Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen fame has partnered in a joint venture with his wife, Sandalene Dale-Roberts, his top chef Wesley Randles and manager Simon Widdison to open The Shortmarket Club in a heritage building just off vibey Bree Street.
The restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and, in keeping with its opulent old-world feel, many of the dishes are modern interpretations of classics.
The restaurant space has been conceptualised and designed by Sandalene Dale-Roberts, Luke's wife, and her vision is a powerful one creating an uncompromisingly opulent feel. She designed the vast banquettes that form the centrepiece of the dining area. The striking blacks and deep aubergine colours form a suitable backdrop to the moody space where two vast skylights pour in light. Accents such as stained glass made by local craftsmen in sliding doors from Argentina separating the dining and bar areas have been kept as a nod to feel of history and craftsmanship the space evokes, while leather-covered tables add to the appeal.
Guests enter the restaurant from a staircase to the first floor where the open kitchen is the first thing you see. Here the bar area will be a perfect place for a pre-dinner drink, watching the chefs in action. Artist Peter Eastman who has contributed to the décor elements at The Test Kitchen and The Pot Luck Club, has created wooden cut-out panels for the space too. Sandalene Dale-Roberts has also added a strong vintage touch with military lamps above the pass and copper lamps in the dining area, yet the overall effect remains welcoming and seriously swanky. The centrepiece of a wall of framed butterflies, conceptualised by artist Mark Rautenbach whose work features strongly at The Test Kitchen, creates a striking visual focus. Made from documents about The Test Kitchen and The Pot Luck Club it is a testament to the success of those restaurants and welcomes diners to what is set to be another highlight in the restaurant world.
The Shortmarket Club is located at 88 Shortmarket street and is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays).
Awards & Accolades
2016
The Shortmarket Club awarded “Best New Restaurant” at the inaugural Condé Nast GOURMET South Africa Awards.
Address
88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Contact Number
Email address
Website www.theshortmarketclub.co.za
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