Dark Horse

18 Oct, 2018

Tether your pony at this dark and moody little Victorian in Kloof Street, a new watering hole that also offers the finest in grazing. Although only a few weeks old, it is already clear that The Dark Horse will pull the herd to this neck of the ‘hood. Crowd-pleasing hydration comes in finely crafted cocktails, bubbles by the glass, a wine list to explore and of course, The Striped Horse takes pole position among the beers. 

The interior design pulls off that perfect combination of cosy date nooks alongside spaces for small groups of buddies out on the town. A plush absinthe-green sofa curves sexily along one side while the wall is pure retro eye candy. A variety of occasional tables provide a stylish setting for any of the elegant cocktails on offer. The flattering lighting is suitably low and I think I spotted a potted delicious monster alongside a lamp. 

Unsurprisingly the Dark Horse has another secret. Hoof on up the inside staircase and materialise onto a balcony with one of the finest Table Mountain panoramas in the West. A handful of tables and a living wall of succulents are the only complements to this jaw dropping setting. 

But before you mount be sure to photograph the chalkboard menu downstairs. The blackboard of temptations had us swinging indecisively from thick cut chips with saffron aioli, spinach and onion bahajis with atcha mayo, white bait and lemon to marinated hanger steak, honey sweet potatoes and miso mayo. So we had them all. 

That the Dark Horse is a relative of The Black Sheep over the road is evidenced in the quality of the food. We will be bolting back soon. 

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 4pm.  

Round up a posse of pals and trot on over to the dark side. 

145 Kloof Street