Legendary Joburg pub seeks new owner for new lease on life

One of Johannesburg’s oldest and most celebrated pubs, The Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove, will go under the auctioneer’s hammer next month.

With a rich legacy dating back to 1929, the Radium is entrenched in South Africa’s social and cultural history, from its innocuous start as a tearoom and illicit shebeen, selling to black customers even before women were allowed entry.

In the ensuing almost 100 years, the Louis Botha Avenue venue has been the scene of many a party, from live acts to quiz nights, sporting events and hosted many a famous face, and today exudes a vintage charm and nostalgic atmosphere that reflects what its walls might say if only they could speak.

The late 1980s heralded a new era for the Radium when it was bought by Manny Cabeleira – a man with great taste in music and liberal political views, and became a Portuguese restaurant, live music venue and meeting place not only for locals but for many across the city. Cabeleira passed away in 2021 after 35 years behind the bar, and although his wife Lina has rung the bell for her last round, she’s hoping the beloved beer hall will find a new owner to take it forward.

?“The Radium is being sold lock, stock and barrel as a going concern,” said Broll Auctions and Sales broker Jayson-Lee Collins. “With its wooden floors, large bar area, kitchen and ample seating space, the property’s layout allows for flexible use, whether continuing its incredible legacy as a bar and restaurant or transforming it into a new venture. The opportunity exists for a new owner to create more magical memories for the next generation of patrons in this historic space.”

The Radium Beer Hall will be auctioned at The Wanderers Club in Illovo on October 16 as part of a multi-property auction. For more information visit https://brollauctions.com/