The after-work drink is a humble institution that serves many a fine purpose. Whether you need to celebrate a win, vent about the colleague whose microwave lunch made the whole office smell like fish, or simply toast to surviving another day of humdrum, we’ve rounded up Tshwane’s top spots where you can get your tipple on.

Culture Club – Bar de Tapas (Hazelwood)

This vibrant eatery in The Village hits the after-office sweet spot every time with its mouth-watering drinks selection, happy waitering staff and scrumptious tapas made from quality ingredients. Order a bunch of eats for the table (tapas are all about sharing, after all!), and soak up the festive atmosphere that is equal parts colourful and classy. There’s a diverse list of wine and cocktails from which to choose, and the extensive gin menu is a thing of joy.

 

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A post shared by Culture Club – Bar De Tapas (@cultureclubtapas) on May 18, 2019 at 4:07am PDT

Hudsons, The Burger Joint (Hazelwood)? 

Happy hour (from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Mondays to Fridays) is a pocket-friendly reason to unwind with friends and colleagues at this laidback spot in trendy Hazelwood. As the name suggests, they’re also serious about burgers. (That includes you, vegans! There are several amazing vegan options here.) There’s an excellent selection of cocktails, wine and beer for an after-work pick-me-up. The atmosphere is easy-going and the service is consistently warm, fast and friendly.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

 

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Wine and dine at #hudsonshazelwood Photo credits to @keribainborough #wine #burger #burgerofthemonth #hazelwood #pretoria #foodinspiration

A post shared by Hudsons Hazelwood (@hudsonshazelwood) on Mar 15, 2019 at 3:07am PDT

Lucky Rodrigo (Lynnwood)

With its hanging planters and retro touches, Lucky’s is that kind of utopic bar where corporate types and neo-bohemians can celebrate post-work freedom with equal abandon. The inside booths are comfy and welcoming, while the outside benches are great for a serious kuier. There are plenty of reasonably priced craft beers from which to choose, which go down a treat with one of the scrumptious burgers. (Vegetarians are also well looked after with the new ‘beyond meat’ burger.)

PLTFRM Wolwespruit (Erasmuskloof)

Wolwespruit Park is well-known among mountain bikers and trail runners, but the on-site restaurant, PLTFRM, is a bit of a hidden gem. The lofty barn-like structure with strong industrial currents is all concrete, glass and exposed brickwork. Coupled with the tranquillity of the natural surrounds, it makes for a classy after-work drinks setting that’ll make you feel like you’ve escaped not just your desk but the city too. The gin cocktails are both pretty and delicious (the ‘sunset flower’ is a must), and there are two types of craft beers on tap. The food menu features wood-fired pizza, steak and other classic dishes.

 

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A post shared by PLTFRM Wolwespruit (@pltfrm_wolwespruit) on Sep 7, 2018 at 6:21am PDT

Summit Grill and Skybar (Menlyn)

You won’t find it on the menu, but Summit’s top offering is a decadent dose of escapism. There’s a wraparound infinity pool with inflatable swans, and after sampling one or two cocktails, you’ll be forgiven for imagining you’re on board a cruise liner, sailing away into a sunset where to-do lists magically melt away. Daydreams aside, this is a glamorous joint with a seriously impressive drinks menu that includes everything from the finest bubbly to rudely named shooters that might make your manager blush. The food menu is equally extensive, with comforting classics like lamb shank, burgers and spaghetti bolognaise appearing alongside exotic nibbles and excellent sushi options.

 

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A post shared by Keneilwe Moloi (@yelims.m) on Mar 23, 2019 at 11:59am PDT

Have we missed your favourite drinks spot in Pretoria? Let us know in the comments below.