Guests standing outside the newly opened Churchills Bar and Bistro in Melrose Arch. Pictures: Alaister Russell.
In an event that saw Johannesburg celebrities gathering to celebrate the grand opening, guests were given the first opportunity to experience the best of the upmarket venue. Guests included musician Danny K, Top Billing presenter Jonathan Boynton Lee and Rockville actress Boity Thulo.
Modelled on the Churchills Cigar Bar in the UK, the venue is decorated to create the ambiance of a traditional British eatery. However, with more luxurious finishes Churchills is a lot plusher than your average bar and bistro.
The wide variety of single malts, whiskeys, champagnes and fine cigars on offer make it a great place for that after work drink with a client you’re trying to impress.
That trade may become the place’s mainstay, as it’s not the sort of relaxed bar that one would usually go to with friends.
When it comes to the food, it would have been nice to get a taste (at the launch) of the European-style food that bar and bistros are known for. Assuming that Churchills is going to be as packed as it was on the day of the launch every weekend, space might also be problem.
While the smoking area is separated from the main area, the whole place smells of smoke, making it an unpleasant environment for non-smokers (some opted to stand outside on opening night).
The venue is available to hire for birthdays and functions but it has limited space. And the fact that the venue is also very dark doesn’t make it ideal if you want to have a birthday party and take photographs.
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