Good news for Joburg foodies

Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa managing director, George Cohen says of the new restaurant: “I’ve personally been a longstanding admirer of Luke's cuisine and so the initial conversation and idea around The Test Kitchen pop-up in Johannesburg was welcomed with great enthusiasm. What we’ve tried to achieve with this collaboration, and the overall Saxon dining offering, is to bring newly inspired culinary concepts to Johannesburg. With the success of the current pop-up restaurant, the decision to create a permanent dining space with Luke Dale-Roberts continues the Saxon philosophy of offering unique guest experiences.”

Joburg energy

Dale-Roberts is delighted at the prospect of sharing his culinary skills and signature restaurant experience with Johannesburg diners. He says: “Obviously the expectations have been very high with the pop-up in Johannesburg. But, to be honest, I've absolutely loved the energy here. The guests are excited to be here, they're chatting to people at other tables. It's a space that's fun, filled with energy and shared excitement.”

Dale-Roberts and his team at the Saxon, headed up by Candice Philip, are already planning the autumn menu for Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon, and he's delighted to be working with the gardener on the hotel premises to bring the freshest produce to the table. “We have some fantastic things planned on the autumn gardening schedule that will be transformed on the plate,” Dale-Roberts adds.

Design transformation

The current space will close at the end of March for an extensive refurbishment to reopen in May. Diners can expect a completely new design aesthetic, spearheaded by Sandalene Dale-Roberts, Luke's fashion and interior designer wife. Tapping into Luke and Sandalene Dale-Roberts’s signature eye for design and fine art, the current space will be transformed into a modern room embracing the South African aesthetic. Already artists Mark Rautenbach and Pete Eastwood, whose works are to be seen at The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, are featured in the space.

Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon will open on 5 May for dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Bookings are essential. The seven-course tasting menu which includes two appetisers is currently priced at R1,330 or R2,100 with wine or tea pairing. Dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday. For reservations, call (011) 292 6000 or email az.oc.noxas@snoitavreserelbat.