That’s right, wine lovers. Publik Wine Bar will be operating a tasting room and event space at the new Salt Cellar urban winery in Salt River, Cape Town.

The old factory building was restored by winemaker Tim Martin and is now home to his wine production and bottling brand, TMW. The space boasts an airy tasting room for cellar-door tastings on Saturdays and for private events.

The entrance to the Salt Cellar. Photo by Hayden Phipps.

Fresh white walls, exposed wooden beams and concrete flooring create a modern industrial-style setting where guests are invited to sample the TMW wine range paired with cured meat and cheese platters. There will also be a rotating guest winemaker with tasting flights for wine lovers to discover new names.

Salt Cellar is available for events, with a full kitchen and bar area, and Publik, together with Tim, will offer a custom wine pairing and selection service for each booking.

The interior at the Salt Cellar. Photo by Hayden Phipps.

Coming up later this month is a series of pop-up dinners with chef Giles Edwards. Giles headed to London 10 years ago to pursue his culinary career, where he rose through the ranks at J Sheekey and 1 Lombard Street before settling at the renowned St. John (currently ranked at 93 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list), where he worked under the guidance of iconic British chef Fergus Henderson.

Wine casks at the Salt Cellar. Photo by Hayden Phipps.

With the intention of creating nose-to-tail dishes similar to those served at St. John, Giles will present a five-course feast at the pop-up dinners. The first two evenings will take place on 26 and 27 November, seating just 30 people at R350 per person. A concise wine list curated by Publik and Tim Martin Wines will pair with the dishes.

To book your spot at the pop-up dinners, email bookings. For event booking enquiries, email Publik.

Another view of the interior of the Salt Cellar. Photo by Hayden Phipps.