Cool Spaces: The Royale

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES Hanri Human

Drawing inspiration from The Royal Palm Hotel in Havana, The Royale brings the flavours and decor of a post-revolution Cuba to the Jozi streets.

Expect a variety of cocktails and Cuban-inspired cuisine at this lively local hotspot. The brainchild of Marcel and Marc Cronje of Dine and Dash, pays homage to the traditional spices and flavours of the region, putting a personal spin on things. The trendy bar offers an extensive cocktail list, from freshly made Mojitos to Daiquiris, as well as a cigar menu. 

The restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere, with a carefully considered decor concept setting the scene. Neon signage and patterned wallpaper adorn the interior, scattered with plants to create an indoor/outdoor feel. The courtyard transports you to a different city in the backstreets of a tropical paradise. Hanging pendant lights provide a warm atmosphere. “We wanted to encapsulate the Cuban style of post-revolution, when all the rich and famous from the USA used to go and party there, with no references to old cars or Che Guevara,” explains Marcel.

Sections of the restaurant are divided by large open windows, enveloped in steel frames – adding to the open plan of the space while keeping the bar separate from the entrance. Tucked away in the corner of the courtyard is a Speakeasy, where you can expect DJs and dancing on the weekends.

Looking for more local spaces? Take a look at Toasted in Rosebank and Cape Town’s Makers Landing.