Alice & Fifth — Johannesburg, South Africa

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Banquette seating at Alice & Fifth restaurant, Johannesburg, South Africa
(Image credit: press)

Since it opened in 1983, the Sandton Sun hotel has capitalised on its location in Johannesburg’s Sandton quarter, informally known as Africa’s richest square mile, by luring power suits, celebrities and top brass politicians alike. The arrival of Alice & Fifth in the hotel’s basement will only raise the stakes for competitors.

Local designer Tristan Plessis Studio has unraveled the subterranean labyrinth of varying volumes to create a series of dramatic room-sets, including three bars and dining rooms. The entrance sets the tone with a bijou corridor topped by a ceiling carved from a solid piece of hand-moulded polished stainless steel to look like liquid mercury; whilst creamy wall panels curve, Inception-like, up and over plush, crescent shaped banquettes.

In the kitchen, executive chefs Justin Josephs and Jacques Cronje have conceived a contemporary African menu that is defiantly protein-based, though you should follow the rib-eye with the Malva pudding, a local baked classic of sponge and caramelised sugar.

Alice & Fifth restaurant bar, Johannesburg, South Africa

(Image credit: press)

Alice & Fifth restaurant bar, Johannesburg, South Africa

(Image credit: press)

Alice & Fifth restaurant bar, Johannesburg, South Africa

(Image credit: press)

Tristan Pleissis Studio interior design at Alice & Fifth restaurant, Johannesburg, South Africa

(Image credit: press)

ADDRESS

Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street

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Daven Wu

Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.