Event information
Named for the cult rock mockumentary, Spinal Tap, this bar has quickly become a favourite meeting point for Cape Town beer fans.
The small, carefully designed room leans into music and movie references while keeping the focus firmly on what is in the glass. Regulars know it as a place to discover new South African beers alongside the house lager from owner Carl Nienaber’s 400 Brewing Company, with the atmosphere shaped as much by conversation as by the soundtrack.
Six rotating taps carry a changing selection of local craft, from core ranges to limited releases and occasional tap takeovers. A short, unfussy pizza menu supports the beer list without turning the venue into a full restaurant.
The bar is cosy and welcoming, with screenings ranging from sports to anime and cult films on the big screen. The scale makes interactions between staff, brewers and guests straightforward, and visiting breweries often use the venue for small launches and collaborations. For many locals, it functions as a community hub for the city’s craft beer scene rather than a generic late-night spot.
Spinal Tap also occasionally hosts events such as Trivia Night, Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Karaoke and Open Mic sessions, and live bands.