Event information
This partially open-air venue has established itself as Observatory's party destination since its opening. Named after the Kingston neighbourhood in Jamaica synonymous with Bob Marley, Trenchtown combines Caribbean-style cuisine with regular live entertainment.
The venue has three separate sections: a large indoor section with two LCD screens and a main bar, an outdoor courtyard with deck, pebbled seating area and stage with two LCD screens and projector, and a cocktail garden with large seating area and grassy patch.
Live bands perform on Thursday and Friday nights, with past events including the Indie Bash series featuring acts like Dum-Chang, and electronic nights under the Full Spectrum Alternative banner featuring performances from Violence Is Blue and Boston Tea Party. Hip hop nights have featured artists including Kermit The Goat, Heavy G and Miss Lia.
Saturday nights from 7pm to 9pm include free fire dancing shows and interactive drumming courtesy of the Flow Arts Commune. This collective of talented flow artists raises money through busking and donations for their annual theme camp at Afrikaburn while growing the flow arts community. Many performers are professionals who have dedicated years of practice to achieve their skill level, performing with grace and ease through geometric patterning, complex rhythms or primal dance expression. The last Saturday of each month features enhanced performances with additional razzle dazzle. Toasty fires and cocktail specials create a festival atmosphere during these shows.
The venue also screens major sporting events on big screens, particularly at the weekends. Thursday nights feature popular half-price pizza specials. Monday Funday includes Xbox games, beerpong and 2-litre jugs for R45. Tuesdays offer free foosball with buy-one-get-one-free on burgers and pizzas. Wednesdays are pub quiz nights with cocktails for R18 all night from 5pm.
The menu revolves around pizzas, burgers and Caribbean-inspired dishes. The combination of live entertainment, affordable food and drinks, and laid-back vibe makes Trenchtown a popular gathering spot for birthday celebrations and larger functions. The venue offers alfresco dining, WiFi, and accepts Mastercard and Visa. Street parking is available along Lower Main Road and Station Road.