A new bar in bustling Pritchard Street is celebrating Africa. Opposite the beautifully restored High Courts, near the Fashion District, Milk Bar shows off what’s super-cool about our continent.

An African themed table at Milk Bar. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The who’s who behind the concept, which already includes a slightly different Milk Bar opposite Amatuli Artefacts in Kramerville, are Rob Laing, and Mark Valentine and Elize van der Merwe of Katy’s Palace and Sir James van der Merwe in Johannesburg and Emily Moon in Plettenberg Bay. And guess who’s supplying specials pastries and pies? None other than Danielle Postma of Moemas.

Milk Bar is open early, starting off with breakfasts, teas and pastries, then moving on to lunches, more coffees and cakes, and then it’s drinks time – the ‘bar’ in the name is there for a reason!

Milk Bar’s outside seating. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

There are appealing croissants and rolls, oats dishes and muffins that arrive fresh at break of day. You might choose a muffin made with sweet potato, coconut and dukkah for an Ethiopian kickstart to the day, or perhaps wash down a slice of milk tart or date shortbread with interesting teas and mixed drinks. For lunch it seems everyone wants bunny chow. The bread is baked in a round tin and then hollowed out for either lamb and salad or chicken and salad. But don’t overlook the bockwurst hot dog in a pretzel roll, or the pregos, pies, sandwiches and inspired flatbreads for feasting on. For afternoon coffees there are fabulous fresh cakes, too. Just when you get used to all this, the seasonal menu will change and you can start again.

There are good cocktails, made with the finest of South African and African ingredients, but the liquor licence has not yet been transferred. In the meantime, bring your own. This is the ideal urban drinks and party venue.

The interior of Milk Bar. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

The Milk Bar décor is an African fantasy, and all items for sale. (We predict the portrait tables will start a décor trend.)  Braamfontein and Rosebank, you have been warned – your very own (and slightly different) Milk Bars are coming soon.