Why did you open this bar?
WE WANTED to create a new scene in the CBD. My dream is for one or two more places to open up in Braamfontein because it is nice for people to come back to the city centre. There aren't noise issues here.
Tell us the story behind the name
Originally we wanted to open a hot-dog place. That's why we have a hot-dog menu, with vegetarian options too.
What differentiates Great Dane from your other night spots like Gin, Mama Thembu, The Woods and Town Hall?
This is the most beautiful one we've designed, and everything I've learnt from all the other places I've put to use here.
For instance, I know that people want a place with good drinks, good food and good service, and they want it to look nice.
They also want a great vibe and a place that's not too full. That's why we've implemented a password system.
Explain how the password system works
We don't want to be exclusive, but we do want to be intimate. Each night we give the DJs on the line-up a password to spread among their friends and supporters, who then get in free. Others have to pay R20 to get in, depending on how full it is.
Die Antwoord was here last week. Did they have the password?
(Laughs) I've got a very good relationship with Die Antwoord. We're friends.
They had a good time. Ninja was on the dance floor while Yo-landi was downing drinks.
Everyone who comes here is very cool, so they were all too cool to say anything. Some were trying to pretend not to care, but you could see they were excited.
- Great Dane is situated at 34 De Beer Street, Johannesburg. It is open until 5pm from Mondays to Wednesdays, and until 4am from Thursdays to Sundays.
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