Inside Nkula

Cape Town’s Long Street has long been the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife. Among its eclectic mix of restaurants, clubs, and bars, a new cultural landmark now stands: Nkula Cocktail & Wine Boutique. More than just a place to grab a drink, Nkula is a Biko-inspired afro-chic urban oasis celebrating Black and Brown excellence in the wine and cocktail industry.

From its wine-forward cocktail philosophy to a curated wine list featuring Black-owned and underrepresented brands, Nkula is rewriting the rules of what a bar can be. It’s part nightlife experience, part cultural movement, and entirely unforgettable.

A Biko-Inspired Vision

Nkula draws inspiration from the legacy of Steve Biko, whose philosophy of Black Consciousness emphasised pride, empowerment, and cultural identity. Much like Biko’s vision, Nkula is about reclaiming space,not just in politics or art, but in hospitality and culture.

The founders built Nkula as more than a bar. It is a stage where African stories are told through cocktails, wines, and community gatherings. Every drink on the menu is crafted with purpose, every bottle carries heritage, and every visit is an invitation to take part in something bigger than nightlife.

Signature Cocktails with a Story

Nkula’s cocktails are a statement. Each signature drink carries African flavors, local spirits, and symbolic names that pay tribute to heritage and identity.

Highlights from the Cocktail Menu

• Nkula: A bold mix of Mansas African Whiskey, honey, and Nkula Merlot, embodying the house’s philosophy of wine-forward cocktails.

• Imani: Featuring Bayab Gin, elderflower, and Mukanya Brut Rosé, this cocktail’s name (Swahili for “faith”) captures resilience and elegance.

• BIKO: A homage to Steve Biko, blending Allesverloren Port, Mansas African Whiskey, and fig jam into a rich, complex tribute.

• Kaba: A daring combination of Kumusha Chenin, Sango Agave, and jalapeño, representing boldness and reinvention.

• Kaodi: A refreshing balance of Bayab Gin, rose water, and Mukanya Brut, ideal for lighter palates.

For those who want variety, Nkula also offers a cocktail tasting flight (R280), a curated journey through three of the bar’s most iconic signatures, available on Tuesdays.

Wine as the Hero

Nkula doesn’t just serve wine; it champions it. The wine list shines a spotlight on Black-owned wineries and underrepresented producers, turning each bottle into a platform for recognition and celebration. This approach is rare in Cape Town’s bar scene, where mainstream labels often dominate.

Wineries Featured on the Menu

• Aslina Wines: Founded by Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker, Aslina represents excellence and perseverance.

• Kumusha Wines: Created by sommelier Tinashe Nyamudoka, the name means “roots” in Shona, reflecting a connection to heritage.

• Mosi Wines: Known for elegant blends, produced by winemaker Joseph Dhafana, a refugee-turned-winemaker, celebrated internationally.

• Khayelitsha’s Finest Wines: A township-born label that embodies grassroots entrepreneurship and global ambition.

• Lalela Heritage & Mhudi Wines: Family-driven brands showcasing intergenerational excellence.

With options ranging from crisp Chenin Blancs to bold Pinotages, Nkula’s wine list is a masterclass in diversity and empowerment. Guests can explore through a wine tasting flight (R390), sampling six wines curated to showcase innovation and heritage.

The Afro-Chic Urban Oasis

Stepping into Nkula feels like entering a cultural sanctuary. The design blends Afro-chic aesthetics with modern sophistication:

• Textures & Décor: African patterns, warm lighting, and handcrafted furniture create a luxurious yet welcoming space.

• Music & Ambience: Afro-jazz, neo-soul, and contemporary African sounds set the rhythm for conversation and celebration.

• Community Vibe: Guests are encouraged to linger, connect, and engage with both the drinks and the stories behind them.

Nkula is more is an immersive experience that celebrates African identity.

Pairing Drinks with Afro-Inspired Bites

No wine or cocktail is complete without food, and Nkula offers a selection of bar snacks designed to complement its drinks. Think biltong, salami sticks, olives, and “Biko bites,” small plates that carry the same balance of tradition and innovation as the cocktails.

Signature pairings include:

• BIKO cocktail + Biltong: A deep, earthy combination that honors heritage.

• Nkula Merlot + Olives: A simple but powerful pairing, highlighting South African terroir.

• Kumusha Chenin + Spicy “Biko Bites”: Bold flavors dancing together in perfect harmony.

Why Nkula Stands Out on Long Street

Long Street is known for variety, but Nkula separates itself in several ways:

• Wine-forward cocktails: a fresh reinvention of mixology.

• Black-owned wine representation: supporting underrepresented voices.

• Biko-inspired philosophy: culture and identity at the core.

• Afro-chic experience: immersive design and community-driven atmosphere.

For locals, it’s a place to rediscover Cape Town through fresh eyes. For visitors, it’s an entry point into South Africa’s cultural and wine revolution.

The Future of Nkula

Nkula’s story is only beginning. With growing attention from locals and international media alike, the bar is set to become a cultural landmark. Plans include deeper collaborations with African winemakers, new cocktail innovations, and continued emphasis on creating spaces where culture, community, and craft converge.

Conclusion

Nkula Cocktail & Wine Bar is more than a hidden gem; it is a movement that honors Steve Biko’s spirit of empowerment and pride. Through wine-forward cocktails, curated Black-owned wines, and an Afro-chic atmosphere, Nkula is rewriting Cape Town’s nightlife narrative.

If Long Street is the heartbeat of Cape Town, then Nkula is its rhythm, bold, soulful, and unforgettable.

So next time you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, step inside Nkula, sip slowly, and stay for the revolution.