Thando Moleketi-Williams

What’s the deal with Melville? The leafy residential suburb of Melville is one of the oldest in Johannesburg, characterised by old farmhouse style homes on almost every block and the most diverse high street in Johannesburg. The eclectic and constantly evolving high street is a direct result of Melville’s location, diversity of residents and the neighbouring universities. Seventh Street is a mix of decade mainstays restaurants Poppy’s Melville, dive bars like Ratz and student favourite Six Cocktail Bar. On the southside of the high street get a haircut at newly opened hipster barbershop Freedom Hair Barbering & Coffee. Newly regenerated Melville Yard brings the sophisticated upmarket clientele looking to have a fine bistro experience at Le Petite Maison. The Wes Anderson-inspired insterior at The Whippet Coffee brings a mix of cool kids, lifestyle bloggers and families to Melville for brunch. Early mornings and late afternoons streets are filled with middle class families, moms and nannies pushing strollers, runners, dog walkers and the predominantly black workforce walking the hilly, green and Jacaranda purple streets. The appearance of antique stores and tiny coffeeshops is a sign the bustling high street is near. If you only do one thing… Take in the sun and quiet on a bench among succulents and lavender in the nursery set at the top of 27 Boxes shipping container retail center. Photograph: 27 Boxes / Purple Pug Photography Get cultured If you only do one thing, have a la