Fourth Avenue, Parkhurst
Parkhurst is an eclectic neighbourhood-cum-tourist venue that sports a vibrant sidewalk cafe culture and some of the best restaurants in Johannesburg.
The hub of action in the suburb is without doubt 4th Avenue, which is lined with a mix of classy restaurants, local pubs and familiar bars, antiques dealers, speciality lighting shops and boutique outlets for that extra-special handmade gift. The suburb offers visitors over 30 dealers – although not all located on 4th Avenue – in things big and small for your home!
In general, local businesses strive to achieve a balance between sustaining a viable commercial sector that attracts custom, while still keeping the spot homely and comfortable for residents. The result is an urban shopping spot that is classy, but comfortable.
The businesses that occupy 4th Avenue offer something for everyone – from clothing stores and second-hand book dealers to unique night-time hotspots that are famous for their extraordinary nosh.
The street is a hideout for a number of antique dealers. Simon Leighton-Morris, a doyen of dealers in Georgian and Victorian antique furniture, was one of the first to move in. He was followed shortly by interior designer Ronnie Wilkens.
Those looking for a special gift won’t be disappointed either – stop over at Take it for Granted or Alf Stewart’s Buckhouse, both treasure troves for the unusual. Be sure to peruse the Colonial Trading Company and Shop No 1, sellers of interesting objects, furniture and paintings.
The restaurants range from George’s on Fourth, one of the best places in Johannesburg to get a lamb shank (and also one of the most expensive) to The Jolly Roger, a favourite pub pizza venue with cheap drinks and tasty grub, and The Attic, one of the trendiest bars around (it’s a sister to The Office in Greenside).
The Attic, smack in the middle of the 4th Avenue strip, is full of all sorts of cool stuff. Lots of time and care have gone into its design and this really pays off. Its en suite cocktail bar is particularly charming.
The Jolly Roger, always full on a Sunday, is famed for its half-price pizza special and superb student vibe.
Espresso was the first restaurant to entrench Parkhurst as a dining destination. The food is good but not write-home exceptional. Rather, customers come back time and again because it is familiar and fabulous: Espresso perfectly balances a relaxed neighbourhood feel against a vibey people-watching buzz. And everyone knows each other.
Street festivals set the avenue alight quite often throughout the year – the most successful and best attended is the candlelit evening in November, and Mother’s Day in May.