Following the news of The National closing its doors on 1 September, chef James Diack has announced that a brand new wine and cocktail bar concept will be taking its place in the Parktown North location in late September.

It is with a heavy heart that yesterday I closed the Nationals doors the little restaurant that always made me smile it was one of my proudest moments opening those door but as they say all good things do come to the end and yesterday was that , but it’s with great excitement and my usual enthusiasm that I will be bringing you a new project that will hopefully be everything I have dreamt it to be for all the love and support that everyone showed the National over its three years of different food , funky wines and great staff thank you and I look forward to taking you along the journey whilst we create our new home

A post shared by Chef James Diack (@chefjamesdiack) on Sep 2, 2018 at 10:53am PDT

The Coobs chef and wine-lover has announced via The National’s Instagram page that the new venture will be called Douglas + Hale. “After three years serving up some of the best wild boar mac ‘n cheese in Parktown North, The National will be closing… but, not for long. In his usual style, Chef James Diack is giving his Parktown North speakeasy a facelift and transforming it into a wine and food bar,” reads the post’s caption.

We have exciting news to share! The National as you know it, is changing… it’s last day of trading in its current format will be 1 September. Chef James Diack and his team have something fresh and exciting in store for you. Keep an eye on our social media for next week’s big announcement!

A post shared by The National (@thenationaljhb) on Aug 28, 2018 at 6:35am PDT

James goes on to describe the new ‘pet project’ as an ode to both his grandfathers, Douglas Diack and Mathew Hale. The bar will have an offering of fine wine – served by the glass in Riedel glassware – and by the bottle, a range of creative cocktails made by the in-house mixologist, and a simple and relaxed food menu.

After three years serving up some of the best wild boar mac ‘n cheese in Parktown North, The National will be closing… but, not for long. In his usual style, Chef James Diack is giving his Parktown North speakeasy a facelift and transforming it into a wine and food bar – Douglas + Hale.

A post shared by The National (@thenationaljhb) on Sep 4, 2018 at 12:00am PDT

Douglas + Hale is set to open on 25 September. Stay tuned to Eat Out for further developments.