Cool Runnings - Victory Park

This out of shape bouncer is patting me down, searching for contraband, maybe a panga concealed down the trouser leg or a homemade garbage cannon stuffed into my crotch. I can see the poor meat sack is finding this as awkward as I am. I tell myself whatever you do, don't make eye contact. That would just be weird. The security gives me the ok and I fork over a twenty to the lady with the stamp. Nice, I'm in.
The new Cool Runnings in Victory Park is exactly that, new. Fresh murals of Rastas, psychedelic caterpillars and weed smoking monkeys line the walls. There's a foosball table with several Indian guys enforcing their stereotype of lovers of all things soccer related. Just above them the trademark Cool Runnings Lion of Zion looks over their heads, directly at me. My attention is pulled away from its severe gaze to a projection screen displaying all manner of acid-induced creativity. That's new, and a good idea, perfect for when you want to ignore your date's incessant yapping and just zone out to the pretty colours.
It's a relatively classy place, not your typical seedy Cool Runnings where the Nachos come with a side order of roach droppings and rat testicles. The main bar is impressive in its practicality; a square counter lined with high stools and set right in the middle of the room for easy access. A swollen crowd is stepping to the live Drum and Bass thumping out from the dance floor. It's loud, but not too loud that the bartender can't hear my order. They have draughts, a much overlooked necessity to any bar. Despite all the fevered youths assaulting the hired help I get my drink quickly and the bartender doesn't give me any crap. I'm impressed, and my beer is cold. I drain it and go get some air. Outside groups of improvised students opt to car-bar rather than pay for drinks which are neither overpriced nor cheap. There's a crowd gathered around several fire dancers as they spin Kevlar wicks to an impromptu drum circle.
Friday nights draw a fair sized crowd but it is a fair sized venue. If it gets too much it's good to know you can always hit the car park. If it doesn't, then bounce around to some hot D&B or just chill and sink back a cold bevi or twelve. This latest addition to the Cool Runnings franchise seems to have stuck a rare symmetry between partying and relaxing, making this a perfect place is to spend an evening after a manic Jozi week.

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What Others Said

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steve said
on 19 July 2010

Attacked and beaten by aggressive bouncers. Not the first person I know who has had this happen to them at this venue. Disgusting, ruins the attempt at a "peace and love" vibe making it hollow