Lifestyle

Step into the Roaring Twenties at The House of Machines

August 24, 2024

4 mins read

Experience the charm of the Roaring Twenties at The House of Machines in Cape Town’s City Centre. This former motorcycle shop has been transformed into a lively speakeasy that offers a perfect blend of traditional allure and eclectic style. With its cocktail bar, American-style menu, and live music, THoM is more than just a biker’s retreat. It celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship, the joy of community, and the timeless charm of vintage aesthetics.

Step into the Roaring Twenties at The House of Machines, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant City Centre. The former motorcycle shop has been ingeniously transformed into a lively speakeasy, offering a perfect fusion of traditional allure and eclectic style. THoM features a cocktail bar, American-style menu, and live music, making it more than just a biker’s retreat. It’s an immersive journey through a meticulously curated world that celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship, the joy of community, and the timeless charm of vintage aesthetics.

A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of the City

Discover the bubbling spirit of the Roaring Twenties at The House of Machines. Previously a motorcycle shop, the space has been ingeniously transformed into a lively speakeasy, nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant City Centre. This concealed gem, a perfect fusion of traditional allure and eclectic style, guarantees an unforgettable experience from the moment you step over its threshold.

Upon arrival, a playfully bold sign greets you at the large, glass frontage, setting the stage for an atmosphere of jovial celebration. The interior, bathed in the muted glow of soft lighting, is a testament to an array of carefully chosen design elements. The austere beauty of bare bricks, the city-edge of subway tiles, and the rugged charm of wooden beams collectively enhance the cozy ambiance of the establishment.

Your hosts will be a group of smartly scruffy individuals, their enthusiasm for craftsmanship and artistic flair evident in their demeanour. Although the exterior may hint at its motorcycle shop roots, The House of Machines, fondly known as THoM, is a welcoming haven for all, regardless of whether you own a motorcycle or not.

More than a Biker’s Refuge

Far from being just a biker’s retreat, THoM evolves beyond its original purpose. It creates a space that caters to a plethora of preferences. It is not merely a coffee shop that prides itself on its unique in-house blend or just a menswear boutique featuring a range of stylish contemporary clothes. THoM takes it a step further by incorporating music, gastronomy, and the art of brewing into its domain.

At the heart of this lively establishment is a cocktail bar. The bar’s offerings reflect the aesthetic of the place, perfectly balancing the raw appeal of bare bricks and robust wooden beams with a down-to-earth, unassuming selection. THoM’s drinks menu harmoniously blends creativity and simplicity, featuring redesigned classics alongside straightforward spirit-and-mixer options. Local craft beers and nostalgic cocktails enhance the allure, inviting guests to enjoy the tangible personification of the Prohibition era.

An American-Styled Menu & A Home for Indie Performers

Complementing the beverages is a concise, but enticing American-styled menu. Each dish, served on locally-sourced bread from the famous Jason’s Bakery, is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

This ultimate hideout inspires a sense of adventure similar to the discovery of original, secret bars that gained popularity during the Prohibition era. The dynamic atmosphere encourages camaraderie, especially on evenings with live music, drawing people together in shared admiration for indie performers.

THoM, located at 84 Shortmarket St, in Cape Town City Centre, welcomes guests from Monday to Saturday, from the early morning hour of 7 am until 2 am. For a virtual peek into its captivating world, visit their website at thehouseofmachines.com or their Instagram @thehouseofmachines_cpt.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Community

Therefore, a visit to The House of Machines is more than just a fleeting escape to a past era; it’s an immersive journey through a meticulously curated world that celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship, the joy of community, and the timeless charm of vintage aesthetics. With skill and flair, The House of Machines seamlessly stitches together threads of the past and present, creating a tapestry of experiences that outstrips the constraints of time.

What is The House of Machines?

The House of Machines is a lively speakeasy located in Cape Town’s City Centre, which used to be a motorcycle shop. It features a cocktail bar, American-style menu, and live music, and celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship, the joy of community, and the timeless charm of vintage aesthetics.

What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The House of Machines?

The House of Machines has a cozy and immersive atmosphere, with carefully chosen design elements such as bare bricks, subway tiles, and wooden beams. The staff are enthusiastic about craftsmanship and artistic flair, and the establishment is welcoming to all, regardless of whether you own a motorcycle or not.

What kind of drinks and food are available at The House of Machines?

The cocktail bar at The House of Machines offers a selection of redesigned classics alongside straightforward spirit-and-mixer options, as well as local craft beers and nostalgic cocktails. The American-style menu is concise but enticing, with each dish served on locally-sourced bread from Jason’s Bakery.

Is The House of Machines only for bikers?

No, The House of Machines is not just a biker’s retreat. It creates a space that caters to a plethora of preferences, incorporating music, gastronomy, and the art of brewing into its domain. The establishment is a welcoming haven for all, and not just for motorcycle enthusiasts.

What kind of events are held at The House of Machines?

The House of Machines regularly hosts live music events featuring indie performers, drawing people together in shared admiration. The dynamic atmosphere encourages camaraderie, and the establishment is a celebration of craftsmanship and community.

When is The House of Machines open?

The House of Machines is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7 am until 2 am. For more information or to take a virtual peek into its captivating world, visit their website at thehouseofmachines.com or their Instagram @thehouseofmachines_cpt.

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