Living Room Jozi — Attraction in Gauteng

It's been a long minute since I've written any reviews because I just don't wanna seem like Nasty Nancy no more. But these establishments be testing me, they be coming for my soul.

So on nights like these when I have nothing to do but reminisce on those that did me dirty... I like to write reviews wherein I go for their necks. And this is going to be one such. But before all that, let me be nice because "constructive criticism"...

The Good The place is beautiful, really is... I understand why it gets such rave reviews. The views of the Jo'burg skyline are breathtaking and the decor is absolutely stunning and original. If you're an avid picture taker you'll love it here. Your Instagram, SnapChat etc will be popping after a night out here if you love taking pics.

It actually reminded me of Yours Truly in Cape Town. And I love Yours Truly. The vibe is relaxed, the music allows, and the food is reasonably priced. You can have an awesome night on a shoestring budget here. R250 will get you 2 bottles of their cheapest wine and a R70 meal. So big ups for that

The Pits, The Absolute Gutter We had booked a table for 6 for 5pm. At around 2pm, we came by to drop off the cake and ask that they please put it in their coldroom for us since we were coming back later.

Two of our friends have already arrived by the time we came back again at around 5:20pm and were let in under my booking. Now this is where things get interesting... We get there and the host at the door (not the same as the 2pm girl) asks us for the name under which the table is booked, we tell her, and with the most poker face, says "Thato has cancelled this booking". I swear I would've dived over that counter because of her lies. How do I cancel a booking when I'm standing right there listening to you tell these Lies!!! So we tell her to stop lying because 2 of our guests are already inside and Durr I'm standing right there so Skippy, I did not cancel the booking. Doesn't bother to apologise but let's out a 'caught out' chuckle and says "Okay" as she hands us 2 wristbands. I couldn't help but get the impression that she's done tis before and gotten away with it, which is why she was so unbothered.

These lies would be told to 2 more guests who came after us. With the 5th guest, we had to go get her at the entrance because Head Honcho at the door told her that she had no such name in her bookings for that day. Had to fetch guest number 6 from the door too because of some other out of line reason I was too mad to care to grasp. Was over her bull dust.

This constant bickering about the booking honestly took away from what could have been an amazing experience. I'm just glad my inner Chun-Li didn't emerge because the service we got at the door was disgusting.

The person at your door is the first impression I get about your establishment. No matter how good everyone else after that is, if I've had to grovel with the person at the door then trust that the rest of my experience has been soured. I can't even tell you how everyone else afterwards was because they were overshadowed by the constant bickering I had to do at the door to get me and my guests in. Won't bother next time, I'll go where my money and presence are...

So you want to go eat, and spend your money at a restaurant but then you have to pay 80 rand just to get in and pay some more for some (probably) overpriced food? Ridiculous. So, having done my research before writing this review it became clear to me they only charge for entry when there is live music. Well, first of all get the staff downstairs to tell people that's the reason for the entry fee. We were told the fee is to limit the crowd. Never heard of a reservation? full is full... No, just let in the ones with the most money to spend. Maybe that was just a staff member not doing very well. But ok, live music, still, I go to this nice place to cosume already, music should be included in the price. You either run a restaurant or organise a gig. If you run a restaurant you can never make people pay to get in. Or yeah, you can, if it is that kind of fancy place, where money is the thing, spend to spend. I hate those places. I admit, I might be a bit harsh here, but that's the feeling I got from chatting with the 'welcomming' committee downstairs. First impressions matter, If it is the kind of place so great you have to pay a bit more, explain me why exacly and I might be more than happy to pay. But here, yeah limiting the crowd, if you want to spend a lot of money just pay a lot to enter first. Well done, I was looking forward to praize the place on my website. Nah... I have to go sleep...

me and my friends had the worst experience at living room. came here for a 21st, which was supposed to be a magical and memorable time. it was definitely memorable to say the least. my friend (the one turning 21) had made a reservation for 20 people for a friday, 2 weeks before. she was constantly in contact with a woman named faith about the reservation. we arrive for the event and living room is CLOSED. not once did they mention that they are now only open on saturdays and sundays. my friend was left shattered, it was her 21st birthday after all. as we stood there with 20 guests we tried to phone living room and tell them about this situation. a lady answered and once we explained everything and how disappointed and upset we were, SHE PUT DOWN THE PHONE. all she could say was “eish”, not even trying to rectify the mistake they made or even own up to the issue. we tried phoning back multiple times and they ignored us. this is absolutely unprofessional!

thankfully, hallmark house (only 600m away) welcomed with open arms! we were met at the door and escorted to our table, after getting a reservation for our party in UNDER 5 minutes. the views were spectacular, the ambiance was amazing, and waiters were especially friendly, and eager to serve. all i’m saying is if you’re ever thinking about having your 21st at living room,...