocktail and bar list is comprehensive, Mixologists will whip up off-menu cocktails in minutes, and on the food side, it’s all very Jozi bar scene … from tapas to jaffels to seafood platters to share. And they are not shy on portions or flavour. There’s always something new … follow Lords Bar at the Balalaika on Facebook. Open from noon until late, daily.
Compiled by: MEGAN BRETT
