The Panty Bar: Paternoster’s Most Unforgettable Pub with a Naughty Twist
Tucked inside the charming Paternoster Hotel on South Africa’s wild and windswept West Coast lies a pub like no other — the Panty Bar. Equal parts quirky, controversial, and iconic, this local watering hole has become a must-see for travellers exploring the quaint fishing village of Paternoster.
Whether you come for a cold beer, the coastal vibes, or just to say you’ve been to a bar full of bras and panties, the Panty Bar is one of South Africa’s strangest (and most beloved) little curiosities.
What is the Panty Bar, Exactly?
Simply put: it’s a small bar inside the historic Paternoster Hotel, where the ceiling and walls are lined with women’s underwear — left behind by visitors from all over the world. From lacy red numbers to sporty briefs, the Panty Bar is both a conversation starter and a tongue-in-cheek tradition that’s stood the test of time.
It’s not a strip club. It’s not seedy. It’s quirky, playful, and rooted in West Coast humour — and everyone from backpackers to grannies has added to the ever-growing collection.
A Little History: From Prohibition to Panties
The Paternoster Hotel was built in 1863, making it one of the oldest buildings in this iconic fishing village. Over the years, it served as a trading post, a general store, and eventually a coastal hotel for travellers seeking the slow rhythm of the West Coast.
During the apartheid-era prohibition laws, the hotel’s bar was converted into a “Ladies Lounge” — the only place where women were legally allowed to drink. But here’s the twist: locals found the idea so absurd that they mocked the rule by turning the lounge into a tongue-in-cheek tribute to femininity — and it wasn’t long before the first panties were hung as a statement (and a laugh).
Since then, the Panty Bar has taken on a life of its own, evolving into a beloved tourist attraction, photo-op stop, and living archive of undergarment donations from travellers across the globe.
Why Do Women Hang Up Their Panties?
Mostly? For the fun of it.
It’s become a tradition (and a rite of passage) for adventurous female visitors to leave behind a pair of panties — often with their name, date, or a cheeky message written on them. It’s all in good fun and perfectly captures the laid-back, humorous spirit of the West Coast.
💡 Fun Fact: Even some brides-to-be on bachelorette weekends have made their mark on the Panty Bar’s walls!
What to Expect When You Visit
- Cold local beers & traditional South African drinks
- A laid-back, vintage bar atmosphere filled with history and laughter
- Locals happy to share the story behind the walls (and the underwear!)
- A chance to leave your mark — if you’re bold enough!
It’s the kind of place you walk into expecting a quick drink, and leave with a story (and probably a few hilarious photos).
How to Find the Panty Bar
- Location: Inside the Paternoster Hotel, St. Augustine Road, Paternoster
- Open: Daily — but hours may vary seasonally, so call ahead during off-peak times
- Tip: Grab lunch or stay overnight at the Paternoster Hotel for the full West Coast experience
📸 Instagram-Worthy Moments
- A selfie with the wall of panties
- The vintage bar sign and wooden interiors
- Shots of the ceiling covered in undergarments
- You (or your friends) are hanging up a new addition!
Final Thoughts: A Cheeky Stop With Serious Charm
The Panty Bar might sound like a gimmick, but it’s become an iconic part of Paternoster’s charm — a place where travellers from around the world come to laugh, unwind, and raise a glass to the bizarre and beautiful traditions of the Weskus.
So whether you’re road-tripping along the West Coast, camping at Tietiesbaai, or just exploring Paternoster, make sure to stop at this legendary little bar where the beers are cold, the history is hot, and the panties keep coming.
Because some stories are best told over a drink… under a ceiling full of lingerie. 🍻👙🇿🇦
