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Cin Cin Bedfordview: A cute place to grab a drink in the East Rand
One would visit Cin Cin Bedfordview more for its drinks than its food. Thankfully, the summer menu offers an array of fresh cocktails.
A picture of Cin Cin in Bedfordview. Picture: Instagram
Who even hangs out in Bedfordview? That’s the question I found myself asking when invited to check out Cin Cin Bedfordview’s spring/summer 2021 menu ahead of the pick up in Johannesburg’s social calendar as the weather gets warmer.
You see, as a lifelong Joburger, you just know that there are some areas worth driving to for a “nice time” and some spots you only socialise in because you live there and I have always categorised Bedfordview as the latter.
Regardless, I set my assumptions aside and got dolled up for a drive to the fancy western Ekurhuleni suburb to experience Cin Cin – a somewhat new cocktail and tapas bar that opened earlier this year.
The decor
Much like the area it is located in, Cin Cin Bedfordview’s decor gives off a look of wealth. Not the intimidating kind, the aspirational kind.
Leather and velvet seating with gold accents can be found all over the establishment, along with white marble tables and a bar to match.
During the day, the bar’s in-house lighting is complemented by the natural light shining through the storefront. In the evening, the cocktail and tapas bar takes on a more intimate look and feel with dim lights accented by tealight candles on each surface.
All of this against the backdrop of blue-accent walls contrasted with fresh roses throughout the space.
The wall on the far end of the bar is among the most interesting of Cin Cin’s decor elements as it features wallpaper that incorporates the three letters of the bar’s name into its design.
The menu
As a cocktail bar, one would visit the place more for its drinks than its food.
The spring/summer menu offers an array of drinks unique to the bar, featuring ingredients like freshly made macha, plum wine, fresh naartjie, kombucha and rooibos.
The tapas menu is limited, however, the bar has an agreement with neighbour Doppio Zero should you find yourself in need of a more substantial meal while you enjoy the boozy cocktails.
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The bar’s head mixologist, a man nicknamed Mazwai, suggested that we try the No. 2 – a mix of scotch, plum, rosemary, citrus and plum wine. As a fan of citrusy flavours and sweet drinks, the No. 2 was the perfect introduction to what Cin Cin has to offer. The drink went well with the salmon and cream cheese on bruschetta and barbeque wings that we were served.
The only disappointing part of the evening was how quiet the bar was during our visit when compared to establishments on either side of the bar. It would have been nice to get a feel for who the bar’s average customer is.
We were also saddened by the lack of crunch in the bruschetta.
The pricing
The in-house cocktails are a little on the pricey side with the cheapest being R90. However, considering how strong they can be, you wouldn’t need to order that many. Expect to spend an average of about R110 per drink.
It also has a decent wine list with bubbly and champagne on offer.
The tapas on offer range between R65 and R100.
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