At the new Story Horse Irish bar on Bree, when the drinks flow, the stories follow.
‘What’s the story, horse?‘ is the casual Irish way of asking your buddy ‘what’s up‘, ‘howzit’, ‘what’s happening?’. Having a South African catch-up with an old mate at the marble bar counter, a stylish stand-around with the girls over gorgeous cocktails, or an impromptu dance evening… that’s what Story Horse in Cape Town is about.
But its walls don’t talk…
Its location in the eating and drinking heart of Bree Street makes Story Horse the perfect spot to meet for a pint of Guinness, or to reflect over a quiet whiskey after the day, as business tapers off and the city starts to awaken. Perhaps you fancy a glass of bubbles before that dinner reservation made within walking distance?
‘So, here’s my story. I bought this bar from an old friend, and well, I’ve always liked Bree Street and thought, why not?‘ says South African owner David Raad. After being involved with catering events around the J&B Met, and later The King’s Plate, an upmarket bar themed around racehorses seemed a good fit.
David once owned a local race horse called Calista Firth – at Story Horse, you can order a cocktail named after it.
‘The Irish are pretty proud of their heritage around horses,’ David explains of the concept, hunter green leather merging tastefully with marble side tables, and low stools in oxblood leather. ‘It’s a level up: it’s Burberry, it’s Polo Ralph Lauren… I love the feel of those brands, so I thought we could try and incorporate that sort of styling in the bar.’
It’s a world of racing clubs and the heady lifestyle associated with it. A gathering place for whiskey reflections and champagne celebrations.
A marble bar counter topping dark wood has shelves lined with Irish and Scottish whiskies, bourbons and single malts. There is Guinness on tap and a dartboard (If you hit bullseye, your next round could be on Story Horse!) It’s the place to pull up a stool solo too, somewhere to make your own. Many regulars do.
A gathering place
The adjacent room offers a convivial space for small groups. Fancy a game of backgammon, chess or a hand of cards? The banquettes are comfy, and there’s a beautiful antique set of dominoes.
Traditional lampshades keep it cosy on old stone and heritage brick walls, framed prints highlight big names from local and international horse and jockey circles.
There’s Ruffian, queen of the fillies, who left racing crowds breathless, and then distraught when she broke her leg. And who can forget that touching movie about undersized thoroughbred Seabiscuit, a racehorse who beat War Admiral in the US in the thirties? There’s a print of Durban July legend Sea Cottage, the horse shot in the hindquarters during the sixties over a bookie dispute, who survived to race again.
Do try the cocktails. The signatures are themed around famous horses and traditional racing clubs. ‘Photo Finish’ offers a rich, caramel blend of butter-washed Woodford Reserve and Mezcal. ‘No Horsing Around’ is similarly buttery, with beurre noisette-washed Amaretto and citrus notes. Or try ‘Bush & Telegraph’, a refreshing blend of Hennessy VS, pineapple juice, Aperol and lime.
They arrive in a ribbed glass on a white cocktail serviette imprinted with a tiny black horse.
Deejays set up on First Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday evenings from around 8pm onwards. So if the mood plays along, bring your moves and join those swaying to the beat. Or pop in for a leisurely nightcap on your way home. Story Horse will pour the drinks, you bring the stories.
Lookout for:
- Curated experiences, including Vinyl Nights and Comedy Nights with storytelling
- Hungry? Fresh oysters and light bar snacks, including biltong and giant Spanish Gordan olives. Burger Brews next door will bring your food orders.
Story Horse is the perfect venue for your next private event, with outside catering easily arranged.
Details
- Location: 104 Bree Street
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm till late
- Reservations or events: [email protected]
- Website: storyhorse.co.za
- Instagram: @storyhorsebar
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Picture: Supplied
