Fridays at East City's Harrington Street

Bar hop in one building, from happy hour to live music

Last updated: Thursday, 15 February 2024

This four-in-one nightlife spot, where you can go bar-hopping in one building, is the place to kick off your weekend. There’s rum cocktails at a Hemingway-inspired bar, dinner at a Gatsby-esque lounge, a live music club with rock, indie pop and techno nights, and a dive bar great for a nightcap or a last dance. And it’s all at the centre of the East City’s nightlife scene. 

District is located on Harrington Street in District Six. Image: Harrington Street

FOUR ECLECTIC VENUES IN ONE

Once a grungy live music spot, Harrington Street has transformed into a collection of eclectic venues, with four different restaurants and bars under one roof. 

There’s the sophisticated Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge, named after the street it resides on; the high-tech live music venue and nightclub District; Cuban-inspired Rum Runner with rum cocktails; and Surfa Rosa, the friendly neighbourhood dive bar with rock music and pizzas.

Each venue at Harrington Street has its own unique vibe.  Image: Harrington Street

RUM & ERNEST HEMINGWAY

The pirate and Cuban-themed bar Rum Runner pays homage to the scoundrels of yesteryear, and American novelist Ernest Hemingway. The name was inspired by a boat that was used to smuggle rum during the prohibition. You can see this theme through the pictures of Hemingway on the walls, and the tropical island decor. 

There’s an outdoor balcony where people can enjoy after-work drinks and a smoke. The cocktail menu is rum-specific, with drinks like Spiced Old Fashion (Bacardi Carta Negra with hints of vanilla & cinnamon) and Caribbean Nights (Bacardi 4YO with citrus, mango & chilli). 

Rum Runner is connected to District and Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge. Image: Harrington Street

DINNER & COCKTAILS AT A GATSBY-ESQUE LOUNGE

Harrington's Cocktail Lounge is a love letter to the heydays of glitter parties, jazz and cocktails; with its velvet booths, panoramic windows overlooking the East City neighbourhood, extravagant L-shaped bar and a coat check. 

Stick around for dinner (and more cocktails during happy hour from 4pm to 6pm; summer time till 7pm). Each drink has a curious name, and some of the best sellers include Sapphire People (gin, white vermouth, peach, fresh lime & basil) and The V&T killed the G&T (grapefruit vodka and elderflower topped up with tonic). 

Pair your poison with tapas for the table to share, like Korean fried chicken or mushroom arancini. For mains the flame-grilled ribeye is highly recommended.

There’s free entry to Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge Until 10pm. Booking beforehand is recommended. Image: Harrington Street

LIVE MUSIC AND MOSH PITS

From 9pm Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge turns into a glittering dance party, with live performances or DJs playing house music and classic singalongs. It’s free entry until 10pm. 

Another live music space in the building is District, with shows lined up every Thursday and Friday. It’s a blank canvas space, changing appearance according to the event or live music performances. One night you could be grooving to house and techno, the next you’re in the middle of a mosh pit rocking out to Springbok Nude Girls. See the lineup for upcoming shows on District’s Instagram. 

District can also be used as a venue for birthdays or corporate events. Image: Harrington Street

LATE NIGHT CAPS AT A DIVE BAR

Part-surf, part-punk dive bar, Surfa Rosa has a big personality. Named after the song by The Pixies, it’s a place to start off a good night or be the backdrop to a great night (it only closes at 4am). The vibe is laid back, the music is loud, the drinks are affordable. There’s three wooden booths and an outside patio covered in old event posters. 

Surfa Rosa is below District. Image: Harrington Street

GRAND AFFAIRS (BIRTHDAYS AND EVENTS)

Whether you're turning 21, 50 or want to host a boujee corporate event, you can book out one (or all) of the venues at Harrington Street for a soiree. 

Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge will style, theme and decorate the space for you, and book DJs or live bands. There’s even a special menu created for your event. 

For conferencing and music events, District, which takes up to 400 people, offers cocktail food and canapes. An alternative for a smaller affair is booking out the Rum Bar, which takes between 30 to 50 people for banquets, harvest tables, cocktail floating dinners or live music events.

For live music events, the three venues can take up to 800 people. Image: Harrington Street

VISIT HARRINGTON STREET

Harrington Street is open: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4pm till late; Fridays & Saturdays, 3pm to 4am
Find it: 61b Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town
Book: Via dineplan.com
Contact on: 078 916 7903, bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za, @harringtonsct

By Lara van Zyl

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FIND MORE NIGHTLIFE SPOTS

Find out what happens ont Thursdays at Harrington Street.

Here’s a guide to the best nightclubs in Cape Town.

Plus, a guide to sexy cocktail spots around the city.

Find free and affordable things to do this weekend.

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