The concept of vehicle sharing is a reality in Sandton, so the thrilling prospect of driving a MINI can be available to more South Africans (including non-MINI drivers).

MINI knows that MINI’s drivers and fans are forward-thinking, innovative and perhaps primed more than any other bunch of people to “get” the possibilities of the sharing economy, and embrace new ways of accessing authentic urban lifestyles.

“MINI drivers are always ahead of their time and, with MINI Sharing, we will enable a group of MINI fans to participate in the burgeoning sharing economy in this country,” says Shaun Willis, Head of MINI South Africa.

So, with that in mind, MINI launched its first MINI Sharing programme in November. It’s based at BlackBrick in Sandton, an innovative “vertical village” on the centrally located Fredman Drive. The service is available exclusively to residents of BlackBrick, and members of the BlackBrick Club.

All people have to do is register on the MINI Sharing app, and then they can go ahead and book a slot on the calendar and pick up the MINI Cooper SE, MINI’s first all-electric vehicle, which has been in use since May, from the designated parking space at BlackBrick. Your smartphone acts as a key, unlocking doors and starting the MINI. When you’re done, you return it for the next person.

A new wave of restaurants has started opening across Joburg in the wake of the pandemic, making going out an adventure once again. There are a bunch right on BlackBrick’s doorstep…

Pablo is a stone’s throw away at The Mint Hotel on Katherine Street. It was well known as the home of some of the city’s favourite breakfasts in its previous incarnation in Melville, Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar. Now an all-day restaurant serving dinner, too, it covers everything from the legendary shakshuka to tacos and pizzas. It’s good to have you back, Pablo! If you’re looking for posh, you might try Tang on Nelson Mandela Square – also brand new, it’s all about luxury Asian cuisine and is the brainchild of Nicky van der Walt.

In Rosebank’s fantastic new The Bank building, you’ll want to stop at Proud Mary. If you know Parktown North’s La Boqueria, you’ll be pleased to hear Proud Mary is brought to you by the same team. It’s on the ground floor of the architectural extravaganza that is The Bank – which has everything from a hotel and offices (including shared office space at Workshop17) to shops and restaurants. Combining a wine bar and eatery in an insanely stylish Art Deco-influenced interior, it has an urban buzz and deliciousness that make Joburg feel like it should! And chef Christo Nortier did time abroad working at Jamie Oliver HQ!

Just down the drag on the edge of Rosebank, the vibrant intersection of Jan Smuts and Bolton – home to eternal favourites like Sin+Tax, Coalition, A Streetbar Named Desire and Saigon Suzy – has welcomed three fantastic new additions. Buns Out Burgers, co-owned by Maps Maponyane, was named on a list of the world’s best burgers when the first branch opened in Linden. Morning Glory. has become a kind of all-day café, graduating from coffee to brunch to lunch, and further up the drag in The Parks Shopping Centre on the far corner – always a good walk with great art galleries – Midrand and Centurion coffee institution Vintage Coffee has opened a new branch.

While you wait for your MINI, or after you’ve dropped it off, BlackBrick’s on-premises café is the kind of leaf-dappled courtyard sanctuary that is perfect for bookending an urban adventure. Pastries, organic Fairtrade coffee, healthy (but hearty) and uplifting lunches are the stock in trade. There’s also a Soul Souvlaki in the “vertical village” for casual dining. You can’t go wrong.