Explore Melville, Johannesburg's Most Trendy Neighbourhood

The most surprising thing about this Victorian-styled suburb is its amazing natural features. Few believe just how much nature is found here, in the heart of the city. Take a hike up Melville Koppies Nature Reserve for breathtaking views of the city and a trip back into history, as this is the site where an ancient Iron Age furnace was discovered. Melville Koppies is the last remains of Johannesburg’s ridges, conserved as it was before the discovery of gold.
If hiking is too intense, rather take a stroll through the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, which also make for a fantastic picnic spot. The 81-hectare (200-acre) garden includes The Shakespeare Garden, which is filled with plants mentioned in his plays, The Rose Garden, The Herb Garden and an arboretum filled with a mix of trees such as Californian redwoods, English oaks and cork oaks from Spain and Portugal. Needless to say, there’s much to explore.

For the best breakfast in this part of town, head to the comically named Pablo-Eggs-Go-Bar. The menu is extensive and you can build your own breakfast, get a sharing bowl or chow down on one of the many other dishes on offer.

Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at a variety of establishments. Hell’s Kitchen is known for its burgers, ribs and rock’n’roll set-up, while Satkar serves some of the best Indian food this side of, well, India. The Great Eastern Food Bar is a must for those with a love for Asian cuisine, but go hungry, as you’ll want to taste as much as possible on the exciting menu.

If you’re after a party, you need look no further. From low-key bars to dance destinations, Melville has something for every night owl. Jo’Anna Melt Bar is great for meeting locals, as everyone grabs a seat at the large oval-shaped bar while music selections are made on the blaring jukebox. Many establishments, such as Hell’s Kitchen, go from restaurant by day to bar at night, and crowds spill into them like moths to a flame. Most are situated on 7th Street, Melville’s party avenue, where bar-hopping is easier than ever.

If you prefer to stay out of malls, Melville is the place for you. From local fashion to craft goods, you’ll find it here. Convoy, in the Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, stocks local designer clothing, including brands like Hanna Lavery, Anmari Honiball, Black Betty and Isabel de Villiers. Head further down the road to 27 Boxes, a permanent market space constructed from containers, where you’ll find everything from clothing and jewellery to decor and delicious food.

Antiquing is also big in Melville, and quaint stores line the streets – a bargain hunter’s dream come true. Clyde on 4th Antiques is one of the larger stores and stocks a wide variety of furniture, decor accessories and objets d’art. The shop specialises in Georgian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and 1950s objects, and collectors will feel right at home.

When you’d rather enjoy the quiet side of Melville, pop into Service Station to pick up your favourite caffeine drink and then head to Love Books. Here, you’ll be able to spend hours catching up on reading and browsing the many shelves filled with an impeccably curated range of titles, from favourite classics to modern gems. The store also hosts many events and book clubs, so keep an eye on their social media pages and get on their mailing list to stay in the loop.