It’s hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since Luke Dale Roberts reinvented Cape Town’s culinary landscape with the launch of The Pot Luck Club.
Back in 2012, when he first introduced the city to the concept of small plates – not tapas, not a starter, a flavour punch somewhere in between – curious locals soon fell in love. Ever since, the city has been awash in small-plate dining, from the equally marvellous menu at Chefs Warehouse to the new approach from kitchens like Tambourine.
But for many savvy diners, Pot Luck is the OG, perched atop the Biscuit Mill to serve up superb city views along with unforgettable small plates of Asian-inspired cuisine. And while all eyes are usually on the plates or the views, this summer you’ll also be lingering over the slick new look and feel of the space.
The new aesthetic comes from the colab between Dale Roberts and interior designer Maurice Paliaga, who says the refresh is “less about reinvention and more about embellishment. We wanted to give the restaurant a touch more luxury, while maintaining everything people love about Pot Luck. Some elements were beginning to look a little tired, so this was about refreshing, strengthening and elevating the space.”
“It felt like the right time to give the restaurant a lift. We’ve been going strong since 2012, and with summer ahead, it was important for me to give the restaurant some love and attention,” adds Dale Roberts. “For me, The Pot Luck Club has always been about energy, adventure and surprise, so this refresh was about holding onto that spirit while making the space feel a bit more refined, a bit more luxurious."
The redesign has dialled up the drama, making Pot Luck a little more moody. The colour palette has gone darker and richer, from the brass accents to the gorgeous banquettes with fluted leather. Resurfaced ash tabletops now form striking chequered quadrants, while subtle LED lighting illuminates wall cladding and counters.
“The Pot Luck Club has always evolved, whether on the plate or in the space. This revamp is just the next step in that journey,” says Dale Roberts. “Working with Maurice and the team has been fantastic. They’ve managed to capture the essence of Pot Luck and elevate it in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.”
“The result is a shift from a utilitarian to softer, richer spaces,” says Paliaga, who made sure nothing got in the way of those famous city views. “From the beginning, we knew we didn’t want to clutter the space with lighting or screens. Visibility was an important factor; after the food, the view has to remain the hero.”
We certainly agree, but this summer you’ll be treated to a new trinity: food, view and a fresh look for one of Cape Town’s most popular destination restaurants.
Need to know:
- The Pot Luck Club is at 375 Albert Road, The Old Biscuit Mill.
- Lunch Monday to Saturday from 12h30
- Dinner: two evening seatings at 18h00 and 20h30.
- Sunday Brunch runs from 11h00 to 15h30.
- More details and bookings: www.thepotluckclub.co.za
Don't miss out! Pot Luck's prix-fixe menu runs until end-September!