Rosebank has been undergoing something of a glow-up in recent months – and Nine Yards, the latest addition to the scene, is the perfect embodiment of everything Joburgers love most about their city.
To the uninitiated, there’s very little to Johannesburg beyond hustle, dry winter air that leaves you inconveniently itchy, potholes everywhere and a maze of malls. However, those who love the place will disagree. To them, Joburg’s charm lies in the joke you share with your barista, the unexpected vibrancy of a bougainvillea against a building that could probably do with a coat of paint, and that quirky boutique only you and your best friend know about.
Nine Yards have taken all of these unique attributes and amplified them in a shopping, eating, art and design precinct that holds a mirror to Europe’s signature town squares – except that instead of old men playing backgammon, here you’ll find friends squeezing in a cappuccino between workouts and deadlines, families wrangling toddlers, teens and terriers, and supporters of the ‘treat economy’ dashing in to find a little spoil from one of the artisanal food shops.
It all adds up to a beautiful day out in beautiful surrounds. But where to start with your Nine Yards experience? With 30 different tenants, spanning restaurants, jewellers, fitness experts, specialist stores and galleries, it’s hard to say – but The Well is certainly a good place to begin, because it embodies the principles that make Nine Yards so special … community and serenity.
All the fundamentals are in place for a thorough workout (from a choice of modalities to facilities like a salt room and ice baths), but what makes this sanctuary truly special is its dedication to cell-deep wellbeing, with workshops and seminars focusing on thought-provoking, topical wellness issues.
For those who consider good food to be an essential part of living well, Nine Yards is a veritable buffet. Doppio Bistrot stands out for its stunning location, matched by equally beautiful décor. This is the ideal vantage point, both for watching the passing parade and taking in the touches – like the sun-dappled water feature and shaded pathways – that give the precinct its signature ‘steeped in nature’ feel. But there are plenty of other options, from the authentic Italian, out-the-oven breads and golden baked goods at Ti Amo, to everyone’s favourite cheesecake (and more) at Salvation Café, not forgetting Zuney’s famous golden fries and burgers or the family-friendly vibes at Ole Ole.
And for those who want to create restaurant meals at home … you’ll find fresh seafood, ethically raised farm meat, veg and fruit that look as though they were still growing just an hour ago, and all the sauces, pickles, relishes, dips and ‘ooh that looks interesting’ goodies you need to turn a dish into a work of art.
Speaking of art … there’s a definite theme marking out the boutiques that have made their home at the precinct. If you’re looking to dash in and choose a plain white tee, move along. Clothing here is all about curation and consciousness, with fabrics chosen with sustainability in mind, bespoke tailoring distinguishing garments as out of the ordinary, and makers lending their creativity to unique pieces intended to stand the test of time. The result goes well beyond fashion … it’s wearable art, pieces that will lend your wardrobe an unmistakable distinctiveness. You’ll have the opportunity to choose equally stunning accessories at Verus, manufacturing jewellers – or opt for more permanent adornment from True Love Tattoo.
But what about art for the home? Plenty of this, too Houtlander, in particular, stands out for its designs – all clean lines and fresh looks – and accent on sustainability, while Zanele Kumalo and MJ Turpin bring an intriguing perspective to their gallery, Kumalo | Turpin, with pieces thoughtfully selected to challenge and encourage dialogue.
& by Andticks deserves special mention here, too, because it’s all about art for both body and home. Pick out something irresistible for yourself (a statement necklace, maybe, or a head-turning jacket), but don’t forget your walls – there are some really beautiful pieces on offer.
And, while you’re gifting yourself, don’t forget the others in your life, whether that’s your fur baby, who will love the spoils from Badoodoo, or your bestie, who will be equally charmed by the gourmet goodies, tableware and little treasures you didn’t know you really, truly needed from Something Special.
Enticing though they are, it’s not these stores that keep Joburgers coming back to Nine Yards. It’s that holiday feeling … the sense that you’ve walked away from a reality of chores and must-dos and into a world of imagination, possibilities and beauty.
Located at the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Chester Road. Details: www.nine-yards.co.za, @nineyardsjhb
Little Black Book
Don’t miss out on these fabulous stores:
• Goat of Bespoke for custom clothing
• Aquaculture, bringing nature indoors with stunning terrariums
• Artclub and Friends – consciously created unisex clothing
• Essex Interiors, giving your home a glow up
• Gelato Mania – don’t waste your time on tasters – go straight for the Pino Penguino
• Nunu’s the Artist, where you can satisfy both your creative leanings and your appetite with arty activities and light meals
• Paul Kurt for bespoke furniture
• Plato – because a good coffee is one of life’s greatest pleasures
• GardenShop – a Joburg institution
• The Lokal for meat that will turn you into the neighbourhood braai master
• Wanderlust, for globally inspired wardrobe and homeware must-haves
• Wild Hair for stylish cuts and glam nails
• Something Good Studio, a one-of-a-kind textile design studio and home to exquisite knitwear
• Bodytec, for the most effective workout ever
• Water and ice @ Nine Yards, the ultimate hydration destination.
Article by Lisa Witepski.
