What’s on? Brunch, bubbles and a bit of nostalgia

As winter slowly sets in, many of us would rather stay indoors. But this chilly season also brings the perfect excuse to head out and enjoy special events, Mother’s Day plans, brunch spots, and even cosy movie nights.

Brunch at Roar Bistro & Bar

After enjoying a memorable African buffet lunch at Roar Bistro & Bar, we were invited back for their weekend brunch—and it did not disappoint. While the buffet leans more toward hearty lunch options like stews, meats, bacon, mushrooms, sautéed vegetables, and couscous, it was the dessert table that stole the show. With a rotating dessert menu (it was chocolate cake day when we visited), we left happily full.

A fun surprise? The food options change every hour, keeping things fresh for lingering guests. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm at R250 per person, with an optional R250 add-on for bottomless gin or mimosas.

Planning something special for Mom? Roar is hosting a Mother’s Day buffet brunch with live music and optional bottomless bubbles or gin.

For more details, click here

Drive-in movie nights at Clearwater Mall

Turn back time with a nostalgic movie night at Clearwater Mall’s Drive-In on Friday, 2 May and Saturday, 3 May, from 6pm to 10pm. Held at the Lifestyle Parking area, this pop-up cinema lets you enjoy movie favourites from the comfort of your car.

Expect a mix of classics and modern hits like Lady and the Tramp, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Happy Feet and Marley & Me. Gates open at 6pm. Tickets are R350 per vehicle and can be booked online.

Movie night at Clearwater Mall. Picture: Supplied

On-site food vendors and mall restaurants will be serving delicious bites. Bonus? The event supports Dogs Trust SA in their mission to rescue and care for dogs across the country.

Mother's Day at NIROX Sculpture Park

Art, music, wine, nature, and gourmet food—what more could mom ask for?

NIROX Sculpture Park is hosting a beautiful Mother’s Day celebration featuring large-scale works and indoor exhibits, a special performance by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Italian soprano Greta Doveri, and tastings from top South African wine estates.

Feast on refined pantry treats, gourmet bites from the Epicurean Emporium, and drinks from Bernie’s Bar.

Date: Sunday, 11 May. Time: 10am–6pm

Tickets, click here

One more for Mother's Day: Sebule

If you’re in the mood to truly spoil mom (or yourself), Sebule is offering a special set menu lunch experience with a welcome glass of bubbles on Sunday, 12 May. With its warm atmosphere and elegant menu, this is one of my top picks.

Costs: R1 250 per person. Bookings for 11h May, click here.

The end of an era: Marabi Club closes its doors

It came as a shock to many when Johannesburg’s iconic Marabi Club announced it would be closing after decades of jazz, soul, and culinary excellence in the inner city.

Sharing the news on their Instagram page, they wrote: "It’s with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our Joburg gem, The Marabi Club, on 10 May 2025. This decision was not made lightly, and we are deeply grateful for your support over the years...

The comment section was filled with heartbreak and regret. I was lucky enough to experience it a few years ago and was surprised it wasn’t more widely known. Located in Hallmark House, Doornfontein, it truly was a hidden gem.

One comment from In Your Pocket hit home:

“Marabi’s closure is a call to action: to stop merely watching and commenting and to become active in supporting the businesses we don’t want to see close.”

Don’t miss your chance to say goodbye. Their final run, “The Last Dance,” is happening from 24 April to 10 May, Thursday to Saturday.

Bookings are essential, click here to make yours.