Hidden Joburg: The Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove

2Summers | 14 October 2022
johannesburg food restaurants history bars hidden joburg

The Radium Beer Hall, known as “Joburg’s oldest running bar” – there are older bars, but none of them have remained open continuously for as long as the Radium – is not a new destination for me. I’ve been there several times over the years for beer and/or pizza, but somehow I had never gotten around to blogging about it. And since the Radium is one of the places featured in the Hidden Johannesburg book, and I’ve made a commitment to visit and blog about all of those places, I think it’s finally time to put the Radium on the 2Summers map.

Outside the Radium Beer Hall on Louis Botha Avenue in Orange Grove
The Radium Beer Hall, flagship destination of gritty Orange Grove. I had to stand on the narrow median strip in the middle of Louis Botha Avenue to get this shot, which clearly surprised the guy in the car.

History of the Radium Beer Hall

The Radium was founded in 1929 as a tea room, so it was not technically a bar at that time. But according to this great article in New Frame, the tea room had a secret shebeen (informal tavern) at the back. The establishment obtained a legal liquor license in 1942, when it was purchased by a local soccer player and turned into a billiards room and bar.

Manny Cabeleira bought the Radium in 1986, which is when it became the place that we all know today: a Portuguese restaurant, music venue, and beloved local pub for the diverse neighborhood of Orange Grove.

Inside the Radium
Inside the Radium on a Saturday afternoon. The bar counter (right) was salvaged from the old Ferreirastown Hotel, where [famous trade unionist "Pickhandle"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Fitzgerald_(trade_unionist)) Mary Fitzgerald allegedly stood on the bar and enflamed the crowd during the 1913 Mineworkers Strike.
Bar at the Radium Beer Hall
A better look at the bar.

Manny Cabeleira was a legendary figure with a reputation for progressive political views and great taste in music. He ran the Radium for 35 years until his death in June 2021. The Radium is now run by Manny’s wife, Lina Cabeleira, and her cat, Mr. Grey, who lives at the bar.

Mr. Grey, the Radium Cat
Lina did not wish to be photographed but Mr. Grey was more than happy to stand in for her. This cat melts my heart; he looks so much like Smokey.
Mr. Grey and a Radium customer
Another look at Mr. Grey.
Wall in the Radium
The walls are filled with colorful posters. The yellow poster is a painting of Manny.

Lunch at the Radium

Thorsten and I went to the Radium for lunch last Saturday. I had eaten pizza there before but I’d never tried the Portuguese food – it was really tasty and well priced.

Restaurant at the Radium
The restaurant section and performance stage. Thorsten is sketching as he waits for our food.
The final sketch. See more at @thethinking_hand.
Half chicken from the Radium
I ordered the half chicken, cooked with just the right amount of mouth-tingling peri peri sauce.
Steak and eggs from the Radium
Thorsten had the steak and eggs, also yummy.

The Radium continues to host really great musical acts, quiz nights, rugby-watching, etc. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Radium Beer Hall

Browse all my Hidden Joburg posts here. More to come soon.