With dramatic lighting, bright blue highlights and plenty of quirky details, luxury hotel Majeka House recently reopened its doors after a 10 million rand revamp. The restaurant inside is simply beautiful.

The mood: Calm and sophisticated, but with playful touches, Makaron is the place to go for a light but beautiful lunch or a serene dinner in an achingly contemporary space. M Bar, meanwhile, is the hip gentleman’s bar, with blue LED-lit bar, copper light fittings, leather couch and lacquered tables.

The designer: Award winning Art Director for VISI magazine and interior design consultant, Etienne Hanekom says he wanted “to create a contemporary design that was both functional and cosy, without a commercial feel”. Fans of his design will notice several of his signature touches: quirky animals and deer heads make an appearance.

The details: The striking 4m steel table in the restaurant was designed by Gregor Jenkin, while the funky lifesize pig was supplied by international design company, Moooi. James Mudge made the French oak tables with the copper inlays in the restaurant, according to Etienne’s design. The chairs meanwhile, are a mix of transparent Victoria Ghost chairs by Philippe Starcke and restored vintage chairs.

The food: Produced by talented young chef, Anri Diener, Makaron’s food is a local interpretation of French fine dining. Served on beautiful bespoke plates, everything is made on the premises, even the bread.

Does Makaron have what it takes to win the Boschendal Style Award at the Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards?

By Katharine Jacobs