Ryan Enslin discovers there’s more to The Bannister Hotel in downtown Braamfontein than meets the eye.
In a world so dominated by an obsession with everything franchise, from that which once passed for the corner-deli-cum-family-business; to the local pub, I find it refreshing to explore independent establishments. These businesses have so much more character, often infused by an owner who takes an active role in the daily goings-on.
On many an inner city mission, I have walked past The Bannister Hotel in downtown Braamfontein. One would be remiss not to notice the street-level bar perpetually full, or the hypnotic beat emanating from it, drawing you in while simultaneously “chaafing” you, like a good Joburg boytjie, to enter, take a seat and engage a local over a draught. Poured at just that degree Celsius, naturally.
So I went off to discover more about an unsung hero of the Braamfontein rejuvenation in De Beer Street.
The Bannister Hotel
What today stands as the Bannister Hotel, adjacent to a mural dedicated to a Great Dane, started life in 1961 as Celtron House. In fact, if you venture forth from the bar and into the hotel reception, just as you enter, you will see the building’s namesake sign mounted above the door. Built by current owner Andrew Bannister’s grandfather, the building served as an office and industrial space until 2006. Andrew, a photographer by trade, ran his photographic studio from the building from 1996 until 2002 when his father and aunt, then co-owners of Celtron House, decided to sell. Andrew felt a call to action.
Hold on, let me frame this for you.
In 2002, Braamfontein was not quite the happy space many of us now know Braamfontein to be, with its Zara models sipping on vegan G&Ts as a Red Bus zips past.
In conversation, I pressed Andrew as to what his vision had been for the space, back in the day. ‘I believed more would be made of the area, and quicker,’ was his response. This may not have rolled out as he thought, but today Andrew sits with a landmark space, and a place in history, that stands as a testament to the regeneration of the inner city. Braamfontein style.
Andrew’s initial vision upon buying the building was to establish a creative hub, as artists had started to move into the building, then still being run as an office and studio space. An errant tenant, who had started to run a hotel operation and who left in the dead of night in 2006, was all the impetus Andrew needed to birth what today stands as the Bannister Hotel.
A sense of family runs deep in the DNA of the business and COVID offered up an opportunity to fine-tune the business model. A leaner staff base, with each member now multi-skilled and earning more than before the pandemic, sees the operation continue with much success in Braamfontein. Staff are encouraged to expand their skill set, and not just in the hospitality sector, with financial assistance provided.
Weekends usually see the Bannister fully booked as people come into town to let down their hair, safe in the knowledge that a comfortable room awaits a floor or two above.
Time out in Braamfontein
Here is my itinerary for a great weekend in Braamfontein.
Start your day with an early morning walk through the streets as you head down the road to the JFF Rooftop Farm for a cup of coffee. This rooftop coffee shop and nursery not only offers stunning views over Braamfontein but is a rather special way to start your day. Be warned, you need to climb up (and later down) a vertical metal ladder to reach your destination, but the experience is well worth it.
Once you have satiated your caffeine desire, pop in at the Kalashnikovv Gallery in Juta Street. This contemporary fine art gallery always has something interesting on its walls to captivate your creative spirit.
Having built up an appetite, head next door to Open Slice for a spot of brunch. I love the hazelnut and banana French toast, but if that is not your thing, their menu has a few other interesting combinations that will tick the brunch box on your list.
Time in Braamfontein is not complete unless you pop in at The Playground artisanal market, open 10amto 6pm every Saturday. The market’s offering continues to expand and you can now also enjoy a wine and cheese pairing, a guided paint ‘n sip art experience and a session of yoga, in addition to the usual assortment of artisanal food traders and emerging local fashion designers selling their wares. The Playground is also the place to sit and people watch, as fellow Joburgers go about their day, with the Nelson Mandela Bridge serving as a stunning backdrop.
Braam evenings are well spent at The Bannister which regularly hosts musicians and other acts, either in the bar or in the purpose-built basement event space. Wind down at this iconic spot to truly savour the essence of Braamfontein, but be sure to keep an eye on their social media accounts for the low-down on what is happening.
We so often overlook local gems hiding in plain sight, don’t make the same mistake with The Bannister Hotel.
Follow more of Ryan’s adventures in and around Joburg here.
Pictures: Ryan Enslin/Supplied
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