SPOT SPOTTED

On Saturday we unfortunately got rained out of doing a tour in the inner city, very sad I know, but alas our control over mother nature is lacking in a major way. Though this was unfortunate, not all was lost... Jo, Tania and I, with the company of the more resilient tourists, made a quick dash to Niki's Oasis to have a drink and wait out the down pour that engulfed the city.

Now, though Niki's is not really a new spot, it is a very cool place to go and chill, listen to some jazz, and quench the thirst that takes you on those hot summer afternoons. We have had a few functions there and frequently end tours at Niki's, getting to know our new friends over an ice cold beer... Just what the doctor ordered after a long city walk. So, for us, I'll be honest and say we have known about it for some time now... but regardless, I think it is worth a blog so as to attract some new people to this truly African watering hole!

Niki's Oasis is located in the heart of Newtown, directly across from the well known Market Theatre on Bree Street. Its quaint appearance from the outside is inviting, with its side walk tables usually occupied by the locals having something to eat and drink while watching the busy streets of Joburg. Inside, there are comfy sofa's where one can lounge and kickback with some friends while Niki herself sits quietly at the bar tending to some work. All the while, there is a constant stream of jazz playing in the background, its smooth sounds washing over you and relaxing every muscle in your body, your worries becoming a thing of the past.

On a Friday night, you will find live jazz on the menu. This is an awesome experience. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of music. It is as if you are transported back to the 1950's when jazz bars were frequented. Unfortunately some of the style and romanticism is lost in our day and age, I can imagine what it must have been like back in the day, suits and ties, hats and pipes... and all the people dancing and moving to the beats of the bass... it must have been awesome. But for us, in our time, we have Niki's Oasis, a truly African bar in a truly African city.

 

So if you haven't been there yet, go have a look. If nothing else, you would have had a different experience than you normally would, but I can almost guarantee that once you have been, you will go time and time again.