The Petrol Station Turned 24-Hour Hotspot in Johannesburg

In the heart of Johannesburg’s nightlife, a petrol station doubling as a gourmet deli has become a must-visit spot for insomniacs, partygoers, exhausted paramedics, and couples looking for a late-night bite. Pantry, which operates 24 hours a day, has transformed into a vibrant hub where the city’s diverse residents gather at all hours.

Whether it’s revellers sobering up after the clubs close, families grabbing an evening treat, or hospital staff on a quick break, Pantry caters to them all. A cashier at the store sums it up: “Believe me, we see it all here.”

A Place for Everyone

Before Johannesburg’s famous party scene fully comes to life, the evening starts on a quieter note. Around 6 pm on a Friday, families with young children can be seen indulging in Italian gelato or enjoying freshly baked pizzas. The diversity of the city is evident at the tables, where people of different backgrounds and languages come together.

Among them is 18-month-old Akani, dressed in dinosaur pyjamas and delighted by the lively atmosphere. His father, Tony, 33, explains, “We come here every Friday. He loves watching the people.”

As the evening progresses, young groups of friends arrive. Three queer friends, one sporting a pink wig and high-heeled sandals, sip on coffee and share fries. Outside, a group of young men plays cards on the bonnet of a sports car, choosing this spot over clubs that serve alcohol.

Inside the deli, luxury meets everyday convenience. Shelves stocked with premium chocolates, sparkling wine, and fresh flower bouquets sit alongside standard petrol station essentials like cigarettes, condoms, and cool drinks.

The City’s Late-Night Pulse

As the workday fades into Friday night, a new crowd emerges. Women dressed in thigh-high boots, lace dresses, and cropped tops browse the aisles before heading out to party.

By midnight, the mood shifts as revelers return, bringing the energy of the nightlife back with them. The playlist transitions from international pop hits to the deep bass of local Amapiano music.

A slightly tipsy woman shuffles through the store, raising her hands in rhythm to the beat. “If there’s drinking, Pantry is involved,” laughs Lerato, a banker in a crisp blue shirt.

Among the late-night visitors, two friends arrive from a bar-hopping adventure. Yanga, dressed in linen shorts, orders a pizza. “We went to two different bars. I will have a hangover tomorrow,” the 34-year-old IT professional sighs. Her friend, Naki, a 30-year-old architect, adds, “I just want something warm and filling.”

Where the City’s Elite Stop By

The scene is further elevated when high-end vehicles pull up, carrying bodyguards with weapons tucked into their belts. A security guard, Alfred Mathibe, recognizes the pattern immediately. “We get all the celebrities here. They come after their gigs and events.”

This time, it’s not a star, but a wealthy patron stepping into the store in Gucci sandals and a summer dress. Mathibe shrugs at the sight of firearms in the parking lot. “We see it all the time. It’s Joburg, baby!”

By 4 am, fresh pastries are back on the shelves, and as the city wakes up, clean-shaven early risers replace the night’s final visitors. Another cycle begins, and Pantry remains at the heart of Johannesburg’s ever-turning nightlife.

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Sourced: IOL