Insider Interview Johannesburg: Tom Hughes

Tom Hughes is the owner of popular Johannesburg restaurant The Attic, and bar, The Office. If there’s one man who’s got his finger on the pulse of this city it’s him”¦

Tom Hughes is the owner of popular Johannesburg restaurant The Attic, and bar, The Office. If there’s one man who’s got his finger on the pulse of this city it’s him”¦

Why did you set up a restaurant and a bar in Johannesburg?

I was educated at Hilton College and spent the next 12 years travelling and cooking around the world. I came back to Jozi to exploit what I saw to be a largely untapped market in the restaurant and bar scene. There’s been a huge increase in tourism so the demand has increased for bar and restaurant venues and, until recently, there weren’t all that many top quality venues for the international traveller – this was out primary reason for coming home to Jo’burg.

Tokyo Star Johannesburg © Tokyo Star

What are some of your favourite bars in the city?

Tokyo Star has a glam rock crowd with great indie and alternative music. The Rosebank Hotel for sexy cocktails in intimate booths (a great place for a date).

Where would you recommend going out clubbing?

Kitcheners Carvery and Arts on Main. And if you want to dance to some very cool electro music, head to Capital Records Café under Capital Records in Rosebank. It’s where the movers and shakers in the electronic industry hang out.

Arts on Main © Arts on Main

What are some of your favourite things to do in Jo’burg?

Going out for breakfast on Stanley Avenue is great – Salvation Café does the best Eggs Benedict in the city and some fantastic pancakes. I love mountain biking – the ride is really challenging from Melville to Bryanston on the Braamfontein spruit. And long, lazy lunches with family and friends at Casalinga. It’s a great Italian restaurant in the most beautiful surroundings – it’s a must-visit.

What advice would you give for people who are visiting the city for the first time?

Be sure to research before you come. And make sure you’re here on the weekend, especially if you like to get out and about. Jo’burg is quite quiet Monday to Thursday.

Find The Attic at 24, 4^th Avenue, Pankhurst, and The Office on Gleneagles Road, Greenside.