WeeklySA_AdminHOSPITALITY: Hosted by Peech Hotel and The Pot Luck Club, ‘Summer Sundowner Sessions’ and ‘Weekend Jazz Lunch with Bottomless Bubbles’ add to a variety of Joburg weekend revelry options…
By Len Maseko
New summer experiences recently introduced by Joburg’s boutique The Peech Hotel and The Pot Luck Club have breathed new energy into both hospitality establishments.
Nestling in the city’s northern suburb of Melrose, The Peech Hotel occupies a discreet address in a leafy and tranquil neighbourhood, sharing its premises with the in-house The Pot Luck Club. A recent addition to the hotel, the restaurant relocated from the bustling Rosebank CBD to the quiet of Melrose in January this year.
For its part, The Pot Luck Club is renowned for its internationally inspired small-concept menus which owe their existence to the original Cape Town establishment owned by serial restaurateur and chef extraordinaire Luke Dale Roberts. Both establishments share premises as part of a partnership between The Peech Hotel owner James Peech and Roberts, with the creative direction and overall ownership of the Pot Luck Club brand belonging to the chef.
At Pot Luck Club, restaurant guests have the option of dining indoor and the outdoors or on one of the terraces, sharing its mouth-watering dishes with punchy flavours.
With regard to “Summer Sundowner Sessions” and “Weekend Jazz Lunch with Bottomless Bubbles”, these activities have been timed to blend into the warm days and orange-haze sunsets of summer. And they serve as a perfect ease for revellers toning down into the weekend, from Thursday to Sunday afternoons. Both blend food, endless drinks and live entertainment in stylish afternoon settings amid the balmy summer days.
The hotel is distinguishable by its contemporary design and serene ambience, a welcome respite for discerning city slickers wanting an afternoon escape – or even overnight stay – from the fast-paced urban life. It boasts a total of 32 rooms and suites, which includes 16 new luxury rooms added in an expansion and a two-bedroom luxury villa. Before the expansion, it was launched with 16 rooms and suites in the original building and gardens.
Since the introduction last month of the two attractions, the hotel, its sprawling lawns and terraces have become a hive of activity.
The “Sundowner Sessions” swing into action from Thursdays to Saturdays, between 4pm and 6pm. Guests relax on the lush gardens, patio and rooftop bar while enjoying the restaurant’s new aperitivo inspired tapas menu paired with gorgeous house cocktails, chilled summer wines or local craft beer. At R145 per person, they are treated to a first round, including a tapas of choice served with a complimentary cocktail, glass of wine or a beer.
The tapas menu offers delights such as fresh oysters, fish tacos, short rib roti and prawn cocktail (vegetarian options available). A special Sundowner pricing applies to all featured beverages ordered between 4pm and 6pm.
Different South African wine estates are listed, offering guests an opportunity to taste some incredible ‘summer wines’, featuring crisp whites, light summery rosés and chilled bubbles, all available by the glass, or bottle as the sun goes down.
The second Jazz and Bottomless session takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:30 pm onwards. Guests enjoy Weekend Live Jazz Lunches with bottomless bubbles, Mimosas and Bellinis at R395 per person. Reservations essential. Call: +27 (011) 537, email hello@plcj.co.za or book https://thepotluckclubjhb.co.za/book/
EVENTS
BUBBLES, MUSIC AT JC LE ROUX
The House of J.C. Le Roux, South Africa’s home of premium sparkling wine, is to host an evening of music, bubbles and celebration on November 28, featuring a live performance by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Shekhinah.
Loved for her velvety voice and honest, soulful lyrics, Shekhinah has become one of the country’s most celebrated musical talents. Her award-winning debut album, Rose Gold, went multi-platinum, and its successor, Trouble in Paradise, confirmed her as a leading voice in South African pop and R&B.
“Fridays represent that moment of celebrating yourself making it through the week, kicking off the weekend your way,” says Siphokazi Solani, brand spokesperson for JC Le Roux. “Our J.C. Fridays series is all about embracing that spirit and celebrating life’s bright moments with good company, great music, and a glass of something truly sparkling, right here in the heart of Stellenbosch’s lush Devon Valley.”
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly before enjoying a guided tasting of five J.C. Le Roux sparkling wines, deliciously paired with a choice of decadent nougat, artisanal chocolate or biltong. As the sun dips behind the vineyards, Shekhinah will take the stage in the garden for an intimate sunset performance. Tickets: R350 per person, available via https://jcleroux.howler.co.za.
Backsberg Wine & Fashion
This festive season, craftsmanship takes centre stage as Backsberg Family Wines partners with acclaimed designer Heidi Steck for a unique event — the launch of Heidi Steck’s Summer 2025 Catalogue on November 29 and 30.
It will be hosted within the newly reimagined Backsberg Tasting Facility in the Franschhoek Valley. Guests are invited to join Heidi Steck and friends for a curated weekend of fine wine and fashion. The showcase will feature a handpicked selection of leading South African designers — including, among others, Exotic Kashmir, Beatrice von Tresckow, Denise Celia and BellaBrina Moda — alongside Heidi Steck’s own collection.
The weekend begins with a VIP Sundowner Launch Event on November 28, where invited guests will raise glass to summer. Following the launch, the experience will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday (November 29 and 30), from 10am to 5pm, offering a walk-in shopping and tasting experience that coincides with the vibrant atmosphere of the Capitec Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival taking place in the valley that same weekend.
NEDERBURG OPENS VAULT
Nederburg will unlock its vault to showcase oldest wines at an outdoor summer party to be held at its Paarl farm on the evening of December 6.
The affair, open to the public, will be a special long-table gala garden celebration featuring wines from as far back as the 1960s right up to the present vintages.
The soirée will be heightened by live music, a DJ and dance floor, with the highlight being the pouring of seven wines, across seven decades, beginning with a 61-year-old Port from 1964. The wines from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s were all made by the legendary Günter Brözel (pictured), who was cellarmaster from 1956 to 1989.
Jackson said the evening will start with a 17h00 with a live saxophonist, canapés and Cap Classique. Guests will be invited to dance under the stars as the perfect ending to an almost once-in-a lifetime occurrence, adds Jackson. Tickets at R1 450 per person can be purchased here: https://www.dineplan.com/widgetframe/70z2dTZc?date=2025-12-06
FRANSCHHOEK MCC & CHAMPS
Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival is back to pamper wine lovers from all over South Africa with a garden-party-style day filled with bubbly.
The event takes place at its usual venue – Franschhoek Huguenot Monument Festival Grounds – on November 29 and 30, from 11h00.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Huguenot Monument, the festival unfolds over a weekend rich with epicurean delights, providing plenty of reasons to raise a glass and share a toast.
Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience filled with floral-themed festivities, exquisite Cap Classiques, and vibrant live entertainment. The joyful sound of popping corks will resonate throughout, creating the perfect atmosphere for celebrating all things sparkling.
Over two lively days, festival-goers can enjoy performances by popular acts such as the Majozi Band and the Absolutely Fabulous Duo, returning by popular demand. As the culinary capital of the country, Franschhoek’s local restaurants and a variety of pop-up food stalls will ensure that guests indulge in artisanal gourmet goodness and French-inspired fare proudly on offer.
Whisky & Darling
The first-ever Darling Whisky Weekend, to be held from November 21 to 23, will showcase the splendour of the picturesque West Coast town.
This event will include select masterclasses and whisky tastings from some of the world’s most renowned distilleries. Inspired by the successful McGregor Whisky Weekend, founded by Hector McBeth, the event aims to unite whisky aficionados, distillers, and newcomers to celebrate craftsmanship and culture on South Africa’s Cape West Coast.
McBeth, owner of WhiskyShop.co.za and Retail stores in Woodstock and Fourways, states: “The Darling Whisky Weekend offers a unique flavour journey up South Africa’s West Coast, where event guests can savour exceptional whiskies, sample exquisite whiskies from around the globe, including Scotland’s Aberlour and Ardbeg, Ireland’s Dunvilles and Foxes Bow, Japan’s Nikka and Suntory, India’s Indri and Paul John, and South Africa’s very own TOOR and Darling Brew Reminisce.”
Tickets range from R150 for Masterclasses to R495 (Early Bird) or R550 (General) for the main event, with a Sunday Whisky Brunch at R1 000. Shuttles service will be available. Tickets are available from www.darlingwhiskyweekend.co.za. – Compiled by Len Maseko
CULLINAN WINE FEST
The 3rd Cullinan Summer Wine Festival will take place at Makers Village in Cullinan, east of Pretoria, on November 29, from 9am.
Top wine estates from the Western Cape will be showcasing their award winning wines – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Rose and MCC – to tantalise taste buds. For the non-wine drinkers, there will be a few craft distillers and brewers in attendance.
As part of this event, there will also be a special wine-and-food-pairing session combined with a game drive at a nearby reserve. The event will end with a popular safari dinner. Food stalls, deli type foods and general stalls will be in the market area. Live entertainment by various artists will complete the show.s Tickets costing R150 a person are sold online exclusively through Quicket. The venue’s address is 101 Oak Avenue, Cullinan.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
