Prison Break Market

Nestled in the suburb of Glenferness, between Lonehill and Kyalami, Prison Break Market is a collection of seven sheds, each offering a unique experience. Inspired by food, art, and craft markets from around the world, Prison Break Market is the brainchild of Peter Gillespie. His dream was to repurpose industrial buildings in the far north of Johannesburg by creating a space that combined the spontaneity of a pop-up market with the efficiency of a shopping centre. He also wanted to give artisans a place to sell their wares and teach their craft to others. And so, Prison Break Market was born.

We visited recently and were struck by the variety on offer when it comes to food and drinks, as well as the focus on crafting skills. To help you make the most of your visit, here's our guide. 

The Sheds

Prison Break comprises seven themed sheds, each offering different sets of activities, and each has different operating days and times. So depending on what you have in mind, we recommend you plan your visit before leaving home.
 

Head to Starfood Market for delicious fresh food, pastries, and coffee

The first shed closest to the entrance is where you'll find some of Johannesburg’s most talented "food artists" coming together to create a unique market experience. Besides a huge selection of what you can eat while you are there, there are also many items packaged for you to take home, from jams to olives, shortbread biscuits to charcuterie, and freshly baked bread and pastries. We are big fans of the authentic dosas, shawarma, and falafel, plus the gorgeous, dainty pastries from La Tarte Pâtisserie. 
   

Gourmet eats at The Yard Eatery 

This is where gourmet dishes are served in a market-style environment. In addition to great food (think Japanese-inspired noodles, fresh bao buns, and craving-busting pizzas), this shed also has a Kyalami racetrack-themed play area for the kids and an unforgettable view of the Sandton skyline from its wooden deck.

Paint your own ceramics at Create Lonehill

If ceramic painting is your thing, Create Lonehill is nothing short of a dream come true. With a wide variety of crockery, paint, tools, and techniques to choose from, this space allows you to make something completely different. Coupled with their delicious selection of food, drinks, and baked goods, this is a great place to unwind and let your creative juices flow. When we visited we spotted family groups, friend groups, and couples enjoying some creative time.

Buy or try at the Crafters Shed

This is where the handcrafted magic happens. If you love to buy or to make – weaving, stained glass, tufting, ceramics, and art – there is something to satisfy all artistic tastes. Learn to crochet, knit or embroider, or make a steel knife of your own. 

Get lost in selfie heaven

For anyone wishing to up their selfie game, DreamBox is, well, a dream. It features 14 different boxes with interesting and unusual installations, each designed around a theme. It is the perfect place if you want to create the kind of shareable content that will be the envy of everyone else. Open for walk-ins every Fri, Sat, and Sun, and by appointment on all other days.

Fun events spaces

San Quentin Events is inspired by the oldest prison in the world and can accommodate weddings (that adage about the ball and chain comes to life here), fashion shows, expos, and conferences.

Drink it in at The Pour House

Get your drink on here. Home to a gin distillery, a brewery, a wine and spirit library, and a host of great eateries, this shed is the perfect place to sit and relax. You can also contact them for private tastings.

Prison Break Market has a monthly pop-up market, night markets, and themed events. You can find updates on their social media accounts. P.S. Dogs are welcome in selected sheds, provided they're leashed and friendly.