Description:
You're standing in front of a slick skyscraper in Cape Town's central business disctrict. Two big bulky men in black suits greet you at the door. They motion for a third gentleman to take you up to the 31st floor.
The elevator shoots up. Your ears pop from the rise in altitude. Seven, nine, fifteen, twenty-two, twenty-nine, thirty-one...The doors snap open. Say hello to Club 31 (formerly club Hemisphere) - Cape Town's loftiest hangout for movers and shakers.
Club 31's swish décor, complete with plush imported fabrics, fibre-optic chandeliers and Italian marble finishes, combined with swift service at the bar - will make you feel like royalty.
Even the bathrooms are fit for a king; outfitted with sparkling chandeliers, a chaise lounge and Molton Brown toiletries. Decadent décor aside, the view from the 31st floor of Cape Town's Absa building is certainly something to write home about.
If you're new to Cape Town, it's a good idea to visit the club before sunset and sip on a cocktail while the sky turns crimson, then fades to black; as the Mother City's lights come out. You can survey the Winelands, Table Mountain, Cape Town's harbour, the ocean and almost everything else the city has to offer from up here. According to us, not even the view from Table Mountain compares.
The cocktails and shooters at club 31 have highflying urban names like 31st Floor, Skyscraper and Metropolitan. The Lady Hemisphere is one of the club's most popular cocktails and contains imported Midori (melon liqueur), banana liqueur, Malibu and pineapple juice. Enjoy them in the VIP section while watching the crowd go wild on the dance floor, on the other side of the bar.
At about 22pm the club starts filling up with Cape Town clubbers and the dance floor heats up. Except a pumping selection of top 40 dance & R&B hits; with leggy girls in short skirts grinding their hips to the sexed-up croonings of the likes of Justin Timberlake as well as remixed 80's anthems.
So, next time you're in town, aim a little higher and see the view from the top at heavenly Cape Town bar, Club 31
Age Restriction: Over 25 for guys; 23 for girls.
Dress Code: Club 31 prides itself on its strict dress code - no sneakers, running shoes, slip slops or t-shirts are allowed.
The Crowd: Expect a slightly older crowd on Fridays and a younger crowd on Saturdays.
Service: club 31's swift service at the bar is something worth mentioning. They also offer valet parking after 9pm at R15 per vehicle.
Entry: R40 for the ladies, and R60 for gents.
“exceptional”
