We think Joy Jozi is the best thing to happen to Joburg since the Pantry introduced 24-hour fancy by easy shopping and food to Joburg. Interestingly they are both part of Rosebank and its immediate surrounds, one of the most dynamic Joburg districts.
Joy Jozi (open April 13, 2023) is a place for kids to take their adults, we were informed by the early press release. We never take anything at face value so we had to visit, and by the time of writing, we managed to get there three different times. Our first visit was a taste – a preview (with painters, builders and tilers hard at work). Visit number two was one week before opening – we invited six young fans of Johannesburg In Your Pocket to accompany us (or rather run us ragged over the grounds of Joy Jozi) and test the place out. The third time was for the restaurant launch – more about that coming soon.
It is such a considered space. It's a journey with many stops, that has been designed around play. Creative and fresh, it's as much a novelty for adults as it will be for kids. The Joy Jozi team has brought together expertise in many areas – from mindfulness to landscaping, and occupational therapy to culinary excellence.
The property is immense, and the inside of what was once a two-storey home has been cleverly renovated and reconfigured to create multiple play spaces, from a retro arcade room to a library, a giant indoor playground, to a toddler's activity space, a crafts area and venue space that can be booked for private events – from talks to baby showers, a yoga or a dance class. There is even a half room under the stairs for Harry Potter fans to dream up magic spells.
On the ground floor is the 200-plus seater restaurant with an elegant indoor space complete with a large fireplace for frosty days, and an immense covered patio with overhanging greenery.
The garden space is vast, and beautifully landscaped with chairs dotted across it for tired adults, who then have a front-row seat for their child’s activities. From climbing to jumping, playing with water to tearing around the indoor court, or riding scooters there’s a heap of things to do to keep little and not-so-little people busy.
The garden has been designed by landscaper JP Watson, son of Patrick Watson who created such great beauty at Nirox, and in the early Maboneng, and Colin Levin from PlayOn, who specialises in play equipment and is passionate about child development.
Kids will love the large sandpit and the treehouse. There’s also an amphitheatre for live performances, a vegetable garden, climbing spaces, a mini splash park, and a fragrant sound garden filled with growing herbs and flowers, with a path through it that changes from rock to wood chips and rounded stones for the ultimate sensory experience.
The kid's bathrooms upstairs have been specially designed with mini versions of everything and included in the facilities is a baby changing station and private area for breastfeeding. Downstairs, the adult bathrooms encourage you to let go and enjoy the brightly lit space with colourful wallpaper and quotes like "At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty..."
And the food… it’s a delicious and wholesome menu with plenty of variety, and lots of easy choices, from salads to grills, to smaller plates. Pricing is also varied – so lots of choice between a small meal or a splash-out experience. The kids get to make their own pizza, and the milkshakes are fantastic. When we asked one of the young visitors for her favourites she recommended "the truffle burger without truffle", and the loaded fries.We can definitely vouch for loaded fries, and more. In all Joy Jozi is one of those places that will have most adults wishing someone had thought of a place like this much sooner.
As one of our young critics asked, Ayanda (7), “Why does Joy Jozi close at night? Why can't we sleep there?”
What you need to know for your visit
The Joy Jozi welcome
When you arrive you'll spot the beautifully well-lit shelves filled with educational toys and a wrapping station – we can see this is going to be a major birthday party spot for kids of all ages. On check-in (there is top security to make sure everyone is safe, and one entrance and exit so nowhere for your kids to wander out of the property) you'll sign an indemnity form and the kids will receive a loyalty card with plenty of rewards to come for using the space. With many child minders on duty, you'll get plenty of breathing space to also enjoy your visit. Bear in mind there is NO drop and go – and you'll be delighted to accompany your kids when you see what's waiting for you.
How to get there
Book a table on Dineplan. While Joy Jozi does accommodate some walk-ins, there's a good chance it may be full by the time you get there. There's also a greater chance you won't want to miss out on the delicious Luke Dale Roberts menu and delightful cocktails – hot recommendatios are the Me Time, and the House Wife's Demise.
What it costs to take your kids
R60 per child.
Where to park
Underground parking is available at Oxford Parks – a few steps from the front door. Use the first parking entrance on the left-hand side as you turn into Eastwood Rd, off Oxford Rd. Alternatively, limited street parking is available on Parks Blvd.
The address and other vital details are here.
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