The historic neighbourhood of Kensington is located almost directly east of Braamfontein and the heart of Johannesburg. In the recent past, it served as a hip neighbourhood for the city’s more artistic residents, including a group of academics, teachers, and artists. This trend also had an impact on the nearby neighbourhoods of Observatory, Yeoville, and Melville.
While Yeoville is no longer a popular tourist destination and is most definitely not the vibrant, artistic environment of the 1980s and early 1990s, Kensington has essentially remained a more sombre and traditional area of the city. The neighbourhood’s beautiful, historic homes, many of which have been restored, and Johannesburg’s renowned Kensington’s Golf Course, whose history dates back to 1909, are both present here. A regeneration project that has brought Newtown back to its former glory and is quickly establishing a part of the city as a cleaner and greener area that is easier to visit than in the most recent past when the streets had degenerated and many buildings deteriorated is taking place in Kensington, which is only about 10 minutes from the inner city of Johannesburg.
In addition to offering plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Eastgate is a short distance from Kensington. Bruma Lake Flea Market, which was created by turning an old sewerage catchment area into a lakeside mall and market, is another fantastic spot to kill time. The farm in the centre of the city is a great location for morning picnics by the lake under the trees – a popular site for locals. A trip to Gillooly’s farm in Bedfordview is a lovely weekend excursion.
Kensington Map
South African city of Johannesburg’s mountainous suburb is called Kensington. It was started by Max Langermann in 1897. It is a part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality’s Region F and is bordered to the west by Troyeville, to the east by Bedfordview, to the north by Bruma, and to the northwest by Cyrildene and Bruma.
History Of Kensington, Johannesburg
The suburb was located on property that belonged to one of the original farms called Doornfontein before the finding of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886. The Kensington neighbourhood is built on the koppie slopes (flat-topped, high-sided hills). The suburb was called by the landowner, Max Langermann, in 1903 after the streets were built out. The streets that branch off of Langermann Drive are all named after British warships and are arranged alphabetically.
The area has a distinct, forested aspect thanks to the dense tree planting in the streets. Rhodes Park, named after Cecil Rhodes, Jeppe High School for Boys, Jeppe High School for Girls, Kensington Castle, Kensington Cross, and other streets, such as Emerald Street named on the further end of Kensington, are notable elements of the area.
Where To Eat At Kensington, Johannesburg
Jambo African Restaurant
Visit Jambo African Restaurant if you’re searching for something a little more uniquely in Johannesburg. A variety of traditional African delicacies, such as mogoudu (fried tripe), beef isiskopo (boiled cow head pieces), and even Durban bunny chow, are served at this two-story restaurant and club. For coffee enthusiasts, there is a separate area of the restaurant. They specialize in Kenyan coffee blends, which are excellent after a few drinks at the bar.
Die Kneipe
Die Kneipe is another favourite in Kensington. This bustling German tavern and eatery is located at the very top of Queen Street. They frequently offer customers a delectable weekly menu special to feast on with their choice of ice cold beer on Wednesdays, when live music artists perform. You shouldn’t anticipate fine dining here; instead, expect simple, hearty fare. The pork roast, which is served with a variety of vegetables and roast potatoes, is our top pick.
Rusty Lady Bistro
The Rusty Lady is one of our favourite bars on Queen Street. She has an unbreakable soul and is a rustic South African meets Mediterranean bistro. This restaurant, which was formerly a house, is ideal for a date night out and for gathering with the guys to watch rugby on the weekend. For the best experience, request an outdoor table from your waiter.
The doors platter appetizer is one of our favourites on the menu. Don’t even attempt to convince us otherwise; this authentically South African snack is the greatest way to begin a meal. We suggest one of the Rusty Lady’s thin-crust wood-fired pizzas for the main course. Try some of the several Belgian waffles they offer if you have room for dessert.
Bennigan’s
Since 1972, the Bennigan family has operated a restaurant providing American-style steak strips. A must-try is their famous 400g fillet on the bone. Alternately, customize your steak supper by selecting your preferred basting sauce or spice crust after selecting your premium beef cut. Choose your add-ons from there, such as straight-cut fries, mashed potatoes, or onion straws. Add a luscious sauce to your dish for an added treat. The traditional Bearnaise or creamy peppercorn would be our choices.
Additionally, Bennigan’s offers a variety of homemade sweets. The best way to cap off a filling lunch is with one of these American diner-inspired desserts. For every type of sweet tooth, there is something, from the key lime pie to the Mississippi Mud pie.
Things To Do In Kensington, Johannesburg
Mystery Ghost Bus Tour
Take the Mystery Ghost Bus Tour of Johannesburg if you don’t want to climb. The trip stops at the castle, the old women’s sanitarium, and the appropriately titled Poltergeist House as it travels straight through Kensington. At dusk, passengers board the bus and ride through some of Joburg’s creepiest neighbourhoods before ending the night in the Braamfontein cemetery.
Kensington Historical Walks
A self-guided trip through Kensington and its neighbouring suburb Troyeville is available via Walk & Talk Tours. If you make a reservation for a party of eight or more, Walk & Talk will give you a helpful route map and electronic directions. Visit the Scottish War Memorial to remember the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers who served in the Scottish Horse Regiment during the South African War who died in combat, from wounds, illness, or an accident (1899 – 1902). The trek to the summit of Calendonia Hill is worthwhile only for the vista.
The October Jacaranda Walk
Finally, a yearly Spring walk along Kensington’s purple-draped streets is held for the rest of us easily alarmed adventurers. Fitandfunnow.com organizes the event every year in the first few days of October.
Where To Stay In Kensington, Johannesburg
Garden Top Hotel
The Garden Top Hotel is a lodging option in Johannesburg’s Bezuidenhout Valley, less than 20 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and 3.5 kilometres from Kensington. some of Johannesburg’s top tourist destinations and shopping areas are nearby.
The Garden Top Hotel room facilities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, an en-suite bathroom, a bathrobe, slippers and a desk.
Standard Queen Room x11:
These rooms are furnished with a Queen-size bed and have a TV with DStv, a tea/coffee station and a telephone.
Deluxe Queen Room x17:
These rooms are larger than the standard rooms. Furnished with a Queen-size bed they are spacious and include a TV with DStv, tea/coffee station and telephone.
Breakfast is served each morning in the dining area and is included in the rates. There is a restaurant on site where you can enjoy dinner.
House On York Guesthouse
Elegant, 4 Star, well-designed, individually decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms are available at House on York. ten pieces. pool, internet café, dining area, fitness centre, sauna, and more…
It is located in South Kensington, close to charming coffee cafes and magnificent antique stores on renowned Queen Street. The calm and quiet belies the area’s close proximity to the interstate, three interesting malls, and a variety of top-notch dining establishments.
Westmoreland Lodge
The OR Tambo International Airport is 15 minutes by car from Westmoreland Lodge, and the city centre is 10 minutes. It is reasonably accessible to a number of nearby attractions and shopping centres and is less than an hour’s drive from well-known animal parks and World Heritage Sites. the best “base camp” from which to experience Gauteng’s natural beauty
On our property, there are three buildings: the Main House, Building 2, which houses Apartment 202 and the Garden Room, and Building 3, which is a separate cottage. Smoking is prohibited in all of their rooms; none of them is designated as non-smoking rooms. However, they do have dedicated smoking zones all over the property. Each room at the hotel does not yet have a television.
They lack a swimming pool, but we do have a sizable garden that includes a seating area and a braai (barbecue) area. We also have a large living room with cosy sofas and a fully furnished open-concept home kitchen with marble countertops that guests are welcome to use whenever they like.
Both on-site parking and Wi-Fi are free for visitors. All vehicles are parked within the building. For the safety of the vehicles, there is an electric gate and electric fencing.