As someone deeply passionate about history and preserving the rich heritage of our country, being invited to the relaunch of Kitchener’s Carvery Bar felt like stepping into this special moment where I got to learn about why it is all worth it in the end and I cannot think of a better way to start the year.
One legendary partnership, two icons! Castle Lager, our national beer, a brand that stood the test of time and Kitchener’s Carvery Bar, the iconic spot in Jozi since 1902 have partnered to bring Jozi’s nightlife back to life with a highly awaited relaunch that promises a new and exciting take on a timeless favourite.
“Kitchener’s has always been at the heart of Johannesburg’s social life,” said Adam Levy, CEO and Founder of Play Braamfontein. “Our partnership with Castle Lager has allowed us to reimagine this iconic space while staying true to its roots. We’ve created a place where people can gather, celebrate, and experience the vibrant spirit of Braamfontein in a whole new way.”
The event took place on 23 January 2025 in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and I was fortunate enough to be a part of this nothing short of amazing experience.
The event also had some important people that you could not miss as they made this day extra special. We’ll start with the MCs of course, comedians Jason Goliath and Donovan Goliath who kept the energy on high and seamlessly guided us through an unforgettable evening as well as Springbok star Stephen Kitchoff, captain of the Proteas Themba Bavuma, and the captain of Bafana Bafana Ronwen Williams who played a huge role in making this event a success.
During the event, I had the privilege of engaging in a brief yet insightful conversation with Thomas Lawrence, the Brand Director of Castle Lager. The discussion aimed to uncover the motivation behind Castle Lager’s strategic partnerships with various sports in South Africa—namely rugby, cricket, and soccer—and to explore the inspiration driving this focused approach.
What stood out was how closely Castle Lager’s vision aligns with the values we hold as South Africans, particularly our shared love for bringing people together. This sense of unity is something we have experienced time and time again, through the triumphs and challenges of our national teams—the Springboks, Proteas, and Bafana Bafana.
“Kitchener’s is more than just a bar—it’s a space where memories are made and stories are shared,” said, Thomas. “Castle Lager has always been a beer about creating connections and celebrating the things that bring South Africans together around the things that they love. This relaunch is a testament to our commitment to fostering those shared moments in places that truly matter. We want to continue fostering and facilitating bonds of friendship, belonging and good times. ”
Thomas also emphasised the importance of supporting smaller clubs and tournaments, noting that these initiatives are where the next generation of Springbok, Proteas, and Bafana Bafana stars emerge.
With Kitcheners announcing that it was closing its doors in early 2024, this partnership brought new life to one of the most beloved old bars. Castle Lager, a brand with deep roots in South Africa’s culture is indeed the ideal partner to help Kitchener’s revive its legacy while maintaining its authenticity.
