The Table 47 is a little venue on the ground floor of the Alliance Francaise where those who need to have a drink and a meal can do their thing. This little venue overlooks the courtyard at the building which is converted into a stage where many shows happen.
This venue also has a bar counter on its own as well as a counter on one wall where one or a waitress could collect meals ordered for consumption.
I was there on Friday afternoon to have a quiet beer away from the madness that is Nairobi's downtown as I did some work and prepared for a meeting. I found this place very conducive to working as there are little distractions with the waitress only coming over ever so often.
It was a quiet afternoon I had with a few people ordering their meals and their glasses of wine and keeping their own company.
With my work done, I left for my meeting returning in the evening to the same venue known for its live concerts of artistes from around the country and further afield in the evening.
Performing on that day was Sarabi, one of my favourite young bands, an outfit comprising seven young men and one young woman. Eventually the show started with Sarabi Band with their signature white outfits and people started flooding into the venue to enjoy the concert.
As the show progressed I felt the need to have a drink so I made it to the venue's counter at the right of the entrance.
However, this Friday the place was rocking with the band which is extremely popular with many Nairobi residents making their way there. After dancing like the world was coming to an end, this reviewer opted to have a drink and went to the counter where I found a long line waiting.
I had to reduce my enthusiasm and eventually made my way to the front and got my cold Tusker which was retailing at Sh250. This is a bit pricey, which was even made worse when an ice cold beer could not be found.
Also the service when the venue is so full is not the best. With so many events happening here, the management should have already made a system that ensured their crowd was watered.
With my drink I observed the crowd here with me. It was a multiracial crowd which you will usually see at this event when there are concerts here.
A quick recap of the venue;
Good: Central location, clean washrooms, very hip multiracial crowd, decent décor
Bad: Pricey, service could be better, disability unfriendly
My Verdict: A venue that is good for quiet contemplation by day and live events by night. Love this place in spite of the service.
Twitter: @jamesmurua