Want a glass of champagne on the house? Until the end of March 2025, The Pot Luck Club at The Peech Hotel is offering complimentary bubbles to Johannesburg In Your Pocket subscribers. Keep reading for the details. Meanwhile, Eid prep is in full swing, Pantry is stepping up its game with its very first standalone store in Pretoria, and Soweto's new local is the answer to organic shoppers' needs.
Coffee aficionados, rejoice – Manaka Coffee has a fabulous new branch at the Rand Steam Shopping Centre; we loved our visit. Can’t decide between cereal or coffee? Now you don’t have to at Cult Coffee Co in Kramerville, where they’re serving up both. We also enjoyed a long and lazy lunch at Turkish Kebab House in Rosebank. A welcome addition to the neighbourhood. And, if you’re in the mood for some after-hours shopping, Woolies is rolling out late-night delivery services soon.
1. A free glass of bubbly for you
The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg has made its new home at The Peech Hotel in leafy Melrose, and it's a match made in heaven. To celebrate, all Johannesburg In Your Pocket subscribers get a glass of champagne on the house for restaurant reservations made during March 2025. To book and redeem the offer, email reservations@plcj.co.za or telephone +27 10 157 5757 – simply say you're a JIYP subscriber.We recently found out more about this beloved Joburg boutique hotel and hospitality highs and lows in the city – read our #MyJoburg interview with James and Vicky Peech here.
2. Local flavour and excellent brew at Manaka's new spot
Cheese Sauce, Fresh Salsa, and Rocket at Manaka Coffee. Photo: @manakacoffee.
What began as a micro-brewery near a car wash in Bryanston has evolved into a renowned local coffee chain. And with a new store at Rand Steam Shopping Centre in Richmond, Manaka continues to thrive. The name is derived from the Sesotho word for the horns of a bull and symbolises prosperity and unyielding determination – values that co-owners Alessandro Khojane, Bradley Symons, Neo Moleko, and Phumlani Sibeko embody.
While good coffee is where this story began, and will always be core to the offering, Manaka's got a wonderfully extensive and varied food menu that we sampled on a recent visit to the Rand Steam spot. African heritage shines in items such as the signature Magwinya (we tried the Cape Malay lamb with atchar) and a house-baked milk tart that's simply delectable. They also serve all-day breakfasts, and the salads are fresh yet filling. Keep an eye out for our review.
3. The Troyeville Prawn Festival
Prawn lovers, this one’s for you! The Troyeville Prawn Festival is serving up one kilogram of succulent Queen prawns with all the trimmings for just R325 on Sat, Mar 29, 2025 at The Troyeville. Not a prawn fan? The full Troyeville menu is on offer too. Booking is essential – secure your spot with a R200 deposit and get ready for a feast.4. Book for this: Family-style dining inspired by Northern Italy
A taste of Italy comes to Bedfordview with Italian restaurant SetteBello’s reimagined 'La Ciccia experience', which is all about exposing patrons to the lesser-known aspects of Italian cuisine. This La Ciccia theme, named the ‘7 Stops of Northern Italy’, is a gastronomic adventure of exquisite, hearty dishes paired with carefully selected wines. On the menu: Vitello Tonnato (Veal with a sauce), Trofie al Pesto Genovese (pesto with pasta) with potatoes and green beans, and the showstopper, Ossobuco with Risotto alla Milanese (Braised veal shanks with saffron risotto). And, of course, crowd-pleasers like the cosy Tortellini in Brodo (pork pasta parcels in clear chicken broth) and the legendary Fiorentina (grilled T-bone steak).
The La Ciccia experience features family-style seating arrangement. Designed to make you feel like you’ve been invited to a long-lost Italian dinner party, approximately 50 diners will share a communal table where a delicious spread of dishes, sides, and wines is served. Bookings can be made via email eat@settebello.co.za or by calling +27 10 035 5207.
5. Wedgewood comes to Rosebank
The Zone @ Rosebank is soon to welcome a Wedgewood Gifting and Hamper Emporium. Wedgewood brings you their beloved range of nougat in a beautiful store designed to titillate all your senses. If you've been to the branch in 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, you'll know that the store is a sensory wonder. It's filled with samples of the brand's newest nougat flavours, ice cream, handmade porcelain ceramics and oak boards, sweet treats, and to top it all off, a superb gift-wrapping service. Rosebank, watch this space.6. Where to 'eid' out this Ramadan
For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is about setting aside a month for self-discipline, reflection, and spiritual growth. It’s a sacred time of fasting where, from dawn to sunset, nothing is eaten or drunk – not even water. Some opt for a pre-dawn meal called 'Suhar' to start the day, which should provide enough sustenance until the fast is broken each evening with a meal called 'Iftar', often shared with family and friends.After 29 or 30 days of fasting, there’s a big celebration: Eid-al-Fitr. This year, it falls on Sun, Mar 30, 2025. Think of it like Thanksgiving or Christmas – it’s a day of joy, feasting, and family gatherings. Muslims wear their best clothes, visit loved ones, and give to charity. It’s a time to express gratitude and enjoy the rewards of a month of devotion.
As our Muslim readers and friends continue their fast until Eid, we share a few suggestions on where to get Iftar treats or pre-dawn Suhar meals.
SHAZMIN'S LUXE PATISSERIE IN SANDTON
Located in Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Shazmin's Luxe Patisserie is an upscale cafe dining experience with desserts and pastries that are a feast for the eyes and tastebuds alike. While it's a great spot for brunch or afternoon tea, they also cater for those observing Ramadan. Pop in for Ferreo Rocher-inspired samoosas (available exclusively during Ramadan), Dubai chocolate-inspired ice cream sticks, and Shazmin’s Loaded Puris, which comes with fillings like potato chaat and Mexican Chicken. Perfect Iftar treats or Eid dining table accompaniments. Book here for brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner.
THE TEST BAKERY IN BRAAMFONTEIN
This weekend-only spot at 5 Quince Street in Braamfontein is a true gem. Run by Mohammed and Sadika Lavangee, the couple spend their weekdays experimenting and perfecting their craft, then open The Test Bakery every Saturday and Sunday (from 09:00 – 16:30) to sell bread, cakes, and pastries. For Eid, The Test Bakery is taking orders for 'Tiered' stands – an assortment of 16 different cakes, pastries, and desserts for R1,500. DM them to place your order here.
WOOLWORTHS STORES NATIONWIDE
For some comforting convenience, Woolies is going all out. Whether you're in need of Iftar or Suhor supplies or general pantry staples, they've got you covered. Kudos to Woolworths for adding a heartwarming touch with their online ‘Fitrah parcels’ section on the grocery shopping website. (Fitrah, for those who might not know, is all about giving donations of food or charity so the less fortunate can celebrate Eid too. You can easily browse and pick items to include in your donations.) See what's on offer here.
The surprises don't end there. Woolworths is testing a shiny new “After Dark” delivery service, bringing your shopping game right into the midnight hour. With Woolies After Dark, you can shop for your favorite products from the FoodStops at Engen via the Uber Eats app, and have your order delivered up until midnight.
7. Turkish Kebab House
With its flagship store in Mayfair, The Turkish Kebab House opened a new Joburg branch in Rosebank – and we couldn't be more pleased. Tucked on the ground floor of The Tyrwhitt luxury high-rise apartments (opposite 54 on Bath), it's a welcome addition to the neighbourhood and a must-visit for an authentic taste of Turkish flavours. Trays of freshly baked baklava welcome you on arrival – and if you go for nothing else, these are worth it. Amidst the restaurant's fancy marble stairs and contemporary interior design, there's something quite traditional about the space, which offers a range of indoor and outdoor seating.
Our team enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Turkish Kebab House recently. From friendly and knowledgeable staff to mouthwatering mezes, a burgeoning mixed grill platter, rich Turkish tea, and the famous baklava – it ticked all the right boxes. (Speaking of Ramadan, this is also an Iftah-friendly spot to take the family.) Stay tuned for our full review. In the meantime, make a booking here.
8. Flavour spotting and fun with food
We're always on the lookout for unusual flavours, fresh takes on old favourites, and playful additions to Joburg's culinary scene. Take the humble croissant: pure buttery, flakey goodness gets taken up a notch with chefs trying out every filling and flavour combo you can think of. Elsewhere, your inner child will jump for joy as a popular coffee haunt has added cereal to its menu.DELI ONE'S RASPBERRY AND LYCHEE CROISSANT
This isn't a flavour combo we've seen anywhere else yet, and the raspberry and lychee croissant from Deli One in Sandton caught our attention. Used to usher in the month of love, this delight features the regular buttery goodness combined with a creamy filling and streaked with raspberry. We heart!
Honourable mentions: For a variation on the theme, try the viral crookie (croissant x cookie) at Dough & Co. And before you think croissants have spent enough time in the lab, we're also long-time fans of X&O Patisserie's cronuts (croissant x donut) – often topped with something sweet like cream or jam. Skeptics, give it a go. You won't be sorry.
CULT COFFEE WITH A SIDE OF CEREAL
For those mornings that need more than a flat white – Cult Coffee Co in Kramerville now serves cereal. A shot of espresso alongside a bowl of Cornflakes or Fruit Loops or a flat white with a side of Cocopops or
Rice Krispies? Sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Enjoying a typically at-home meal or snack like this publicly is a concept we've seen abroad and in Cape Town (Why So Cerious Cereal Café & Bakery in Long Street). It's unique, not-so-'cerious' and, most importantly, delicious. We're fans of the idea and will be watching to see how it develops in Joburg.
Further reading: Making food fun again is a key culinary trend for 2025, and this is proof.
9. Pretoria gets a Pantry
"Fancy but easy" is no longer limited to the petrol station next to Keyes Art Mile. The Village in Hazelwood, Pretoria will soon be home to the first standalone iteration of the Marble Group's luxury supermarket, The Pantry by Marble. Set to open towards the end of the year, we expect this spot to provide the same winning combo of quality, convenience, and innovation that they've become famous for. (Unlike its flagship store in Rosebank, the Pretoria version of Pantry will not operate 24/7.)
There's more. If you're not in the mood to leave your couch, you’re in luck. Pantry by Marble is also beta-testing their new delivery app, so you can get your hands on their delicious offerings without even putting on shoes. The future is here, and it’s looking deliciously convenient. Stay tuned for more details.
10. Grocery runs in Soweto
Located in Mofolo North, Soweto, the hyperlocal Neighborly Lifestyle Grocery is the answer to the lifestyle needs of township shoppers – a go-to for fresh, organic produce, groceries, and a cup of coffee (they stock a Soweto bean blend) or tea. The store was born out of the pandemic-driven craving for local convenience, offering residents the joy of grabbing their essentials without leaving the neighbourhood. If you're looking for a new 'local', this might be just the place.
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