It's 5 pm on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, and the only direction is up. Stepping into the lift at the Hyde Hotel in Rosebank, I had one instruction: "Press' S'", a button that clearly signals secrecy. Two intrigued ladies sharing the ride immediately asked, "What's on that floor?"
They, like many in the city, had heard the whispers. We were on our way to the newly opened secret. The doors opened not to a lobby, but to a dramatic, glowing portal: a red light wall overlaid with black cutouts of silhouetted cats and the name "Nine Lives."
This elusive entrance marks Johannesburg's latest addition to its captivating nightlife. The Nine Lives Supper Club, the newest venture from Colada Hospitality, is nestled within the Hyde Hotel and promises exclusivity and old-school glamour. Time Out sat down (at one of the cosy tables inside the club) with Founding Partner Gary Hollywood to uncover the inspiration and intricate design behind this exclusive speakeasy experience.
A mysterious new heart for the Hyde Hotel
For Hollywood and the team, the birth of Nine Lives was driven by a desire to utilise the last unused space in the building, an old rooftop engine room, and to fill a distinct gap in the hotel's offering.
"We kept looking at it, going, it's the only unused space in the building. And what are we going to do with it?" Hollywood explains. They ultimately decided against conventional options like a spa or conference room, opting instead to create something unique that would appeal to both hotel guests and the general public.
Nine Lives was conceived as a more sultry, intimate experience, a deliberate counterpoint to the hotel's existing, more boisterous downstairs venue, Proud Mary. "We wanted to create a club, but we wanted to provide exceptional dining. We really wanted to offer a clean service, cocktail, supper club, in a speakeasy style."
With an intimate capacity for only 80 guests, the supper club feels both exclusive and innovative.
Speakeasy glamour with a Nine Lives edge
The design collaboration with Sketch Architect's Enrike, the visionary behind Proud Mary and Fugazzi, resulted in a concept that marries 1920s speakeasy glamour with a mysterious edge.
The name "Nine Lives" provided the perfect thematic foundation. "We happened upon the name Nine Lives," Hollywood recalls. "And we were like, well, cats are mysterious."
This feline mystery drove the artistic direction, leading to a surprising yet playful element: the musical theme. Following the Hyde Hotel's love of music, the team incorporated the spirit of the 1920s swing era. The design is subtly adorned with lyrics from The Cure's "Lovecats," which are incorporated into the writing all over the walls.
Cocktails and cuisine
Nine Lives places a strong emphasis on both exceptional dining (which you can read about in our upcoming review) and an innovative cocktail program. The drinks menu is meticulously segmented to help guests navigate the diverse offerings:
The Three Cocktail Pillars
Martinis: Celebrating the classic street cuisine and glamour of the martini. The standout is the Vesper Martini, an ice-cold, carbonated, and slightly sweeter take on the classic that is more "accessible" than traditional, bitter martinis.
Kiss and Tell: A category driven by vodka and gin-based drinks, often favoured by women.
Elegant Bastards: These are cocktails geared toward whisky-based drinks, which also appeal to many women who enjoy a strong spirit.
This structure allows the talented staff to guide guests through the selection process, ensuring everyone finds a drink perfectly suited to their taste.
The Whisky Obsession
The passion for spirits extends beyond cocktails, with Nine Lives demonstrating a deep commitment to its whisky offering, which includes a selection of Japanese whiskies.
"We want to grow our whisky selection," Hollywood states. "I think it's important for a guest to experience all the different kinds." The bar itself is designed to be a visual spectacle, driven by a deep appreciation for the spirit.
Elevating the guest experience
For Gary Hollywood, Nine Lives is more than just a bar; it is a crucial addition to the Hyde Hotel's identity as an innovative hub of art, music, and culture.
"I think with having this group here being so unique and having such a unique addition to the Johannesburg scene and the elusiveness of it, I really believe that it's going to give the guests an extra experience," Hollywood concludes.
The opportunity for guests to spend one night at the boisterous Proud Mary and the next at the intimate Nine Lives offers "the best of two very different worlds," ensuring a departure that is "seriously fulfilled."
Also read: More than a pretty plate: Why Proud Mary deserves the hype and Review: Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank
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