The story of one of Johannesburg’s oldest operating bars

In the heart of Johannesburg’s Braamfontein district sits Kitchener’s Carvery Bar, a lively gathering place for students, locals, and late-night regulars.

A key driver of the revival of Braamfontein over the past two decades, the story of the bar dates back to 1906, making it one of the oldest operating bars in the city.

Braamfontein, a central suburb of South Africa’s economic hub of Johannesburg, boasts a rich history that mirrors the city’s evolution from a modest settlement to a bustling metropolis.

Established in 1853 as a farm owned by Gert Bezuidenhout, Braamfontein’s name translates to “blackberry spring.”

Over the decades, it transformed from agricultural land into a vibrant middle-class residential area by the mid-1890s.

Kitchener’s Carvery and Bar opened in 1906 within the Milner Park Hotel, which was established in 1888.

It is one of the oldest buildings left in Braamfontein and is among the few remaining buildings in Johannesburg built before 1900.

Kitchener’s is located on the corner of De Beer and Juta streets, which in the 1890s had a very strong German community with thriving German-owned businesses, earning the nickname ‘little Germany’.

The bar’s name dates back to the early 1900s, when the newly built inn in what is now Braamfontein hosted a meeting between British high commissioner Alfred Milner and General Lord Kitchener at the end of the Boer War.

The original name of the inn has been forgotten, but its carvery bar, an intimate room with its leather-padded wooden counter, pressed-steel ceiling, smoked-glass partitions and heavy drapes, became the site of their discussion.

Soon after, the establishment was renamed the Milner Park Hotel, and the bar became Kitchener’s Carvery Bar in their honour.

The pub continued to operate alongside the hotel well into the 2000s when University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) students from down the road began frequenting it for its infamous lunchtime strip show.

The transformation of the bar

In 2009, a major reinvention took place, transforming the space from a fading old man’s pub into a Braamfontein institution under the leadership of DJ Andrew Clements, Ri Botha, and Colleen Balchin. 

It quickly became a hub for young creatives, students, and the city’s experimental scene.

Braamfontein’s early-2010s revival, sparked by places like the Neighbourgoods Market and the reopened Alexander Theatre, brought fresh attention to the venue.

Kitchener’s got new coats of paint, often by local artists, and quickly became the place to see and be seen.

The hotel rooms upstairs were cleverly converted into commercial office spaces for young entrepreneurs.

In March 2024, Kitchener’s faced potential closure due to economic challenges, sending shockwaves through the community.

Recognising its cultural significance, Play Braamfontein and Castle Lager intervened to preserve the establishment.

Their efforts culminated in a grand reopening in early 2025, ensuring that Kitchener’s continues to be a cherished gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

“Kitchener’s has always been at the heart of Johannesburg’s social life,” said Adam Levy, CEO and Founder of Play Braamfontein.

“Our partnership with Castle Lager has given us the opportunity to reimagine this iconic space while staying true to its roots.”

“We’ve created a place where people can gather, celebrate, and experience the vibrant spirit of Braamfontein in a whole new way.”

Thomas Lawrence, Brand Director of Castle Lager, said that “Kitchener’s is more than just a bar — it’s a space where memories are made and stories are shared.”

Today, it offers a nostalgic ambience, serving classic pizza in a setting adorned with vintage décor, including mahogany interiors and glitzy chandeliers.

As night falls, the venue metamorphoses into a lively hotspot, renowned for its vibrant dance floor, comedy and diverse musical events.