A Maverick's night out in Cape Town

Here’s one for the men and the ladies

Steppin’ out

The first thing I thought upon entering Mavericks Revue Bar was that for one, very special night, I was going to get to be Frank Sinatra. Not even Sammy or Dean, But Old Blue Eyes himself. Welcomed at the door by a hospitable bouncer the size of a well built tank, I walked through the entrance hall straight into a scene from casino – minus the slot machines. The kind of opulent elegance that is so hard to achieve, but if done just right, can take your breath away.

And this just in the main access room... Almost immediately as I sat down in one of the comfy chairs and took in the Casablanca styling’s I was approached by two stunning ladies, who introduced themselves under the names of... Um. Well it was in Russian so I can’t be faulted for forgetting almost immediately... Plus I WAS rather concentrating on other things.

Really the feeling of vicariously rat packing was given me by a few features. The first and most important was the decor, which although changing slightly in tone as I moved from room to room – managed to maintain that same feel, like you’d stepped into a classy cigar lounge meets private club (which really Mavericks is) – but with stunning exotic dancers.

The other thing was the attention given – when I walked in I felt like all eyes were on me. And not in that basic curiosity way, but in the kind of way that makes you feel like it’s your night. Not just the impeccable service by the waiters and barmen, but the dancers especially. Sure I was wearing a VIP wristband (for the inexpensive addition of R200 on top of the R100 cover), but these ladies could sure act up a storm. I immediately forgot that I was paying for the pleasure of the sights around me.

They put you at immediate ease – and that’s the other reason I felt so Kingly. I’ll level with you, I like strip-clubs about as much as the next guy, but Mavericks – Mavericks is different. Gone is the sleaze, you’re here with your boys (or girls) to relax, take in a show, maybe handle some business, and all while feeling pure prestige.

Four different rooms, three levels... Which means you also get to strut like Frank Sinatra.

So I negotiated (i.e.: stumbled) my way into the uber exclusive separate room that is the Xtravaganza Bar, tasty cigar from the in-house humidor lighting my way.  Here I got even more attention – courtesy of the private hostesses. Since a good cigar requires a good whisky, I got a recommendation from the thankfully knowledgeable hostess (considering the wide range of whisky, cognac etc options at the bar).

After enjoying the benefits of the skilfully executed private lap dancing rooms, I demonstrated my poor imitation of Sinatra’s amble as I made my way up the stairs and into the VIP Mezzanine level, before entering the prestigious Platinum Lounge. On the mezzanine I briefly took in the uninhibited ‘’view’’ that the balcony offers, the hostess’ skilfully chosen whisky going down like liquid silk.

Actually, at this point it was about the sixth skilfully chosen whisky that was going down like silk (so more like cashmere).

I hazily took in the Platinum Lounge's interior as I entered - The same velvety decor adorning the walls, the same attention to patron’s comfort, just waiting for me to sink my now VERY relaxed bum into.

I literally dropped into one of the velvet-curtained booths lining the room and treated myself to a massage while alternatively watching two Korean businessmen discussing some business contract, and a Brazilian beauty shaking what her momma gave her in the Bird Cage. That also struck me; in a conversation with one of the 100 ladies dancing at Mavericks I realised the extreme variety of heritage that was available (she turned out to be Japanese). Which really puts the exotic in dancer.  

Eight whiskies down (and in the interests of a friend’s upcoming bachelor party) I decided to check out The Library (luckily the same floor as the Platinum, stairs had become rather hard to conquer by whisky no. seven) before calling it a fantastic night. The walls of the private room are lined with books in dark wood shelves, and scattered with sofas. It’s elegant and comfortable to the utmost, and the private attention only adds to the night’s flavour.

An old school charm that others try so failingly hard to emulate, but as with so many things, Mavericks achieves.

As I drunkenly got into the cab that the Bouncer arranged for me, I reflected on my solo adventure of calm debauchery and risqué entertainment. Sure, I was no Frank. I wasn’t even Dean Martin, but man, I sure would remember it like I had been. And have the Ocean’s 10 hangover to prove it.

By John Scharges

The crucial information for the aspiring crooner
Basic entrance to the stripclub is R100; Entrance to the VIP part is an extra R200 PP.
Bookings available in advance ensure maximum advantage is taken of all that the club has on offer.
Dance prices at Mavericks are R200 for two songs table dance, R250 for a lap dance, and R750 for a VIP dance to make it perfect. The Library is R1000 entry.

VIP Membership to the clubs:
To gain access to the two VIP lounges in style with your friends or visiting business clients simply join the Mavericks Membership Club, which assures you access to absolute luxury and the best possible Mavericks experience. Silver membership: R3000 a year, entitles member + 1 guest to unlimited access to all VIP areas; 
Gold membership: R5000 a year, entitles member + 5 guests to unlimited access to all VIP areas; 
Platinum membership: R10 000 a year, entitles member + 10 guests to unlimited access to all VIP areas; 
Corporate membership: R25 000 a year, entitles card-holder +25 guests to unlimited access to all VIP areas.

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