Joburg Market : 1 Fox – The Sheds

One of the latest additions to Joburg’s Market scene is 1 Fox – it’s a new market and event space that is wonderfully located along the western edge of Johannesburg CBD.

The Market venue is within a group of original industrial warehouse spaces that date back to the 1920’s. The history and story of the buildings is really great and plays such a valuable role in the presence of the shed. In fact it is a character on it’s own, it’s a great space to spend some time in. You can read more about the History on the 1 Fox website.

I am a huge sucker for Johannesburg CBD, I love anything that happens within the CBD and I happily jump at the opportunity to visit exciting new places. I have to be honest I am thrilled about the nodal revival that is happening in Johannesburg. I hope that the people who visit the markets love and enjoy the experience and keep coming back. It’s a huge nerdy dream of mine that there’ll be a day where Johannesburg CBD will one day be a fun, friendly place again.

1 Fox is a market and event venue, the market itself is open from Fridays – Sundays and the Good Luck Bar (Which also has a rich history with the area) is open from Thursday night to Sunday. The bar has a wonderful stock of craft beers. The Shed also plays host to live music events and private functions.

The market has a great space within the shed, there is ample seating and an entertainment area for kids. The vendors at the market range from design and goods to artisan bakers. The food market is well represented with a large variety of food on offer, including the popular Balkan Burger and Black Sam. There is such a great variety it’s actually a little difficult to decide where to start, between the food, tarts, desserts and drinks it may require more than one visit.

The live music happens every Thursday night from 16:00 – 21:30 and the act’s change every week. To keep informed about all music events and exciting things happening at 1 Fox, follow them on Facebook or check the website.

Make a turn at 1 Fox with the family or some friends its really a great space with wonderful atmosphere for all. If you do give it a visit let me know what you thought.

 

Lenin’s Vodka Bar

Lenin’s Vodka Bar

Lenin’s Vodka Bar is in the Maboneng district in Joannesburg CBD. This bar is crazy cool for a few reasons:

1. It’s laid back and chilled – the small courtyard is slightly sheltered from the outside world by the container contained cycling store making the space feel very intimate yet relaxed.
2. Vodka, Vodka and more Vodka – If you are a Vodka fan then this bar is a definate must visit! Think a variety of Vodka’s from every corner of the globe with a little bit of background and an almost endless variety of Vodka inspired cocktails.
3. Half Price Happy Hour  – That’s right cocktails at half price from 5pm- 7pm (I think…) need we say more?
4. Selection of tasty foods such as sweet potato fries and Cajun Fried Calamari.

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Courtyard

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Courtyard

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Lemon Drop

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Menu

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Inner working

So do the right thing and captilise on a warm sunny weekend afternoon with some comrades and the best of mother Russia.

Maboneng – Sevensounds

Common Ground – The Maboneng Precinct

This past weekend saw the opening and first Seven Sounds event at the Common Ground park in The Maboneng Precinct. Firstly, let me mention that The Maboneng Precinct is a the leader in the revival of Johannesburg’s inner city. The Maboneng Precinct and its many attractions definitely deserve a post of it’s own and I guarantee it will come soon.

Playground

Slide

Industrial inspired swings

Chess Anyone?

The first Seven Sounds live music event was held at  Common Ground in Maboneng, Which as the name suggest’s is a musical line up made up of seven distinct and unique artists, the event started at 11 am with Matthew Mole as the start up entertainment, followed every hour by the rest of the line up including The Muffinz, Guy Buttery and Runaway Train Cult to name a few.

Overhead view of the Park.

Surrounding Street Art

Synonymous with Maboneng, the event was centred around community interaction and being held at the Common Ground park fed directly into that ethos. The park is architecturally designed and utilised by the Spark Maboneng School and the Maboneng Precinct community. This lends itself for industrial recreation as is evident in the adaptations of childrens play area and facilities.

Bar

Stage is set

The “stage” was set in a mini amphitheatre within the park. Food stalls and a bar catered the event and made for a easy, delicious offering. The day started off with wonderful sunny skies and slightly maybe too hot weather, however it was temporarily interrupted by a freak storm, which put off the festivities for a while. However once the bad weather passed over the music and chilled Saturday vibes returned.

Overall, it was a great way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon. The music was really great, the full line up looked something like this:

• Sound Zero – Gates open – 10h00
• Sound One – Matthew Mole – 11h00
• Sound Two – Shotgun Tori – 12h00
• Sound Three – The Muffinz – 13h00
• Sound Four – Guy Buttery – 14h00
• Sound Five – Tidal Waves – 15h00
• Sound Six – Nakhane Touré – 16h00
• Sound Seven – Runaway Train Cult – 17h00

Tickets are limited and details for future events can be found both on the Seven Sounds Website and through a link on the Maboneng Precinct website. I personally love any reason that gets me into the Maboneng Precinct, it’s always a pleasure to spend time in the city the entertainment is a welcome bonus.

Common Ground Surrounding street art