The Athletic Club & Social

With its squashy armchairs, wood panelling and trophy cases, The Athletic Club & Social has the charmingly retro feel of a gentlemen’s sporting clubhouse. There’s also more than a hint of the speakeasy about this three-floor bar and restaurant in Cape Town’s city centre. The menu is full of Mediterranean-inspired mezze-style plates, which are ideal for sharing: try the fior di latte mozzarella, charred aubergine or salt-baked celeriac. Meanwhile, cocktails come with a twist – the ACS negroni is laced with coconut-infused Wilderer Gin, while the lilac lady has champagne infused with lavender.