5 spots to visit in Nairobi

In March 2022, myself and Bryan Obonyo visited Kenya with this being our first trip away from the UK since the beginning of the pandemic. Bryan was visiting family, and I.. well, thought it would be a good excuse to follow along to gain some UV rays, and too see more of what Kenya has to offer. This was now my fourth time in Kenya, having visited previously in 2016, 2017 and 2019, so it is clear now that Nairobi has become one of my favourite cities in the world to visit. This time around, there a few spots I particularly enjoyed and would visit again the next time I am in Nairobi. And so, here are five spots in Nairobi, within the restaurant, clubs and bar categories that I visited during my time there, and spots we recommend you visit in Nairobi!

1.     Bar Next Door

Bar Next Door was the place to be in whilst I was in Nairobi. If and when I asked anybody where to go on a night out, Bar Next Door was always the first recommendation. A sports bar by trade, it contains large television screens that allows you to catch big sports events during the day, and it is where I caught highlights of some of the big international football matches. However, once the late evening falls, Bar Next Door essentially becomes a full blown club, with DJ’s across 7 nights a week playing tunes from across the globe. Naturally, the most populous of sounds were that of Afrobeats and Hip Hop, with the inclusion of Kenyan classics like Umbwoagble, and the latest Lil Maina and Ndovu Kuu joint Kishash. Amapiano was a common occurrence, just going to show how influential the genre has become of the years.

Be warned.. from Thursday until Sunday, Bar Next Door reaches capacity very quickly. By 7pm, getting a table is neigh on impossible and thus expect to stand if you get there soon afterwards, unless you are able to join a table with those generous. Most times I was there, I stood and caught a vibe nevertheless. There is an indoor section, and the outdoor section that is underneath a tent, thus ensuring that if rain is due, then more likely than not, you will stay dry. Food options are great too, and Shisha, ensuring all your needs are met throughout the night.

I was in Nairobi for 11 days, and was at Bar Next Door during 6 of those days, so that just about confirms just how much of a hot spot it is. Many drunken nights were spent there, mingling and meeting new people. Bar Next Door have just announced they are to open at four new venues soon; Karen, Mombasa Road, Diani and Kiambu Road – seems they are looking to take over Nairobi!

2.     Samaki Ssamki Sea Food and Jazz Restaurant

If you are seeking a music-infused food spot, then Samaki Samki is a place to go! Located in Kilimani, it is a restaurant of great food choices. If you are a lover of sea food, then there are options of Octopus, Crab, Prawns, Oysters and more. If you wish to steer clear of sea food, then there other options that include Beef, Pork, Chicken and Vegetarian options. I went for the BBQ ribs, with erotic potatoes, which were nice. There are also nice cocktail choices, of which I went for a Negroni!

The decor at Samaki Samaki is great, with nice seating arrangements whether inside or outside enhancing the ambience when accompanied with nice Jazz music. Samaki Samaki is nice spot for conversation, designed in a way to encourage ease and enjoyment of life. An area for improvement is waiting times to be served, as the waiting times in between taking order and receiving food was longer than it should have been. We visited on a Tuesday evening, where the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy, so that is a worry given that the likelihood the restaraunt would be most busy during weekends.

If you are ever in Nairobi, then a trip to Samaki Samaki Sea Food and Jazz restaurant is recommended, albeit there are aspects of their service that needs improving.

 Source: nairobidiscloure via instagram

3.     The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a creative hub, great hangout spot during the day, and it seems to be one of the best spots in Nairobi for hosting events. There is definitely more of a youthful and cosmopolitan appeal to the Alchemist, which I have observed in the few times I have been. Over the years, development has occurred at the Alchemist which includes a new floor that has introduced another cocktail bar, with a Pizza Place, a Mexican Burrito Bar and Mama Rocks burger joint meaning you’re not short of food options. Within the new floor, there is an area in which you can get your trainers customised, with patterns of your choice. There too is a section called World’s Loudest Library, that comes with nice seating with vinyl records and comic books to read, listen, lend or swap! There are opportunities to shop at the Alchemist, with various vendors selling unique items of fashion, including Wildlife Works who seek to push Consumer Powered Consumerism through finding ways to ensure wildlife conservation by investing profits into protection of natural habitats.

The Alchemist played host to an event held by rapper and host Barak Jacuzzi, which included performances from himself as well as rising Kenyan Drill group Buruklyn Boyz who shut it down with their infectious energy. The Alchemist is too a good place for networking with likeminded young people, and with its cosmopolitan vibe, you will likely meet people from across the globe.

The venue plays host to Art and Culture events, including exhibitions and spoken word, providing a space for Kenyan youth to express themselves through various art forms in a society that unfortunately restricts such. The Alchemist appears to be a safe space for Kenyan youth to come as they are, and a place for meeting fellow youth encouraging collaboration.

Flea Market on the first sunday of every month at the Alchemist. Source: Trip Advisor

4.     Peppertree

Located in Westlands, Peppertree is beautifully scenic. Though located next to a busy roundabout, the restaurant itself is mostly masked from this noise pollution, even during rush hour. There is wonderful art décor as you enter the restaurant, and within the restaurant itself, lovely foliage that drizzles down from the ceiling, with lanterns that accentuate the pleasant ambiance in the restaurant. The service was excellent, with members of staff welcoming you upon entry, and thanking you for coming upon your exit which was nice courtesy. Peppertree is inspired by global flavours, and thus offering a chance to try cuisines from across the globe. I went for Sweet Soy Chicken wings to start with and then the Argentine Asado, a nicely cooked tender steak grilled to perfection sat on a bed of crispy potatoes, with the inclusion of Chimichurri and a Salsa Salad as a main - delightful. There too is a wonderful choice of cocktails, of which I went for Strawberry Margarita. If you are looking for a late afternoon lunch, the Peppertree is a great place to go, though evening dinners are equally recommended.

Gemini club

Gemini is a club that pops until the sun has well and truly risen! So often, after leaving Bar Next Door around 3am, we’d head off to Gemini until the sun had risen. Located in Kilimani, a very spacious open club, with nice seated areas separated in sections meaning if come with a group, then you will likely be well accommodated. You are guaranteed to catch a vibe here!

Many dizzy late nights to the rising of the sun were spent at Gemini, using the last ounces of energy left in our legs. DJs often go for eclectic music choices, tyically the tracks that are charting at the moment for example Pheelz and BNXN’s (formally BUJU) Finesse, or classic US tracks like Biggie Smallz’ Big Poppa.

If you are looking for a good night out with friends in Nairobi, then Gemini is a spot to consider!