Bean Bag Jazz Lounge

Bean Bag Jazz Lounge is the place to go in Durban when you want live music in an intimate setting rather than a big concert hall. It sits on Lilian Ngoyi Road in Windermere, on the edge of Morningside, in the same part of the Berea as Florida Road's restaurants and bars, and it combines a restaurant, a cocktail bar and a stage under one roof. Time Out has picked it among Durban's best places to watch live music.

The music programme runs from Thursday to Sunday, with each night having its own mood. Thursday is Soul Night, Friday brings Fusion Sessions, Saturday evenings are devoted to smooth jazz, and Sunday's Brunch and Beats session makes a relaxed daytime alternative for those who prefer music with an early start. Line-ups change, so follow the lounge's own pages to see who is playing.

The kitchen serves traditional dishes with a modern twist, from hearty plates to lighter bites for sharing, and there is a full drinks menu as well as weekly specials. Many guests make an evening of it, arriving for dinner before the music starts and staying on for drinks afterwards. The menu, drinks list and current specials are published on the lounge's website, so you can plan ahead.

The lounge is open every day from 12:00 until 02:00, so it also works for a long lunch or an afternoon drink on days without live music. Reservations are taken online through Dineplan, and booking is a good idea on Friday and Saturday nights, when the music draws the biggest crowds. Check whether a cover charge applies for headline performances when you book.

It suits music lovers, couples looking for a date night, and visitors who want to experience Durban's jazz and soul scene with locals rather than in a tourist venue. Morningside is a lively evening area, and after the music you can continue to the bars of Florida Road nearby. As with any late night out in Durban, use a ride-hailing app to get there and back rather than walking, particularly after midnight. The beachfront hotels and Umhlanga are a short drive away.