The Fireman's Arms
The Fireman's Arms has been serving drinks in Cape Town since 1864, when it opened as the Somerset Arms for sailors and locals. Now it's a sports bar with eleven screens showing games, over twenty-five beers on tap, and homemade soup from a wood-fire oven. The resident cats, Sesame and Babbelas, often nap on the bar or in patches of sunlight.
The pub hosts a weekly quiz night on Thursdays, where Cape Town locals test their general knowledge. The redbrick walls are lined with memorabilia from its long history, including its time as a whites-only establishment until the 1980s. Today, it's a relaxed spot where you can watch sports, join a quiz, or just enjoy a beer with the cats.
The current owners took over twenty-six years ago, preserving the pub's character while adding modern touches like Wi-Fi and gluten-free options. The Fireman's Arms remains a place where history and present-day Cape Town meet over a drink.