The quirky Parliament Restaurant is your newest spot for after-work dinner and drinks in Sandton.
The folks over at Parliament Restaurant know exactly what they’re about. When climbing the spiral staircase up to Benmore’s newest and cheekiest spot, Parliament’s tongue-in-cheek rules dictate that customers behave themselves (but not too much) and, above all, that everyone has a good time.
Situated above Eatery JHB on 11th Street, Parliament boasts an open deck offering epic views across the suburbs. Come evening, it’s the perfect place to visit with friends to watch the sunset and while you sip on delicious craft beers or local wines. The attitude behind this chic gastropub is summed up in the manifesto: “Much like the traditional inception of Parliament, our restaurant stands as a bastion of free speech, an outpost for moral debate, and a place for members to get a little rowdy.”
Making the most of its raised position and open space, Parliament’s balcony seating wraps around two sides of the restaurant, with a long bar in the centre making up the heart of the space and ensuring that you don’t have to wait too long to get a drink. The simple rustic decor and the Parliamentary buffalo painting (complete with wig) looking down over the room make for a classy, fun, and relaxed atmosphere.
Though Parliament shines as a pub in even the strictest drinker’s book, the real highlight of an evening on the deck is the food. Taking its dishes very seriously, there’s a distinct focus on ensuring that everything that leaves the kitchen is unique, filling, and delicious. The menu is divided by “Mains for you” and “Mains for the table”, giving you the chance to get a little social and share something tasty with a friend. The 1kg T-bone is a favourite, especially when paired with the beef fat fries and aioli – Parliament’s signature. But make sure that you get there soon, as the menu changes regularly and there’s no way to know how long a menu item will be available for. Grab a couple of friends and a couple of beers, and end your evening off with the unforgettable caramel macaroon and hazelnut ice-cream sandwich.
Experience it for yourself:
Parliament Restaurant, 011 783 1467, parliamentrestaurant.co.za
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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