South Africa drinking. Although South Africa yearns to be a major wine-producing country, beer is indisputably the national drink. Beer is as much an emblem of South African manhood as the braai - and unlike the braai, it cuts through all race and class d

South Africa drinking
Although South Africa yearns to be a major wine-producing country,
beer is indisputably the national drink. Beer is as much an emblem of
South African manhood as the braai - and unlike the braai,
it cuts through all race and class divisions

Although South Africa yearns to be a major wine-producing country, beer is indisputably the national drink. Beer is as much an emblem of South African manhood as the braai - and unlike the braai, it cuts through all race and class divisions. Pubs and bars are not the centers of social activity they are in the US or the UK, although in the African townships shebeens or informal bars do occupy this position; whites tend to do their drinking at home. In city center, bars have traditionally been rough, men-only places, women being corralled into stiff lounges or ladies' bars attached to hotels. The Irish/British-style pub is beginning to make an appearance under the invasion of a series of franchised names, but has no deep roots in South African culture.

Beer, wines and spirits can be bought at supermarkets and bottle stores (the equivalent of the British off-license), which generally keep normal shopping hours, although some stay open until 6.30pm. Don't expect be able to buy liquor at night or on Sundays.