PICS: Joburg’s 234-meter-high bar in the sky

The Leonardo in Sandton has never been shy about its ambitions of being the best and let me tell you; it’s not for bragging rights.

Though this point is debatable, the hotel is currently considered to be the highest in Africa and they have topped their rooftop with a new bar.

Alto234 is on the 57th floor and launched on 2 September, with star-studded guests in attendance such as Boity Thulo and Mihlali Ndamase.

It has been dubbed as Africa’s highest bar by the hotel company Legacy Group. It showcases the breathtaking views of Sandton’s landscape and later in the evening, the sunset allows for the greater Johannesburg to shine when the lights go up.

‘Alto’ is derived from the Latin word for height, and 234 is how tall it stands in metres.

Robert Hodson, COO of Legacy Hotels and Resorts, says the calibre of guests they expect are people looking for a great lifestyle and entertainment spaces.

The look and feel of the hotel emphasised this lifestyle.

During the day ,guests can enjoy the amenities of the hotel such as yoga classes in the morning, having brunch or a high tea, and after a long day at work, can dive into the nightlife scene and head straight to Alto234.

In pictures: Alto234 day and nighttime views

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The area is fitted with fire pits at certain points of the seated and lounge areas for the cold evenings. This space is great for a group of friends or colleagues to enjoy.

The signature champagne drink at the bar is Moët & Chandon, and the partnership between the two makes sense, said Patrick Leslie, portfolio manager at The Really Great Brand Company (RGBC).

“There’s something dazzling about the combination of perfectly chilled champagne and panoramic city views stretching to the horizon. So, the partnership between Alto234 and Moët & Chandon was a natural one.”

Soaking in those views, there is plenty to choose from the drinks menu – from cocktails, ciders, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages to a vast wine selection, which includes South African blends.

On the food side, it is served tapas-style. Highly acclaimed AURUM restaurant serves as the brains behind it.

They are on the seventh floor at The Leonardo and have developed a menu featuring savoury and sweet items including a wagyu brisket, tamarind duck and Alto oyster topped with caviar.

As Alto234 is located on Africa’s richest mile, your budget should be above R3,000 if you plan on popping bottles here.

If that’s not in your budget, there are many affordable choices, with ciders at about R40 a bottle, and signature cocktails priced from R125.