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The Factory

Johannesburg, South Africa

Neighbourhood

Johannesburg

Category

Cruise Clubs

Vibe

gay, men only +7

Official website

About The Factory

The Factory is a long-running men-only gay cruise and fetish venue in New Doornfontein, near the Ellis Park area. The multi-level space combines a bar with cruising areas, darkrooms and private spaces, and has a stronger leather and fetish focus than Johannesburg’s mainstream LGBTQ+ nightlife.

What to expect

A men-only, sex-positive cruise bar with a fetish/leather lean, bar service and dedicated cruising spaces.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

18+ adults only.
This is The Factory gay venue in New Doornfontein, not The Factory on Grant in Norwood.
Opening runs into the early hours; check the current social account before making a special journey.

Gallery

Photos coming soon

Location

The Factory

6 6th Street, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.0

403 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • Google Maps
    4.0

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Danie Hamman
Danie Hamman

8 months ago

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.

Review from Google Maps

work
work

6 months ago

DO NOT VISIT: A DANGEROUS RIP-OFF I’m writing this to create serious awareness before someone gets hurt or scammed. This place is a massive health risk and a complete waste of money. * Facilities vs. Price: The pricing here is absolutely ridiculous. They charge the same rates as established venues like the Rec Room or Camp David, yet they provide none of the facilities. No space to move, no proper lounging areas, and zero maintenance. * The "Event" Scam: They hike the prices for "events," but you’re literally just paying more to be squeezed into a tiny, cramped room with more people. There is no hot water, and the toilets are beyond disgusting—it’s a major hygiene violation. * Safety Hazards: The "factory" setup is a death trap. Clothes are hung on unsafe, poorly secured hangers/hooks in an area far too small for the capacity. They also force you to put your phone in a safe, leaving you with no way to document the mess or call for help. * The Bar is a Rip-off: Expect to pay "high-end" prices at the bar for a "low-end" experience. The markups are insane, especially considering you're standing in a filthy, unsafe environment. How this place hasn't been reported to health and safety inspectors yet is a mystery. You are paying premium prices for a basement-tier experience. STAY AWAY FOR YOUR HEALTH, AND SAFETY.

Review from Google Maps

M He
M He

4 years ago

Dear owner and staff guys, please-Please keep your place clean, it's health threatening, no sanitizer, the one mattress that's falling apart overloaded with any kind of liquids.. No douche facility available and the excuse therefore is because of health hazards. And get at least a little tiny bit light as well in the darkroom at least a glowing stick that one doesn't trip over eachother(s shoes). The place would be fun and clever if it would get a full renovation. It's not like they are not making any money, therefore it's even sader that the owner(-s?) are not investing in making and keeping the place attractive, cause that and the two saunas are the only options for fun for men, in such a big important city..

Review from Google Maps

Ravel Gatoto
Ravel Gatoto

7 months ago

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.

Review from Google Maps

Daniel Thomas
Daniel Thomas

8 months ago

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.

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
28 September 2026
Listed in
Johannesburg › South Africa
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google