After-work Drinks at The Taproom

Give your nine-to-five the finger and wind down with a craft beer at this brewery-based bar

If there's one thing that drives people nuts in Cape Town, it's having to endure eight or more hours of work stress only to face bumper-to-bumper traffic for another one or two. And worst of all, there's not much you can do about it.

 Except chillax and wait for the storm to pass with drink in hand – at The Taproom. 

Ideally situated within the Devil’s Peak Brewing Company’s stylishly converted warehouse in Salt River, the Mother City's latest craft beer hangout offers a well-deserved escape from the 100 gazillion-strong mob of motorists en route to the Cape's Southern and Northern Suburbs. And with friendly barmen poised to pour pints of the brewery's finest, it sure beats killing time back at the office. 

The bar serves pale to dark ales in Belgian, English and American styles, all of which are brewed on site. If you're new to artisan beer and have a palate for lager, your best bet is the First Light Golden Ale, a moderately fruity, easy-drinking beer that goes for R17 for a half pint and R26 for a full. 

Alternatively, try the balanced, caramel-rich Woodhead Amber Ale for R18/R28 or the aromatic and spicy Rye Saison for R21/32. Otherwise, if you're one for strong Indian pale ales, do yourself a favour and get a King's Blockhouse IPA. This last option’s been voted by journos as one of South Africa's top craft beers, and you can't go wrong with a pint for R32. 

And if you're in the mood for something other than ale, treat yourself to a glass of Cape Winelands red or white vino for R30 or share a carafe for R60. 

Staying for dinner? Try the Woodhead Pulled Pork Sandwich: a hefty handful of tender meat slow cooked in amber ale, bookended by slices of fresh bread and served with pickled red onion and coriander cream. For a lighter bite, tuck into a tasty cheeseburger and fries, and for a healthy munch, opt for the salad of the day and some flash-fried broccoli. 

You may not find any mass-produced beers on special at this Salt River pub, but as it offers exquisite, handcrafted ale and New York-style eats, you're guaranteed the happiest of hours. 

The only downside is that The Taproom only operates from Tuesdays to Saturdays. But then again, Mondays call for an early night or a gym workout – it makes more sense to treat yourself to life's real pleasures as the week ticks on.  

Disclaimer: we don't advocate drinking and driving. Know your limit and arrange alternative transport if you happen (or plan) to exceed it.

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Read more about Devil's Peak Brewing Company's restaurant and craft beer bar, The Taproom. 

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