Our next contender for the 2016 Boschendal Style Award is The Stack, Cape Town’s eclectic brasserie and private club. Here’s why it deserves its nomination as the most stylish restaurant in SA.

Design details

The look: Colourful opulence
The location: The historic Leinster Hall in Gardens, Cape Town
The creatives: Design and interior by Sarah Ord, art curated by EbonyCurated, upholstery by Leon at CCXIX and Halogen, photography by Roelof van Wyk and art by Akhona Lunika, Zemba Luzamba and Esther Mahlangu, wallpaper by Robin Sprong

The members’ lounge at The Stack. Photo supplied.

The style

Set in an historic 160-year-old Georgian building in Gardens, The Stack has undergone a major transformation since their devastating fire last year.

The opulent venue boasts a brasserie and bar downstairs and a private members’ club upstairs. Owner Nigel Pace says, “We want to create a convivial space which will be perfect for doing business and entertaining alike. We won’t be a stuffy gentlemen’s club with strict dress codes in place; rather, we’re looking at attracting a younger, like-minded crowd from differing industries.”

The bar at The Stack. Photo supplied.

Sarah Ord’s signature style shines brightly in this unique take on a classic French bistro and private club. “We wanted to show our personalities,” she explains. The space has a sense of humour about it. Vintage elements have been given fun touches with quirky upholstery and vivid prints, while floors have been carpeted in leopard print and the walls have been given an energetic lick of paint in teal and royal blue. The furniture and art accents are a collection of finds from different eras and range from flea market bargains to plush antiques and works by prominent South African artists. Stand out pieces include a mural by Gabi-Lee Smit, photography by Roelof van Wyk, and by Akhona Lunika, paintings by Zemba Luzamba and bold abstract works by famous South African painter, Esther Mahlangu.

The members’ bar at The Stack. Photo supplied.

In the brasserie the history of the house has been retained, with wooden floors and pressed steel ceilings. The result is a cool and sophisticated space, in keeping with the quintessential French aesthetic.

The brasserie at The Stack. Photo supplied.

The cuisine

Chef Warwick King, who has worked as head chef The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay for the past two years, is in charge of the kitchen at the brasserie. His French-inspired menus offer bistro-style dishes with a hint of South African influence. Lunches are lighter, with sandwich offerings such as the classic croque monsieur, with smoked Black Forest ham on a brioche sandwich and grilled gruyère. For dinner guests can look forward to dishes such as the signature dish of pork belly confit with caramelised apple purée and fynbos, and honey-glazed carrots and a side of pommes Dauphinoise.

The pork belly confit at The Stack. Photo supplied.

Does The Stack have what it takes to win the 2016 Boschendal Style Award? Find out at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards on 20 November 2016. Buy tickets now.