Hogshead Illovo
A vibrant pub known for big-screen sports, hearty burgers, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & live music
Hogshead Illovo
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant pub known for big-screen sports, hearty burgers, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
"The beat steak house in Johannesburg with a great vibe for sports and food!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Rugby
For big rugby matches, get there well before kick-off to secure a good spot with a view of the screens.
🍽️ Generous Portions!
The food portions are substantial, so consider sharing or coming with an appetite.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Screen Sports Viewing
Main dining area
Catch all the major sporting events on multiple big screens. The atmosphere is electric during games!
Burger & Grill Menu
Bar and dining area
Indulge in hearty burgers, ribs, and other grilled favorites with generous portions.
Craft Beer Selection
Bar
Explore a variety of craft beers on tap, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Catch the Game & Good Vibes
Portion Sizes & Flavor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Rugby
For big rugby matches, get there well before kick-off to secure a good spot with a view of the screens.
🍽️ Generous Portions!
The food portions are substantial, so consider sharing or coming with an appetite.
🔊 Noise Level Alert
It can get quite loud, especially during busy periods or games. Not ideal for quiet conversations. [^Review]
🚬 Smoking Area Available
There's a separate smoking area, which is convenient for those who partake. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Rugby
For big rugby matches, get there well before kick-off to secure a good spot with a view of the screens.
🍽️ Generous Portions!
The food portions are substantial, so consider sharing or coming with an appetite.
🔊 Noise Level Alert
It can get quite loud, especially during busy periods or games. Not ideal for quiet conversations. [^Review]
🚬 Smoking Area Available
There's a separate smoking area, which is convenient for those who partake. [^Review]
🚗 Hassle-Free Parking
Ample parking is available, making your visit convenient and stress-free. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hogshead Illovo is celebrated for its lively pub atmosphere, generous portions of delicious comfort food, and excellent sports viewing experience. The attentive and friendly staff consistently contribute to a welcoming environment. However, the high noise level during busy periods can be a drawback for those seeking a quieter meal.
"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hogshead
restaurant, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The location is perfect — it’s situated in a beautiful area that feels safe and relaxed, with stunning views that add to the overall atmosphere. Whether you’re seated inside or outside, the setting offers a calm and enjoyable dining experience that’s perfect for families, friends, or even a quiet meal alone.
The restaurant is very clean and well maintained, from the dining area to the restrooms. You can immediately tell that cleanliness and presentation are a top priority here. The seating is comfortable and nicely arranged, giving enough space between tables for privacy while still maintaining a warm, social environment.
Parking is another big plus. There’s ample parking space available, so you never have to worry about struggling to find a spot. It makes the entire visit hassle-free and convenient.
The overall atmosphere is inviting and elegant without feeling overly formal. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a clean, scenic, and comfortable dining spot with great facilities and a peaceful ambiance."
Nontando Mjoli
"Hogshead is located at 10 Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196. This is a lovely pub setting with big tv screens. There is indoor and outdoor seating and a separate smoking area. We enjoyed the lunch time specials and savoured our tasty meals of a tender rump steak with fresh garden roasted veggies and a succulent burger served with round fries and french fries with crispy onion rings."
Sandy
"The atmosphere at this spot is quite nice, and the food exceeded expectations—delicious, generous portions, and plenty to share. The staff, especially the ladies attending to us, were attentive and quick, making sure everyone was taken care of without delay.
That said, the noise level was a bit overwhelming. Since it is a bar, the lively vibe is expected, but it made holding a simple conversation with someone next to me quite difficult.
Overall, it’s a great place to stop by before heading out for a night out. The food and service make it worth the visit, though those looking for a quieter dining experience might want to keep the noise factor in mind."
siyathemba cya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hogshead Illovo is located at 10 Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196. It's easily accessible by car, and there's ample parking available. [^Review]
Yes, there is ample parking space available at Hogshead Illovo, making it convenient for visitors. [^Review]
Driving is a convenient option due to the available parking. Ride-sharing services are also a good alternative if you plan on enjoying the craft beers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hogshead Illovo generally does not require pre-booked tickets for entry. However, for major sporting events, arriving early is recommended to secure a good seat.
Opening hours can vary, especially on weekends and during events. It's best to check their social media or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
Typically, there is no entrance fee to Hogshead Illovo. You pay for your food and drinks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hogshead Illovo has a lively and casual pub atmosphere, especially during sports games and on weekends. It's known for its big-screen sports viewing and can get quite noisy. [^Review]
Yes, Hogshead Illovo offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, providing a comfortable dining experience in various weather conditions. [^Review]
While it has a pub atmosphere, families can enjoy the dining experience, especially during quieter times. The generous portions are good for sharing. [^Review]
Yes, Hogshead Illovo has a separate designated smoking area. [^Review]
Absolutely! Hogshead Illovo is a prime spot for watching rugby on their big screens, with a great atmosphere for fans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hogshead Illovo offers a burger and grill menu, featuring items like ribs, burgers, steaks, and comfort food classics. They are known for generous portions and bold flavors. [^Review]
Many visitors rave about the burgers and ribs. The lunch specials are also a good value. [^Review]
While the menu is primarily grill-focused, it's worth checking their current menu for any vegetarian appetizers or main courses. [^Review]
Portions are generally very generous, making it a good place to share meals. [^Review]
You can often find Hogshead Illovo's menu on their social media pages or by searching online restaurant directories.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lively atmosphere with shots of the big screens during games, the hearty food platters, and the bustling pub interior. +1
Yes, the vibrant pub setting and well-presented food can make for great Instagram content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday lunchtimes when it's generally quieter. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating also offers flexibility. Just be mindful of the noise level if you have very young children who are sensitive to loud environments. [^Review]
🏈 Sports Fans
🍻 Craft Beer Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hogshead Experience: More Than Just a Pub
Beyond the sports, the burger and grill menu is a significant draw. Diners can expect generous portions of hearty dishes like fall-off-the-bone ribs, succulent burgers, and tender steaks. This focus on satisfying, flavorful comfort food makes Hogshead Illovo a great choice for a casual meal with friends or family.
While the lively vibe is a major plus for many, it's worth noting that the noise level can be quite high, especially during peak hours or live games. This makes it less ideal for those seeking a quiet dining experience, but perfect for those who want to soak in the energetic pub culture. [^Review]
Service and Staff at Hogshead Illovo
This dedication to customer service contributes significantly to the welcoming atmosphere, making patrons feel right at home. Whether it's swift drink service, personalized attention, or ensuring ice-cold beers, the team at Hogshead Illovo seems committed to providing a top-tier experience. [^Review]
However, there are occasional mentions of service being average, particularly when the restaurant is less busy. Some reviews suggest that attentiveness can sometimes wane, and thoroughness in taking orders might be lacking. Despite these instances, the overall sentiment leans towards positive, with many guests returning due to the consistent quality of service. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit