There’s perhaps nowhere better to pass a warm Saturday afternoon than Stanley Beer Yard, one of Johannesburg’s new hotspots. Overlooking the 44 Stanley courtyard, where trees cast speckled shade over the quaint tables and chic shoppers and happy diners go about their business, this pub is where you want to be seen.

Food

For a modern take on classic bar fare, look no further. While the menu consists mainly of prego rolls, you’d be wrong to expect the slightly dry version of this Portuguese treat. Quite the opposite, in fact: it’s tender and flavoursome. (A mouthwatering vegetarian option with halloumi cheese also gets our vote.) Pop in on a Sunday for prawns and cold beer. Also recommended is the sausage platter, which includes chicken, lamb and pork sausages with a side of tangy sauerkraut.

Drinks

This self-proclaimed ‘beer yard’ is not as rustic as it sounds; the management takes a slightly different approach. The bar doesn’t boast the usual array of Klipdrift bottles and no shots are served whatsoever. It does, however, have a respectable selection of local wines and craft beers to satisfy even the most ardent craft beer connoisseur. This is the kind of bar where you could take someone on a first date.

Service

It’s all about self-service, so order your food and drinks at the bar before getting too comfortable.

Ambience

Décor cleverly combines colonial and industrial elements – think comfortable distressed leather couches in front of a crackling fire, animal skulls and skin rugs, some old-fashioned tools, hammered metal chandeliers and, of course, a few hipsters.

Have you been to Stanley Beer Yard? Let us know what you think by writing a quick review.