The Factory

I was there in November 2025. It was my first time there and my second time in Johannesburg, and I will never forget the experience! It’s safe, I was afraid my belongings might be stolen, but everything felt secure. The atmosphere is fun, and I plan to come back again when I’m in Johannesburg. My suggestion would be to hire more cleaners so the place remains clean. The more people there are, the more tissues get dropped everywhere. I will never forget that experience 🥹❤️ Well done.

I am indeed very sorry and regret but have to say - Factory lost all it’s glory (and customers it seems) as I visited the venue now for three months in a row once a month and was the only customer. The venue itself is dirty and bar service non existent - even worse when I managed to get a glass of wine from the person whom also manage reception, it was not cold but straight out of a 5lt box and at room temperature. The location I am afraid now also became a very scary area and I was very worried about my car might to be stolen so I did not spent more than 15 minutes as I could not see the chance or possibility of more guys showing up. Previous two visits there was only one guy sitting at the bar.

This place is more for locals than for tourists. They don't seem to have lockers. So if you don't mind handing over your clothes, phone and wallet to a stranger to keep behind the counter then have at it. It's not the steamworks or bath houses in Europe. We walked in and walked out. Also the man at the counter was going to charge us $150 although their website says $120 and wanted money upfront for how many drinks we thought we were going to drink. They have no website or online presence to say what they offer. That's a big clue this is not for tourists.

If you are not black you are invisible people will not even talk to you …it is sad that apartheid South Africa left a legacy even in gay places …I travel all over the world and never felt such a feeling of exclusion. Hope it will improve