Bascule Bar: Moody Cocktails + Marina Views at Cape Grace

After a magnificent top-to-toe renovation in 2024, the iconic marina-side whisky and cocktail bar has come back to life with a sophisticated speakeasy vibe and lush design by international design firm 1508 London. Bascule Bar’s cutting-edge cocktails come courtesy of bartender AJ Durow and team, and live music on the weekends keeps the mood sparkling. Plus there’s a jaw-dropping art collection curated by Lezanne Van Heerden worth visiting for alone.

On the bar menu

Flavours are inspired by the veld, the mountain and the sea on the tantalising small-plates menu, which puts a Cape Town spin on the traditional bar menu and takes it to the next level. Think chakalaka chicken wings with inkomazi chive dip; baked kingklip with soy glaze and ginger cauliflower purée; lamb lollipops; beef bunny chow; or freshly shucked oysters…

Visionary cocktails breeze from the same inspiration with an undercover speakeasy twist: for example the Black Rhino Bloom, uses fynbos scented gin with elderflower, cucumber, wasabi and dry lemon and is secretly served in a brown bag… not a word said!

Long renowned for offering one of the largest whisky collections in the entire Southern Hemisphere, the Bascule Bar’s tradition of late night, jazz-fuelled discussions over a 20-year old Scotch continues, enfolding guests in a feeling of warmth and sanctuary. Atmospheric cocktail hours and sociable post-lunch sessions unfold with effortless ease in this intimate and very comfortable setting that invites storytelling by its very ambience.

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11.30pm
Where to find it Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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