The View Rooftop Bar — Restaurant in Gauteng

#ThePaperPlaneProject roadshow continues in Pretoria. Attending the launch party for Bok van Blerk's Delarey Brandy at The View in Pretoria was an experience that transcended the ordinary, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be there. It was a night where history, culture, and a sense of community intertwined beautifully, painting a vivid picture of South African heritage.

Perched atop one of Pretoria's scenic hills, The View offered breathtaking panoramas that seemed to stretch into infinity, a perfect metaphor for the rich and expansive history we were there to celebrate. The venue’s design was stunning, with every detail meticulously thought out, from the beautiful sunset vistas to the perfectly placed lights that created an enchanting atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for photo shoots, capturing the magic of the moment.

The event felt like a dinner party with friends where stories were shared, each one adding depth to the experience. Bok van Blerk’s Delarey Brandy is more than just a drink; it's a tribute to the indomitable spirit of General Koos de la Rey, a symbol of resilience and leadership during the Anglo-Boer War. As we raised our glasses, we were not merely toasting a new brandy but honoring the legacy of a man who stood for courage and integrity in the face of adversity.

During the speeches, I was moved by the passion for history and the art of crafting a gentleman's drink. Though I am not typically a brandy fan, I do enjoy a cognac every now and then. Curiosity led me to ask the waiter for coffee beans, which I smelled and chewed to cleanse my palate. Swirling the brandy in my glass, I took a moment to savor its aroma before taking a sip. The taste of Delarey Brandy was beautiful on the palate, sparking a wild array of ideas for new recipes, perhaps something I would concider using in my upcoming memoir cookbook.

The stories shared by each speaker about what the bottle means to them enhanced the experience, creating a beautiful sense of connection and shared heritage. It was heartwarming to see the passion and camaraderie among fellow South Africans, united by this exquisite beverage. The launch was not about division but about understanding and appreciating the diverse threads that make up the fabric of South African history. It was a call to remember where we come from and to draw strength from our collective heritage.

The food at The View was equally impressive, complementing the evening perfectly. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and delicious, adding to the overall enjoyment of the night.

In essence, the launch of Bok van Blerk’s Delarey Brandy was a celebration of unity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. It was a night where we looked back with reverence and forward with hope, inspired by the legacy of those who came before us. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing The View and tasting Delarey Brandy, not just for their exceptional quality but for the deep sense of connection and pride they evoke in every sip.

Thank you to Bok van Blerk and his team for creating a high-quality beverage that embodies both potential and heart. Congratulations on a fantastic launch, and may Delarey Brandy continue to inspire and bring...

One of the worst service experiences I have ever had. I will not return and I would certainly not recommend The View ever again. From the booking process, through to the event, was a not great. I tried to make a booking through WhatsApp. The lady who answers the phone (I believe her name is Lynn) is one of the rudest people I have ever encountered. She is not accommodating or polite in her responses as well.

When we physically went to the bar to try to figure out how seating should be organised for our event, it did not seem as though the staff are able to assist us because of the strict measures the owners (who were not even there!) impose on its customers. The staff cannot make any decisions for themselves. The staff just refer us to Lynn to try and sort it out ourselves, which was bitterly frustrating. If I can provide a tip as a professional in the hospitality industry, if you want to keep customers and get referrals, you must attempt to make the customer experience as easy as possible for the customer. Customers want quick, results delivered in a polite manner.

I have been reading through the reviews and many customers from the industry have commented on how poor the service is and how rude the staff is. The responses from The View are even more shocking. Rather than trying to salvage the relationship between the bar and the customers, the responses are equally rude. If you look at any great hospitality establishment, you will see that a negative review does not warrant a negative response. Rather try you best to be as polite as possible to appease the customer.

I would recommend that Lynn and her team get customer service training as soon as possible. What was supposed to be a very auspicious occasion was made very uncomfortable by the manner in which it was dealt with.

I would like to thank Anthony and Sylvia who tried their utmost to assist us where they can.

I do understand from your perspective (as I am also currenly in the industry),that the customer is not always right, but you have to at least try to resolve the matter in a diplomatic manner and in a polite manner.

I am expecting a very rude response from the The View in regards to my review, as is seen from tho other negative reviews written. I sincerely hope management takes my comments to heart so as to avoid this happening to any...

This place is inconspicuous. Not in a good way either. Good luck finding it. No signage to show location or even an entrance marking showing the way into the place. There's also no street parking. You have to make use of parking in one of the several underground parkades behind their building. Also, this info could be easily shared on their social media since they're so active there.

Also, be prepared to climb the four flights of stairs. Also, you can guess that it's not disability/injury friendly. Crutches, wheelchair, etc....forget it. Try elsewhere. Also not for under 23s, so not kid friendly.

And definitely make reservations on days you'd typically expect a restaurant to be busy. All in all, I think they have 12 tables? It's a small joint. Ambience is great, accentuated by the rooftop views of course. Chilled vibes when there isn't a DJ/live band. You can hear yourself talking, which is good. The service is cool, although honestly, they could work on a few small but important things with their staff like greeting and looking enthusiastic upon arrival, seating guests expeditiously and generally prioritizing customers' comfort and not trying to argue with or railroad them. How can staff tell you that they can't extend the sun shield to protect you from the sun bearing down strongly on you because if the wind breaks it, they'll be held responsible? Then the management should get stronger sun shields. Really ridiculous. Food wise, they only serve pizza and sushi. We ordered 2 different kinds of pizza and enjoyed both. Simple and authentic to the Italian style of pizza making. The sushi ordered by other tables around us also looked good, so thumbs up purely by way of visual appeal!!! So I'd say a 4 on the food itself. But the cocktails are slightly overpriced for the taste. Too watery. Also, a big down was that they do not have enough wine by the...