The Shortmarket Club — Cape Town, South Africa

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Tables set on white table cloths and blue velvet seats with framed butterflies hanging on the walls
(Image credit: TBC)

Best known as the figure behind Potluck Club and The Test Kitchen, two of Cape Town’s most popular and critically acclaimed restaurants, British-born chef Luke Dales Roberts is now making waves with The Shortmarket Club. From its quaint side street location just off buzzy Bree Street, to the heritage building it sits inside, the restaurant presents a rounded dining experience in which every single facet has been carefully curated.

The menu is led by chef Wesley Randles who has worked closely with Luke since the opening of The Test Kitchen, and here confidently turns out innovative plates that offer updated riffs on classics from an open kitchen. Standouts include an asparagus dish modernised with a hazelnut and miso hollandaise, porcini puree and parmesan wafer, while steak becomes a talking point when served with an experimental café au lait sauce.

Working hand-in-hand with the menu are the interiors by Dale-Roberts’ wife, Sandalene. Here, an opulent old-world vibe comes courtesy of vast banquettes, an unrestrained used of velvet and leather, and a rich palette of blacks and deep aubergine. Sip on a preprandial cocktail in the bar while watching the action from the open kitchen, before heading through locally crafted stained glass sliding doors to the restaurant, where two skylights illuminate a wall of framed butterflies by artist Mark Rautenbach – certainly a conversation starter while waiting for your food.

Round tables with golden chairs next to black glass sliding door

(Image credit: TBC)

Tables set on white table cloths and blue velvet seats with framed butterflies hanging on the walls and a wooden sideboard with many drawers with two green plants at the entrance

(Image credit: TBC)

Tables set on white table cloths and blue velvet seats with framed butterflies hanging on the walls and a wooden sideboard with many drawers with two green plants at the entrance. Two roof windows allows for more lighting

(Image credit: TBC)

ADDRESS

88 Shortmarket Street

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Lauren Ho

Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*,  roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.