Bedfordview is fast becoming the go-to suburb for good Greek food in the city. With a number of restaurants featuring traditional Greek meze and desserts on their menus, it seems as though this pick and share way of eating is gaining popularity. Or, perhaps it has always been a part of the Bedfordview food ethos. We are simply starting to take notice because it's too good not to.

Recently, a friend and I discovered another hidden Greek gem tucked away down a side street in Bedfordview. Quaintly called The Fat Mermaid, this restaurant and party venue is the ideal spot for summer meals, drinks and a good time. Complete with a shining swimming pool, shaded outdoor seating and a 'shot bar', The Fat Mermaid is a suburban Greek paradise if ever there was one.

The decor consists of shades of deep blue and stark white, reminiscent of the villas perched upon Greek island mountainsides. If like me, you will be having a Joburg Christmas 'staycation', this is the perfect place to visit for a feeling of international escape. You are welcome to take a dip in the pool, for a charge of R25. Or, lounge in the sunshine on one of their recliners. Either way, it's the nearest thing to a Greek beach vacation without need for a passport. My friend and I took a seat under the shaded lapa which overlooks the pool. The venue isn't all that spacious, but there is enough room between the tables to be able to hold a good, long conversation. After all, that's what good Greek meals are about, besides the food of course.

Speaking of food, The Fat Mermaid has a generous menu, featuring meze, gourmet sandwiches, pastas and yiros. Their drinks menu is just as inviting, with both hot and cold options. We both chose to indulge in a coffee freezo. Not too bitter and not too sweet, it went down a treat.

Choosing a meal was difficult, thanks to all the yummy sounding options. However, I settled on a Chicken and Tzatziki Yiro, while my friend gave into her sweet tooth with a Nutella, Strawberry and Oreo Crumble Waffle. Our order did take awhile to reach the table, but we hardly noticed on accordance of the serene setting and our chilled drinks. Once our food did arrive, we were more than ready to tuck in. My yiro was slightly under seasoned and the potato chips could have been crispier. But all in all, it was a happy marriage of herby grilled chicken, fresh tomato and onion, tangy tzatziki and doughy pita bread.

It's hard to go wrong with buttery waffles, fresh strawberries, Oreo crumble and chocolate sauce. Needless to say, my friend was superbly impressed with her choice and we will definitely be back for more!

On our way out, I spotted a table laden with Greek biscuits and sweets. There is also a fridge filled with pre-made Greek snacks and meals, including falafels and keftedakia. Great for lunchboxes or as finger food at parties, your guests will never know that you didn't make them from scratch, so pick up a few. Alternatively, you can book out The Fat Mermaid for your next birthday or special function. There are two function rooms available, including the outdoor Mermaid Lounge and Bar, which seats up to 45 people.

For More Information

Follow them on Facebook for more information.

Details: 4 Jasmine Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg | 011 450 0053

Kids are naturally imaginative and dreamers, that is why they are easily stimulated by environments filled with colour, characters and a place where they can have endless fun. Under The Oak Tree is the place where all the magic happens.

What Is Under The Oak Tree?

This amazing world of imagination is situated is Bramley, they are an exclusive party venue for kids. Their venue is made in such a way that the children are motivated and encouraged to enjoy themselves and have fun.

Not only do they have a spectacular animated venue, they also add on the party planning service to their name so if you're planning a birthday party and just want it to be perfect or basically don't have the time - this is the place that will save you, mom and dad.

What they do is come up with creative out-of-the-box thinking to create something special for your little. Something unforgettable to be exact, every party they do is themed and tailor-made specifically for your child.

It's A Wonderland...

They have two amazing venues that will even make the parents wish they were still kids to enjoy the creative gestures. Their spaces are suitable for ages 1 to 10 years old.

Kids love these spots because it's like a world of fantasy that comes alive to create moments that are priceless. Parents have the option to make the difficult decision of choosing between the two beautiful venues. They both have so much character and encourage the little ones to feel like they are in a story book.

The first venue includes a little cute coffee shop with outside seating, farmyard, race track, tree house, sandpit and many more. The second option includes a garden shed, jungle gym, swimming pool, sandpit and more as well. Both venues have the cutest things like miniature chairs, little houses and cute little characters.

The Treats

Under The Oak Tree caters a lot of nibbles like adult platters for the parties (the parents have to eat too). They have cupcakes - who doesn't love a good cup cake? As well as a candy buffet and food stalls. As a take-home, they have amazing party packs that the kids can take home to enjoy.

The added fun activities include fun face painting, themed pinatas that have a sweet surprise inside, and cool and warmhearted mascots to interact with the kids. Did I forget the super cute unicorn rides? Too adorable.

They have a lot of activities, there is no room for boredom here. Just endless fun and little friendships.

If you prefer hosting in the comfort of your own home, they also mobile services that you can choose from to add some magic to your own venue. They deliver and can set up for you, the mobile play house can be delivered and set up for FREE within a 30km radius.

Under The Oak Tree is certainly going to be a hit for the hits and you too so why not check out this bundle of cuteness.

What Is It?

Celebrate the last little bit of summer at the Cellar Rats Summer Festival at a brand-new country venue, the Bosheuvel Country Estate in Muldersdrift! Here, you'll get to sip, sample and enjoy South Africa's best wines, craft beers and liquors, as well as some international selections in a stunning country setting. There'll be over 60 producers presenting more than 400 products, ranging from bubblies, whites and reds to Portuguese wines, craft gins, craft beers, ports, brandies and more. And as for entertainment, there's a children’s entertainment area, sparkling swimming pool, the Cattleman’s Kitchen Restaurant and food vendors.

When Is It?

Saturday, 09 March 2019 from 11:00 - 17:00.

Where Is It?

Bosheuvel Country Estate, 54 Glory Road, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost between R80 - R180 per person and can be bought at Computicket.

For More Information

For more information about this event, visit www.winefestival.co.za.

Don't forget to give them a follow or like on Facebook.

What Is It?

Join in on the fun and excitement this festive season at Harties Harbour, as they'll be hosting an amazing 10-day festival which promises visitors the ultimate summer entertainment in Harties. This is just what you and your family deserve after a long, busy and challenging year. You can expect all the summer fun under the sun, from awesome live music, swimming pools and water slides to boat cruises, braais and so much more.

Also, along with your ticket, you can enjoy Kommando Nek Wildlife Resort as a day visitor! So, feel free to arrive early or stay later and enjoy all the resort has to offer. There's also picnic/braai spots along the dam, a pit for fishing and relaxing and lots so sunshine! Just the way it is meant to be at Harties!

Please note: Drink responsibly. No alcohol to be sold to under 18s.

What To Take With You

So, what you waiting for? Gather the loved ones, pack the the car with a few summertime necessities and enjoy a day out at Harties at the Savanna Summer Splash Festival. Here's what you should take along with you:

• Your own cooler box (NO CHARGE if you have some DISTELL PRODUCTS in your cooler box like SAVANNA, HUNTERS, etc)
• Some good food - there will also be food stalls available
• Drinks/liquor will be available for purchase, so take some cash along with you
• Camping chairs and blankets
• Sunscreen and hats
• Swim Costumes and towels
• A happy, fun, summer attitude

When Is It?

Sunday, 23 December 2018 - Tuesday, 01 January 2019. Gates open at 09:00 and close at 18:30 except for New Year's Eve where they'll be closing at 02:00.

Where Is It?

Harties Harbour, Kommandonek Resort, Simon Bekker Avenue, Hartbeespoort.

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R295 per adult; R195 per child under 12 and R150 per child under 6.

Click here to book your tickets now.

Your ticket to the Savanna Summer Splash Festival includes:

• Entry to the Resort = Harties Harbour - Kommando Nek Resort
• Access to the swimming pool and water park
• A 30-minute boat cruise per person
•  Fab music from top local DJs
• Access to communal braai facilities with fire

For More Information

For more information about this fun-filled festival, visit www.hartiesharbour.co.za or www.hartiesboatco.co.za.

You can also call them on 012 253 5045 / 012 253 5313 / 066 042 5697 / 082 704 7202 or email on [email protected].

Also, don't forget to give Harties Boat Company a follow on Facebook.

What Is It?

Now that spring is in full swing, Pirates Bowls Club is throwing a Dank to celebrate the new season. Expect the best of spring, Flower crowns, a swimming pool (pool party!) and, of course, music!

The musical lineup includes:

• Desmond and the Tutus
• Boxer
• Go Barefoot

You can also look forward to R10 tequila specials.

So bring all your friends for an epic spring celebration!

When Is It?

Friday, 12 October 2018 at 19:00

Where Is It?

 Pirates Bowls Club, 4 Cruden Bay Road, Greenside,  Johannesburg

How Much Is It?

Entrance is R30 per person. Tickets can be purchased here.

For More Information?

For more information, visit Quicket.

Safety Barriers

From sharp corners to stairs and door edges, our homes are pretty much a danger zone for any crawling or standing baby. Safety barriers help to prevent baby from bumping into sharp corners, falling down the stairs or having the door slam on them. Baby City outlets have a great variety of barriers you can get for your home.

Our Picks: Door Finger Guards, Cabinet/ Wardrobe Lock, Corner Cushion, Open Door Lock, and the Safety Gate.

Fall Prevention

If you leave your baby unattended, for example to use the bathroom, leave them in their cot or Moses basket (if they're under 6 months). Alternatively, if you've left baby to nap, secure their sleeping space with cushions and pillows, so that if they wake up and roll over, they won't meet the floor but comfy pillows and cushions instead . There is a great selection of cots, nappers, and Moses baskets at Babies R Us.

Our Picks: Moses baskets,  Wooden Cots, and Bounce 2-in-1 rocker bassinet.

Poison Prevention 

This links to safety barriers by making sure hazardous chemicals are kept far from baby's reach. These could be anything from cleaning products to medications. If you don't have high shelves or storage to keep hazardous products out of reach, then invest in safety barriers. And if your baby loves water, definitely invest in a toilet lock. Baby City also stocks some great options.

Electricity And Cables 

The last thing you want is to have baby crawling behind the TV cabinet and playing with the cables. The best way to prevent this is to get a cable management system in place. Crabtree has some great options you can pick from, depending on your taste, home design and cable location. Also, should you have any exposed electrical sockets, get those covered up ASAP! Crabtree also has a variety of covers you can pick from.

The Swimming Pool

An uncovered swimming pool is a safety hazard for babes and young children, so secure your swimming pool with a cover or net. Mana Pools & Covers has a great selection of covers you can pick for your pool.

Our Picks: Solid Safely Cover.

Know of other crucial baby-proofing tips not mentioned above? Let us know below!

What Is It?

Join Reefsteamers for a romantic Valentine's steam train trip to Magaliesburg. for more information about the train ride, contact them. Once you arrive at your destination, being Magaliesburg, guests have the option to enjoy an afternoon at Magalies Sleepy River Venue at R60 per person where you can enjoy a few of their facilities, including a large swimming pool, braai stations, food and beverage vendors, a market, and much more! The cost for the Magalies Sleepy River Venue visit includes transport from the station to the venue and entrance.

When Is It?

Saturday, 11 February 2017 from 09:00 - 18:00.

The schedule is as follows:

• 09:00 - Depart from Johannesburg Park Station
• 11:30 - Arrival at Malagiesburg Station
• 14:30 - Depart Magaliesburg
• 17:30 - Approximate arrival back in Johannesburg

Where Is It?

Reefsteamers, 46 Knights Road, Germiston, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R 250 per adult, R 200 per child aged between 4-12, and free entry for children under 4. And, if you opt to enjoy the afternoon at the Magalies Sleepy River Venue, it's R 60 per person for entry. 

Email [email protected] or call 062 743 9200 to make your booking.

For More Information

For more information about this Valentine's Special, email [email protected],call 062 743 9200, or visit www.reefsteamers.com.