Revamped and revealed

Knoxville Lounge is a Kloof Street secret closely guarded by locals

Brad Morgan and JC Geyer's casual clothing store, Finger, is well-known in Cape Town. Caps and vests from the Kloof Street store can be seen worn by members of Vida e Caffé and Caprice's gorgeous staff. But, for the last year, I've been unaware that Brad and JC are hiding a cocktail and sushi bar above Ocean Basket. When I began to hear local whispers, "Knoxville is casual enough for rugby boys, yet lounge enough for the more sophisticated," I was itching to give you a sneak preview.

When you take the stairwell that leads up to the main bar, you’ll notice Moroccan-inspired, patterned wallpaper and an extravagant chandelier. A homely atmosphere and soft lounge music, by resident DJ Sean Westcott, create a beckoning ambience. The main room is decorated with earthy tones of green, brown and gold, while oversized lanterns feature prominently. You’ll also notice textured wallpapers, fabrics, wrought iron dividers and old black and white photographs of Cape Town.

Classic cocktails and sumptuous seafood

The bar at the opposite side of the room is decked out with fresh flowers and back lighting that changes to suit the mood. A friendly barman is dressed in casual surf wear and recommends drinks from their classic cocktail menu, but you also notice a display of wines, spirits and champagnes. You settle on a Hawaiian Dream, made with Malibu, Havana dark rum, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice, served in a tall glass.

After a hard day at the office, you sink into a couch lined with rich velvet. The menu offers traditional sushi, tapas, oysters and crayfish tails. You decide on a tapas platter of juicy tempura prawns, tender calamari strips, calamari tubes and flavoursome garlic muscles, served with pita bread and humus.

A relaxed environment where anything goes

As the crowd begins to filter in you get the sense that anything goes. Girls are dolled up in killer heels and guys wear collars and smart shoes, while it's still perfectly acceptable to slouch in linen pants, vests and backwards caps.

With a cosmopolitan cocktail in hand, you venture onto the outside deck with more fresh flowers, standing tables and a Bedouin tent for winter nights. The owners often get involved with feeding hungry rugby fans with boerewors from their gas braai, on warm summer days. You notice a smaller room for private functions and revellers spill out onto a speakeasy balcony, overlooking Long Street.

Knoxville is an upmarket lounge for local people who enjoy chilled out drinks, soft music, decadent decor and sports viewing. We think it's worth spilling the beans.

Nights to remember

Wednesday:
When? 19:00-02:00.
What? Free sushi and cocktails for ladies and clothing sales.

Fridays and Saturdays:
When? 20:00-02:00
What? Lounge music from resident DJ Sean Westcott.

Sunday:
When? 20:30-22:30 (every fortnight)
What? Comedy with resident David Newton and guest appearances from funny men including; Kurt Schoonraad.

Knoxville
1st Floor | 75 Kloof Street | Cape Town

By Lisa Nevitt

Read our overview of Cape Town's new kids on the block.

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