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Two women laughing and toasting with cocktails on a leather Chesterfield sofa at Bascule Bar, Cape Grace, V&A Waterfront.
The sleek bar counter and lounge seating area at Bascule Bar, Cape Grace, featuring arched bottle displays, green velvet chairs, and warm ambient lighting.
An intimate curved booth with leather seating, blue cushions, and a neon sign at Bascule Bar, Cape Grace, set for an evening with cocktails on the table.

Bascule Bar at Cape Grace

Where Cape Town’s Spirit Comes to Life

 

Located at Cape Grace on the edge of a private marina, Bascule Bar is one of the most distinctive luxury destinations in the city – an intimate whisky bar in Cape Town where world-class spirits, marina views, and sophisticated nightlife come together in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.

 

Known for its speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, exceptional drinks, and vibrant social energy, Bascule Bar has become a favourite among locals and international visitors alike seeking elevated V&A Waterfront nightlife.

 

Whether you are enjoying sunset cocktails beside the water, discovering rare whiskies, or soaking up live music in a social setting, Bascule Bar offers an unforgettable Cape Town experience.

 

Home to the Best Whisky Collection in South Africa

 

Celebrated for housing one of the best whisky collections in South Africa, Bascule Bar features more than 500 whiskies from around the world, including rare Scotch whiskies, premium bourbons, Japanese whiskies, Irish favourites, and unique international labels.

 

As the leading destination for whisky tasting in Cape Town, Bascule Bar offers expertly guided tasting experiences designed for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Our knowledgeable team is always available to guide guests through flavour profiles, distillation techniques, and the fascinating stories behind every bottle.

 

Operating Hours

Operating Monday – Sunday

12h00 – 24h00

Contact details
E-mail: capegrace.info@fairmont.com
Book a table

A Sophisticated Whisky & Cocktail Journey at Bascule Bar

Sophisticated Whisky Tasting Experiences

12h30 – 16h30

 

Embark on a curated whisky tasting journey and explore the rich craftsmanship behind some of the world’s most celebrated spirits.

 

Tutored whisky tastings are available daily from 12h30 to 16h30 and include insights into the art of distilling, maturing, blending, and tasting whisky in a relaxed and intimate setting.

 

Bookings are essential.

 

View Our Classic Tasting Menu

View Our Premium Tasting Menu

View Our Self-Tutored Whisky Tasting Menu

 

For reservations larger than 8 guests, please contact our Reservations Team at capegrace.reservations@fairmont.com.

BOOK A WHISKY TASTING

Cocktails Inspired by the Cape

12h00 – 24h00

 

Beyond its renowned whisky offering, Bascule Bar is also recognised as one of the leading cocktail bars in the V&A Waterfront, serving innovative drinks inspired by the flavours and natural beauty of the Cape.

 

View our Cocktail Menu

 

Our signature cocktails are crafted using locally sourced ingredients, seasonal botanicals, and sustainable practices that celebrate South African creativity and contemporary mixology.

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Taste the Essence of Bascule

A True Cape Town Experience

 

Bascule Bar captures the warmth, creativity, and sociability of contemporary Cape Town culture. From rare whiskies and cocktails to live music and marina views, every detail is designed to create memorable evenings in one of the city’s most iconic waterfront settings.

 

Our food menu offers a selection of light meals, small plates to share, comfort food favourites, platters, and indulgent desserts – perfectly paired with Bascule’s signature drinks experience.

 

Guests can also enjoy a carefully curated wine selection featuring celebrated estates and boutique producers from Stellenbosch, Swartland, and other iconic wine regions.

 

View Our Food & Beverage Menu

View Our Whisky Menu

 

Open daily from Monday to Sunday, 12h00 to 24h00, we invite you to relax indoors in our chic lounge spaces or enjoy outdoor seating beside the marina while experiencing the unmistakable spirit of Cape Town.

JOIN US AT BASCULE BAR

Bascule Social Plates

Sharing Plates at Cape Grace

 

Gather, share, savour. Bascule Bar’s social plates are made for lingering – a spread of globally inspired small dishes designed to be passed around and enjoyed together.

 

From hot honey fried chicken to Thai fish cakes and fresh Cape flavours, each plate pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and the golden light of the V&A Waterfront.

 

View Our Social Plates Menu

 

Reserve your table at Bascule for an unforgettable social evening.

SOCIALISE AT BASCULE

Winter Warmers at Cape Grace

This winter, Cape Grace invites guests to indulge in comforting seasonal menus featuring warming flavours, locally sourced ingredients, signature cocktails, and generous sharing plates designed for cosy waterfront dining.

 

View Our Winter Menu

More Information

 

From comforting Cape-inspired flavours at Heirloom Restaurant to generous platters at Bascule Bar, each menu has been created to bring warmth, richness and a little indulgence to cooler days. Expect nostalgic flavours, locally sourced ingredients and the welcoming Cape Grace hospitality that feels just like coming home.

BOOK YOUR TABLE AT BASCULE

The Vaults

Bascule Bar Memberships
Experience elevated luxury at Bascule Bar with The Vaults, an exclusive membership offering one of the most refined spirits experiences in the V&A Waterfront.

 

This 12-month membership includes your own personalised spirits cabinet, ideal for Whisky, Rum, Cognac, Gin, and Vodka, stored in a secure, premium setting.

 

Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including access to premium bottles, complimentary mixers, and invitations to private tastings and curated events. Members also receive priority access to reservations, including private bookings for up to four guests in our tasting area.

 

The Vaults at Bascule Bar offer a truly exclusive way to experience whisky culture in Cape Town’s premier whisky bar.

 

Terms & Conditions apply.

SECURE YOUR VAULT

Gift Vouchers

 Share the Spirit of Cape Town

 

Treat someone special to an unforgettable Cape Town experience with a Cape Grace gift voucher.

 

Choose from luxury dining, whisky tastings, cocktails, and bespoke experiences with personalised electronic delivery available for every occasion.

BUY A GIFT VOUCHER

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bascule Bar in Cape Town?

 

Bascule Bar is a luxury whisky and cocktail bar located at Cape Grace in the V&A Waterfront, known for its extensive whisky collection, speakeasy-style atmosphere, and marina views. Open daily from 12h00 to 24h00, Bascule has a sophisticated speakeasy atmosphere with live music, soft lighting, plush interiors, and a relaxed yet elegant waterfront setting.

 

Is Bascule Bar the best whisky bar in Cape Town?

 

Bascule Bar is widely regarded as one of the top whisky bars in Cape Town, featuring one of the best whisky collections in South Africa with over 500 whiskies from around the world. Bascule Bar also offers daily guided whisky tasting experiences where guests can explore Scotch, bourbon, Japanese whisky, and more with expert guidance.

 

Where is Bascule Bar located?

 

Bascule Bar is located at Cape Grace, right on the marina in the V&A Waterfront, making it a prime destination for waterfront nightlife in Cape Town. Bascule Bar is a key part of V&A Waterfront nightlife, offering a sophisticated speakeasy-style setting.

 

Does Bascule Bar have live music?

 

Yes. Bascule Bar features live music, jazz music, and DJ sets on select nights, making it one of the most popular waterfront bars with live music in Cape Town. We also offer outdoor seating with marina views, making it one of the most scenic outdoor seating bars in Cape Town for sundowners.

 

Does Bascule Bar serve cocktails as well as whisky?

 

Yes. In addition to whisky, Bascule Bar is a leading cocktail destination at the V&A Waterfront, offering signature cocktails crafted with local Cape ingredients, alongside classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, and an elegant food menu.

 

What are The Vaults at Bascule Bar?

 

The Vaults is an exclusive Bascule Bar membership offering private spirits cabinets, premium bottles, tasting events, and private reservations for members. It is a tailored offering that enhances the whisky and cocktail experience with added exclusivity and personal service.

 

Does Cape Grace have a Wine Cellar?

 

Yes. The Cape Grace Wine Cellar at Bascule Bar is a curated collection of exceptional South African wines, showcasing leading vineyards from regions such as Stellenbosch and Swartland. Hidden within the bar, it offers guests a journey through rare vintages, boutique producers, and iconic estates that reflect the heritage and innovation of Cape winemaking.

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