Where all the cool kids hang out: Southern Sun Hyde Park

It seems that the new Southern Sun in Hyde Park has become one of the latest 'in' spots in Jozi. Go there on a Friday afternoon and you'll be faced with beautiful people, massive sunglasses and if you're lucky, a fantastic sunset. In fact, if you have few too many, you could almost believe that you are in Cape Town. It's that awesome.

Yesterday afternoon, I went there with two amazing individuals, Tim and Janine, for a much deserved after work G&T. We came just after 5 and and it was already bustling. So much so that it was a bit of a fight to get a drink (despite the good service) and we couldn't get a spot outside on the pool deck (see above) to show off our sunglasses. Tragic. Nonetheless, we had an excellent time amongst the shakers and movers.

There are a couple of things you need to know, however, in order to optimise your time spent at the SS:

1. It's expensive. A glass of house white can cost you up to R45. Don't even think about cocktails - they cost as much as a small meal at ~R70. But all is not lost. Beers and ciders are still fairly reasonable and G&T will cost you around 30 bucks, which although still expensive, will enable you to still keep your arm and leg. And they use Tanqueray. Just be smart about what you order, unless you are filthy rich of course. Or stupid.

2. You cannot book. So if you plan to come with a big group, its likely that one of you will have to come early and camp out in order to keep a reasonable number of seats for your party.

3. Although there is not dress code, if you are slightly insecure, I would recommend you coming dressed up as opposed to dressed down. An investment in a good pair of sunglasses will do wonders for your street cred.

4. Free snacks are available. Wasabi nuts and biltong. Just ask for them. It will make you feel better about the amount you are spending on your cocktail.

Enjoy.