About ten years ago my elder brother was a typical college student: long hair, free spirited and the social butterfly. Sunday mornings, as he recovered from the week that was, it was my turn to hear the tales of his expeditions. Often he mentioned Rosebank and my teenage mind formed an idea that it was this magical place where people socialised amid beautiful settings of restaurants and coffeeshops. Reality proved to be even better.
Purple and Green
The blend of shopping, restaurants, coffee shops and the mixture of people, both locals and tourists, is so vast that anyone can find a favourite something there.
Going to Rosebank at the beginning of spring in September is the perfect time to see it blanketed in purple, thanks to the Jacarandas that line the streets. But at other times its beauty lies in the greenery that makes it seem less part of Johannesburg and rather an idyllic holiday town.
Chic and Seedy
Perhaps the best description of Rosebank comes from The Daily Telegraph in London: “Quite the best of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, I mean the old green ones, not the brash new ones. Wooded, walkable, rich in restaurants, clubs and cinemas, Rosebank has that characteristic Jo’burg blend of the chic and the seedy; curio sellers, sushi bars, buskers…”
Shopping Zone
The Zone in Rosebank with its metal finishes, televisions hanging from the ceiling, floors that sparkle with glittery tiles and little boutiques that line the wide corridors, make it every fashionista’s dream come true.
African Craft Market
Just a short walk away is the African Craft Market. Though it is just two rows of stalls it combines cultures from all across the continent. It is like a one-stop Africa shop - selling jewellery, scatter cushions, ornaments of all sizes, and even African styles of clothing. Bargaining skills is a must and is demonstrated by a sign hanging from the ceiling: “This is Africa, we bargain.”
Besides the trinkets from all over Africa, the people there are made of the same appealing medley. Jason Bosire, from Kenya has been in South Africa for the past four years and he sells clothes from Zimbabwe and Mozambique including fabric paintings. “Sometimes when I have time, I do the paintings myself, at other times I have people to do it for me,” he says. But as for the bargaining sign, he reckons amid laughter: “It should go!”
Rosebank Rooftop Market
Flea markets are big in South Africa. They are areas with designated stalls that sell seemingly everything from cellular phones to furniture and even clothing. One of the biggest ones in South Africa with approximately 600 stalls is the B&B Rooftop Market above Rosebank Mall. It is another shopping oasis, open on Sundays, and attracts those looking for a good deal.
Food Delights
For every culinary taste there is a restaurant or a coffee shop that caters for their needs. Whether it is a smart sit-down restaurant, a little café or bistro, or a quick takeaway for those that are in a hurry, options abound in Rosebank. Those that prefer the Middle Eastern flavours will love the take away Anat, while those that are hungry for steak will adore the Grillhouse near the African Craft Market and for Italian cuisine there is Zafferano in the Park Hyatt Hotel. Trend-setters will go for the Primi Piatti experience in the Zone.
Night Owls
As the sun sets over a busy day, Rosebank remains littered with people looking for fun that never stops. From the vibey dance spots to laid-back venues, there is everything from cocktails to movies, including an art movie theatre. Certain restaurants like Codes dazzle its clientele with live bands and shooters with names like Soweto Toilet, a combination of Cape Velvet, banana and Nachtmusik liqueur… try it at your own discretion. Galaxy World in the Zone offers children and the young at heart various arcade games, a pool table, table soccerand a bustling bowling section.
Central Accommodation
Hotels dot the area so that both international and local travellers can find a comfortable spot for their heads to rest after the shopping, dining and nightlife.
The Park Hyatt Hotel, for instance, is known for its reputation as a place where many business deals are agreed upon. As Wayne Ward, the associate sales director at the hotel puts it “Rosebank is very central to the Johannesburg city centre and Sandton. We are in the middle.”
Galleries Galore
Rosebank has always had a love affair of note with the arts. Contrary to apartheid law the Goodman Gallery opened up 32 years ago for all contemporary artists, despite race. Established in 1912, the Everard Read Gallery is a commercial gallery, which exhibits both national and international artists. Other art attractions include Kim Sacks, a South African ceramicist and Hadeda, a place that features art and home ware from Central America. The Warren Siebrits Modern and Contemporary Art display local work, whereas the David Krut Arts Resources specialises in print and art books.
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