A new entertainment spot has popped up in the heart of Pretoria called The Blue Room. Previously the whites-only Van der Stel, this venue is now open to people of all
walks of life.
"When I bought the place this year, I decided to change its style and name.
It was not a written rule, but it was a 'whites only' sort of place and that has now changed. This, after all, is the new South Africa and anyone seeking a good time and value for their money should pay us a visit," explained Mike van Reenen, the owner of the
pub. Huge ultramarine blue posters of jazz greats like Nat King Cole and Miles Davis adorn the walls and the
dining area is vast enough to feed a small army.
In the centre of the room is a rectangular, double-sided bar that displays a healthy selection of alcoholic beverages. All around the bar are tall stools for those who prefer to sit near the barman to pour out their sorrows.
Apart from its fully stocked bar, The Blue Room has a fairly large kitchen which serves up delicious dishes from light snacks to bigger meals, all day and night.
As the
menu reveals, there is a wide variety of food choices to select from and judging by the kitchen’s popularity, it is well worth trying.
Fresh activities are also planned to keep patrons interested.
"Our daily activities are consciously programmed from Monday right through to Sunday.
Different activities are lined up for each day," said Van Reenen.
On Mondays they have an all-day happy hour and on Tuesdays, the International Jazz Night. Wednesdays
are Whisky and Cigar Nights, while Thursdays have the theme, Couples Night.
From Friday to Sunday, they
The Blue Room boasts a smaller and more intimate bar upstairs for those who might find the downstairs section too noisy. It has comfy couches, a smaller bar, pool tables and more mellow sounds.
Security issues have also been addressed, as Van Reenen explained: "I invest in security measures both in and outside this club.
I have a secure parking area which
guarantees my customers’ peace of mind as they share their time with us."
From first-hand experience, I will testify that when it comes to jazz, The Blue Room is tops. The smooth sounds of The Crowd Puller jazz band surely did as the name suggests as the venue steadily filled up as the night progressed.
Next time you feel a little sad and blue, visit The Blue Room and the only blues you will feel is the music.
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