Brews & Bites
Inside Circle Bar & Lounge: Rosebank’s Fresh-Faced Favourite for Cocktails, Comfort, and Connection
When Rosebank locals talk about after-work favourites, Circle Bar & Lounge at Southern Sun Rosebank always comes up. It’s not just the look that’s had a refresh; the entire atmosphere has been reimagined to blend city sophistication with South African warmth.
With its bright, contemporary design and new cocktail menu, Circle Bar has become the go-to spot for relaxed meetups, working lunches, and easy weekend wind-downs. The lighting is soft but stylish, the layout encourages conversation, and every drink or bite feels like part of a crafted experience.
A Space Made for Every Kind of Gathering
Circle Bar manages to hit that rare sweet spot between laid-back and luxe. You’ll see suits nursing Old Fashioneds next to friends sharing sliders and stories. The design encourages comfort; think plush corners and smooth jazz humming in the background.
The menu is as versatile as its patrons. Whether you’re after light nibbles, hearty platters, or a cocktail that feels like a holiday, Circle Bar delivers.
The nibbles and snacks range from Parmesan and truffle salted chips to deep-fried calamari and a cheeseboard with biltong and droëwors for that proudly local touch. Those coming hungry can share the Meat Platter, loaded with ribs, lamb chops, and sirloin steak, or the Circle Bar Platter, a crowd-pleaser with wings, sliders, and riblets.
For mains, there’s a solid selection of burgers and wraps, including a buttery chicken wrap that’s already developing a loyal following. It’s the kind of menu that feels familiar but thoughtful, easy-going but elevated.
Sip Specials Worth Talking About
Circle Bar’s weekly drinks lineup keeps the energy going throughout the week, a clever move that’s turned casual diners into regulars. Mondays come with a free draught when you order beef sliders, while Whisky & Nibble Tuesdays pair Grant’s 12-Year with a platter of biltong and olives.
Midweek brings comfort in curry form, with a butter chicken curry and Castle Lite combo that tastes like home. Thursdays get a little posh with prosecco and cheese pairings, and Fridays invite a proper Circle Bar wind-down with a gin and tonic on the house.
The weekend is where things loosen up: margarita Saturdays and wine-filled Sundays keep the vibe social but never pretentious.
Image 1: Parts Town
A Wine List with Local Soul
Behind the bar, there’s serious attention to what’s poured. The Southern Sun Rosebank wine list, curated by Group Sommelier Miguel Chan, highlights South Africa’s finest terroirs, from Cederberg’s crisp Chenin Blancs to Stellenbosch’s bold reds.
The philosophy is simple: great wine should enhance a meal, not overshadow it. With minimal markups, guests can explore premium labels like Klein Constantia, Tokara Reserve, and Blaauwklippen Malbec without the usual fine-dining price tag.
It’s this mix of accessibility and sophistication that keeps Circle Bar buzzing. Whether you’re just stopping in for a quick Sauvignon Blanc or settling into a long, laughter-filled evening, the experience feels unmistakably Joburg, refined but real.
Rosebank’s Refreshed Social Hub
What makes Circle Bar & Lounge special isn’t just its cocktails or its design. It’s the way it captures the new Rosebank rhythm, a blend of corporate polish and local charm.
The regulars know the bartenders by name. Newcomers feel instantly welcome. And with its daily specials, comfortable corners, and open hours from 11 am to 10 pm, it’s quietly redefining what a hotel bar can be.
For locals looking for a casual escape with just the right touch of class, Circle Bar isn’t just a lounge anymore. It’s Rosebank’s new social heartbeat.
Also read: A Taste of East Africa in Joburg: Dining at The Grill Jichana Rosebank
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Source: Southern Sun
Featured Image: Tripadvisor
