Play Braam was behind what was originally known as Neighbourgoods Market at 73 Juta Street, a transformative space pre-Covid that drew thousands of Joburgers, who ordinarily wouldn't venture so far out, into its fold. What was once Neighbourgoods has now become The Playground – and 2024 sees it re-emerge as a play space for adults, newly reimagined to be less of a market and more of an entertainment and cultural attraction.
Braamfontein has much by way of street art as well as history and is notably home to University of the Witwatersrand's campus and the Wits Art Museum. Spanning Juta, Smit, and De Beer Streets, the properties under Play Braam's purview bear Levy's distinct stamp and congregate around his community-centric approach. As the newly revamped Drama Club and local streetwear brand S.W.A.N.K's flagship store attest to, the venues in this curated district are united by a refined, designer aesthetic. On the food front, The Wing Republic is still serving up the best wings in town, while hip Mexican eatery LOCO has three-for-two tacos on Tuesdays. For African music lovers and city cyclists respectively, Bantu Records and Banditz Bicycle Club also make their home in this colourful district.
Now with a rooftop basketball court and a Mediterranean-inspired beach club, Play Braam's latest additions are making joyful waves. Here's our guide to what's new and worth checking out in Braamfontein's Play Precinct.
THE CITY BEACH CLUB
Flops aren't mandatory at this beach club in the heart of Braamfontein. It's wild, sandy (yes, literally), and sophisticated. Look out over sweeping views of Joburg while you sink your toes into the sand. It's a chilled break away from the busy city below.Booking essential. No under-21s.
ROOFTOP BASKETBALL COURT
This sky-high basketball court is a Joburg first, painted with African sunset-inspired hues by Seth Pimental. To play three-a-side or experience the glass floor observation deck 50m above ground, you can book the court for 45-minute sessions (max 15 people) on Saturdays while The Playground is under way.
KFC'S GLOBAL CONCEPT STORE
In the mood for Cola Dunked Wings, Hot and Spicy Chachos (like nachos), and Chilli Lime Burgers? KFC's new global concept store in Braam is the first of its kind in South Africa, with a menu you won't find elsewhere. But this is more than a grab-and-go: KFC Play Braam is a fresh and friendly hangout space with virtual reality games, an interactive Spotify playlist, and artist-collab merch.
MAMAKASHAKA AND FRIENDS
Joburg tastemaker Nandi Dlepu makes Play Braam her base with a venue and programmed space for creative friends to meet and mingle. Mamakashaka and Friends will play host to popular local gatherings Pantone Sundays, Bloom Org., and Feel Good Series.THE PLAYGROUND, REIMAGINED
The recreational area of 73 Juta's The Playground has been revamped, adding more adult fun and games to the line-up. Gone is the market experience and in its place is a refined and pared-down menu served up by five food vendors, cool details, and a super list of activities that will be refreshed monthly. These activities will soon include table tennis, a 360-camera experience, and various table and board games. And don't forget the ever-popular Paint and Sip sessions in the craft corner.The Playground is open every Sat from 11:00 – 19:00. Admission is free for the first hour, and R20 p.p. thereafter.
COALITION PIZZA AND WINE BAR
You know them from Park Corner, Sandton, and Blairgowrie, and now Braamfontein – when it comes to Coalition Pizza, more is always better. The pizza joint is coming to the Play Precinct in Feb, so watch this space.... and there's more to come. We'll be updating this article. You can also follow @play_braam for the latest.
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