The building on Commissioner Street that was once the Barclays Bank in the 1940s is now filled with the aromas of ground coffee and freshly baked Copenhagen muffins. The triple-volume marble space at number 85 is called City Central and, on 1 September 2016, will officially open as a bustling food hall and events space.

Our neighbors on the ground floor will be fantastic foodies. A few more weeks and 87 Commissioner will have the best breakfast and lunch in the CBD. #johannesburg #joburg #jozi #africanfood #books

A photo posted by Bridge Books (@bridgebooks) on May 3, 2016 at 8:09am PDT

This late-deco sandstone heritage beauty contains luxury urban apartments and trendy advertising offices that ensconce the food hall within. City Central’s food and drinks traders have been carefully curated by designer Jean Huddy, so there’s nothing samey about this space. Between Crumb & Crust bakery and Bridge Books, where Bean There coffees are served along with literature and events by city personality Griffin Shea, is a host of delicious stands and stalls.

Good to Go grills up gourmet burgers and sliders; Cooking Soul does smoky ribs, chicken and beans; Sbu Msongelwa of TOWN has popped up with his yummy tastes of South Africa dim sum. Curry in a Box, also at 27 Boxes, has arrived in the inner city, filling great rotis and bunny chows. On the Boat is the place for healthy juices and smoothies and breakfasts to go; Chef Aubrey of L’Aub works magic things on the sandwich concept. There should also be a Mexican food provider and a fish-and-chips seller by opening time on Thursday, 1 September.

A photo posted by Bridge Books (@bridgebooks) on Aug 2, 2016 at 12:40am PDT

The Brass Bar is set up on the gallery level, stunningly decorated in the shades of the 1920s, joined by a dining area alongside and a beautiful balcony space.

City Central will be open Monday to Friday, hosting Wednesday Wine Club evenings and participating in the city’s First Thursdays, amongst other events.

Visit the City Central Facebook page for updates.

A photo posted by Bridge Books (@bridgebooks) on Aug 27, 2016 at 3:34am PDT