In preparation for the launch of his new venture called The Bailey, celebrated chef and restaurateur Liam Tomlin is closing the door to the iconic Chefs Warehouse Pinchos and Winebar at 92 Bree Street in Cape Town.

However, the chef is not saying goodbye to Bree Street altogether. Together with his wife, Jan, and Tintswalo business partners, Warwick and Lisa Goosen, he’s moving across the road to 91 Bree Street to set up The Bailey.

The historical three-floor building will be a multi-level offering housing a café, champagne bar and patisserie on the ground floor; a classic brasserie on the first floor; and a rooftop wine and whiskey bar and terrace.

The space at 92 Bree Street is where the Chefs Warehouse concept was born after Chef Liam opened the first one there in 2014, serving fine-dining global tapas. In 2016, he opened the modern Indian restaurant Thali with Dimo Papachristodoulou and Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia with Ivor Jones offering the popular Tapas for 2 menu. The following year, with David Schneider, he opened Chefs Warehouse at Maison. The exit of the original spot is a bittersweet moment, but one that sees the continuation of a culinary legacy onto its next chapter.

In reflection, Chef Liam says: “Chefs Warehouse on 92 Bree Street is a special place, which led us to many other exciting opportunities locally, as well as overseas. It’s a rather emotional end of an era for me, but it is the right business decision to make as we look forward to focus on the future. We are moving on from being tenants here to invest our resources in the gorgeous old building we now own and are busy developing across the street. We are also very excited to take the entire Pinchos team with us on the next culinary adventure at The Bailey.”

“‘I want to thank all our amazing patrons who have supported us for so many years and who have become friends. Beautiful relationships came through this first restaurant, and I’m forever grateful that it had led me to Singita and Luke Bailes, Pierre and Cecily du Preez of Beau Constantia, Chris and Kim Weylandt at Maison, Dimo and Candice Papachristadoulou of Thali, and, of course, Lisa and Warwick Goosen at Tintswalo. I would like to extend a special thanks to our suppliers, as well as our original business partner and landlord at 92 Bree Street, Victoria Engelhorn, for many happy years. To our past and present staff, a warm word of thanks and appreciation for their commitment – we couldn’t have done it without you.”

The last day of service at Chefs Warehouse Pinchos and Winebar will be on Tuesday 29 March 2022. The other restaurants in the Chefs Warehouse portfolio will continue operating as usual.