The Champs Formula: Cold Drinks, Hot Nights
Sunday, 8th June 2025
“I never planned to run a bar—I just wanted a job,” Tristan laughs. Now he’s the driving force behind Makhanda’s most electric nightlife spot. From drink specials to karaoke, find out how one guy made Champs the town’s unofficial HQ.
From Bartender to Bar Legend
Tristan King didn’t grow up dreaming of managing one of Makhanda’s most loved nightspots. “Honestly, I just needed a job,” he says. That first bartending gig at Pothole & Donkey turned out to be the start of something much bigger. He caught the right people’s attention, landed at Champs Action Bar—and never looked back.
Today, Tristan is more than just the guy behind the taps. He’s the pulse of Champs. Ask around town, and you’ll hear the same thing: the drinks are cold, the vibe is easy, but it’s Tristan that keeps people coming back.
The Champs Formula: Cold Drinks, Hot Nights
So what makes Champs Action Bar tick? “It’s the people,” Tristan says. “Regulars who never miss a pool night. Students who bring their visiting parents. Folks who just want a chill place to connect.”
That relaxed, no-frills energy is at the heart of everything Champs offers—whether it’s R10 shooter specials on Fridays (6–8 PM), the legendary burger Monday deal (buy one, get one free), or Tuesday’s high-stakes pool tournaments with R1,000 on the line.
And if you’re into karaoke, Thursdays from 8 to 11 PM are hosted by local comedian Illy—and yes, someone will always sing “Wonderwall.”
Always On, Even When Off
Even on his nights off, Tristan can’t stay away. “I’ll swing by just to check the vibe. If the music’s not quite right, I’ll know. It’s in my blood now.” He’s not just managing a bar—he’s curating a culture.
The staff? Family. The regulars? Part of the furniture. The atmosphere? “Always welcoming, never forced,” he says.
What’s Next for Champs?
Tristan isn’t one to rest on a good thing. Live music on Saturdays is in the pipeline. Pop-up tastings—like the recent El Bravo margarita night—keep the crowd guessing. And with the Graham Hotel just around the corner, visitors are discovering Champs as the unexpected highlight of their Makhanda stay.
“They come in thinking there’s nothing happening here,” Tristan says with a grin. “Then they leave saying, ‘How did I not know about this place?’”
