Get familiar at Jade champagne bar and lounge in Green Point

A fabulous night out in Cape Town from the comfort of your own armchair

Upon entering Green Point’s Jade Champagne Bar and Lounge, I felt like we had chanced upon an alluring living room, inside a French Chateau. The first thing I noticed was the striking green walls, hanging chandeliers and grand armchairs which were no doubt up-market, yet soft lighting, large comfortable couches and a relaxed crowd made me feel more like I was visiting a house party than a bar.

Green Point is an up-market area of Cape Town and is home to swanky bars, restaurants and hotels. In 2006, owner of Jade, Johnny, set out to fill the gap in the Green Point market.  Jade is now firmly known as a nightlife mecca for young professionals who want to still want an up-market venue, but with familiar surroundings. Jade is more than just a club and homely décor is merely the starting point of this bar’s popularity, as we found out when we paid a visit.

An intimate space that could be likened to your own living room

Interior designer Andrea Graff set out to create an intimate space that could be likened to your own living room. The background colour palette in striking green and floral designs, influenced by Chinese artistry from the 17th century, has been painted straight onto the walls. Kartell Phillipe light fittings hang from the ceiling and patrons enter the bar through original Indian Tique, slatted doors. There are inviting armchairs and couches arranged around the room. Andrea believes that this homely atmosphere has maintained the longevity of Jade amongst Green Point’s young professional community.

Musical consistency and a warm sense of belonging keeps the Jade family together

One thing that keeps the Jade family together is musical consistency. Expect Brazilian music on Tuesdays, commercial music on Thursdays and 80s music on Fridays. Musical variety means that Jade encompasses all musical tastes. It is not a bar that patrons visit as a one off, rather it becomes a home from home.

We visited on a Thursday evening, which Johnny informs me is their busiest night. The bar was packed with young professionals, aged 25+, relaxing after a long day at work. This is not a bar that forces you to sit and socialize, or to get up and dance. Some patrons lounged on the sofas, some stood socializing and others danced the night away to well known commercial music. Our round was reasonably priced at R12 for a coke, R18 for a bottle of a Windhoek,  R18 for a bottle of Smirnoff Ice and R28 for a glass of Merlot. We indulged in conversation and the DJ’s spun some uplifting tunes that later had us up dancing. This was a friendly place in which patrons seemed to know both each other and the staff. The Jade family was not a clique and, as outsiders, we felt a warm welcome to their living room party.

Later on in the evening we stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The balcony has recently acquired a glass front and we were treated to spectacular views of the adjacent Waterfront and the Green Point Soccer Stadium. I left my partner engaged in conversation with a visitor from New York. It was easy for my partner to spark up conversation, which proves that this bar has no ego.

Has Johnny succeeded in filling the gap in the Green Point market? Jade offers consistent nights and a friendly crowd, in a familiar lounge setting, and the bar is not far off being a community in itself. Pay this bar a visit, to become part of the Jade family.

Cape Town is home to a variety of venues to suit all tastes. Find your perfect nighttime haunt in our popular Nightlife Section.

By Lisa Nevitt

39 Main Road | Green Point Cape Town (located above Mano's restaurant - entrance via Vesperdene Road)

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