Written by: Hennie Fisher
Craving a hint of nostalgia mixed with a pinch of newness? Look no further than the trendy retake of the old-fashioned float, with some of the best floats in Pretoria.
Soft drinks have undergone significant changes since their initial invention. In the early days, options were limited to the ubiquitous Cola and a few other colours and flavours. However, there are hundreds of soft drinks available these days, and while adding a scoop of ice cream to the mix does not work as well in all the new flavours, South Africans do love a good float!
Like so many iconic foods of the world, the invention of the so-called float or ice cream soda was completely accidental. When Philadelphian, Robert McCay Green, ran out of fresh cream (which he typically mixed with flavoured syrup and carbonated water) while operating a soda fountain at the Franklin Institute’s semi-centennial celebration in 1874, he cleverly added a scoop of ice cream to soda instead. This resulted in the first ice cream float, which set a whole new trend in motion. Today, this trend seems to be returning and we’re so here for it!
Of course, everyone has their own personal favourite, so here are a couple of fun places where you can explore the best floats in Pretoria.
Royal Danish
Royal Danish is not only known for some of the best ice cream in town. If you are health conscious, but still love your dose of soda float every now and then, knowing the quality of ice cream going into your float might help soothe your guilty conscience. Since soft drinks are the bane of the nutrition world, adding highly processed ice cream to them is even worse. So, to avoid overly processed ice cream, opt for Royal Danish and try their Raspberry Float, which is a particularly popular one. They also will not take offence if you created your own fantastic float using their fabulous range of ice creams as inspiration.
Website: www.royaldanishicecream.co.za
AfriFrans at Delectus Lifestyle Village
What better place to have a float than next to a swimming pool in a beautiful garden setting? Delectus Lifestyle Village is situated in the suburb of Montana, Pretoria, and features a vibrant mix of 18 different businesses on the premises, including the AfriFrans Restaurant and Coffee Shop where one can order a variety of floats.
Website: delectusmanor.co.za/at-our-premises/afrifrans
The Barn at Irene Farm
When you have access to copious liters of milk - which is the case at Irene Dairy Farm - making ice cream is naturally the next step. At The Barn at Irene Farm you can order a Brown Cow, a White Cow or a Green Cow - super titles for some of the best floats in Pretoria.
Website: irenefarm.co.za/the-barn-restaurant
Grubhouse
At Grubhouse - a popular, American-style franchise with various locations in Pretoria – they focus mainly on the classics. So, opt for a simple Coke, Strawberry or Cream Soda Float, but expect your taste buds to dance. Grubhouse’s menu is extensive, laden with firm favourites and menu items you’d associate with American diner or roadhouse food. Obviously, whatever you choose from their menu will pair perfectly with classic float!
Website: www.grubhouse.co.za
More Options for the Best Floats in Pretoria
In addition to the above, you can also try Milky Lane, Kota Joe, Square Time. Mozambik also offers a kiddie’s float.
The simple joy of a scoop of ice cream suspended in a fizzy drink is a timeless pleasure that continues to bring smiles to the faces of Pretorians and visitors alike. From the accidental origin of the ice cream soda to the diverse interpretations of the best floats in Pretoria, this treat remains a beloved menu classic. Be sure to explore these great spots to find your personal favourite or get your ice cream from one of these ice cream spots in Pretoria and make your own at home with some trend inspiration from Pinterest.
