Although 2014 Boschendal Style Award nominee The Steamworks Gastropub in Fourways exudes worldly vintage futurism, the décor and food are all about artisanal, handmade quality.

The restaurant

The Steamworks Gastropub, which just opened this winter, has taken Fourways back to the future with its steampunk-meets-Hugo-and-Sherlock-Holmes décor. Seemingly intent on building a multiverse of taste havens across Joburg, owners Martin Jakoby and Thomas Hughes of The Office, The Griffin and Perron fame, are joined by Andrew Green for this venture.

The interior at The Steamworks Gastropub. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The food

Andrew and Thomas man the culinary frontier, applying a fusion of Asian, Mexican, British, South African, Italian and French sensibilities to pub classics like burgers, pizzas, snacks and other comfort food. Standout dishes include the crab and fennel fettuccine and the Asian pork belly burger with bok choy and sesame-soy aioli. Keep calm and enjoy a craft beer.

The style

Essential Life Design Centre in Parkhurst has brought the Victorian science fiction genre of steampunk to life with a completely custom-designed and -built interior. A 20m-high bar display features a workable clock with backlit world map and a rotating wine rack. Although the style is futuristic, authentic craft gives the interior its character: 167 hand-blown light features resemble water drops from industrial taps; a handmade 5m zeppelin has workable lights; and industrial birdcages are populated by steampunk birds.

The decor inside The Steamworks Gastropub. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Does The Steamworks Gastropub have what it takes to win the 2014 Boschendal Style Award? We find out on Sunday 16 November at the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards.