Island Bar — Restaurant in Gauteng

All Pictures copyright ©️ blackjohannes. Pictures as is and was not edited or manipulated. The Island Bar is situated in the concrete jungle in Hydepark, Johannesburg. It is part of the Southern Sun hotel on the 8th floor, adjacent to Hydepark Corner Shopping Centre. The hotel is on the corners of two of the busiest roads in Johannesburg. That is William Nicol and Jan Smuts Avenue. So don't expect an exotic island experience. What you will get is a lovely outdoor deck with small swimming pool, to wet your ankles. It has probably the best view of Randburg, Hydepark and BRYANSTON. At night it offers a nicer viewing experience with all the lights on the horizon. Perfect for a drink 🍸 at sunset. Don't expect friendly or efficient service. The staff are mostly as unfriendly and unhelpful as you can get. The bar is inside a large lounge area, with old carpets and scratching lounge furniture which had better days. Long overdue for replacement. It won't bother too many people as the lounge offer lovely views in a green suburb. You might be lucky enough to view the backyard or Julius Malema, which is not far away. If the bar offers great service, a better menu and everything doesn't stink like smoke, it can be worthy of 4 or even...

A group of us got to experience the recently launched Tapas Menus at the Island Bar, by Chef Grant. The menu is filled with variety, taste and flavour.

I love the fact that they take pride in making everything in house, to ensure authenticity and that extra care shows in how the food is prepared and how it tastes.

There was so much on offer, we were honestly spoilt for choice while washing it down with some crisp Veuve Clicquot bubbles. If you looking for variety, then this is your place. • Crumbed Mushrooms with Garlic Basil Pesto • Deep Fried Haloumi with Sweet chilli • Cheese and Corn Poppers with Jalapeno mayo • Mushroom and Mozarella Arancini • Sriracha Chicken wings • Mini Pregos • Mini Beef sliders • Lamb and Coriander Kofta • Crispy Calamari and Sriracha Aioli • Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla

Check them out over weekends or for after work drinks. The service is superb, the views are to die for and the food is delicious. They also have Djs on the decks to add to the vibe. Keep an eye on their social media pages for all their events to keep you entertained as we get closer to the silly...

Laid back sundowners in this popular bar on the 8th floor of the Southern Sun overlooking the leafy northern suburbs where the couches and loungers around the pool deck are an invitation to lie down and relax with a Gintonica cocktail in your hand whilst watching a spectacular Highveld sunset.

The servers are friendly and very patient with the guests as the work crowd can get quite rowdy and the music louder later on a Friday evening.

The small plates are a good way to taste a variety of options from the kitchen and the bbq pork ribs and dunked wings are my recommendations. The drinks menu is extensive and you will be spoilt for choice. Belgian beer on tap poured with a perfect head and cold French champagne are always in stock. A caveat if you are ordering the signature cocktails …. the innocuous looking Gintonica has a kick...