By definition, a distillery is a place where spirits are manufactured. However, Distillery 031 is so much more than that. Opening its doors late last year in the Station Drive Precinct, Distillery 031 started out by creating a range of independent, Durban-distilled, limited-edition artisanal spirits including vodka, gin and absinthe as well as accompanying cordials. Durban entrepreneur and independent distiller, Andrew Ral, has opened the venue up to the public with the addition of the 031 Bar & Restaurant.
Adventurous menus in the 031
This intimate restaurant and bar area allows patrons to get a taste of these locally produced spirits, as well as top-notch mezzes, meals and cocktails. Surrounded by the working distillery, customers are treated to contemporary food created by husband and wife duo, Jordan and Nat Semple. These UK-trained chefs are renowned for their adventurous menus and take care in sourcing local ingredients to create meals that complement the restaurant’s selection of signature cocktails.
Chefs and mixologists
By raising the stakes with the addition of two international chefs, Distillery 031 also made sure to offer the best of the best when it came to their cocktails by bringing on board mixologist Jason Andrew. He’s responsible for shaking and stirring up a range of refreshingly original cocktail mixes (using home-made spirits, of course).
Live music at Distillery 031
The cherry on the top of this perfect blend of good food and drink has to be the live music at Distillery 031 every first Thursday of the month. Known as The Still Sessions, the venue has opened its doors to a variety of local acts including Dan Patlansky and Ildo Nandja.
Opening days and times
The 031 Bar & Restaurant is open Thursday to Saturday for lunch (noon – 3pm) and dinner (6pm – 10pm). You can check out The Still Sessions on the first floor of The Foundry, 43 Station Drive. Doors open at 6.30pm and tickets are just R70, available at www.webtickets.co.za and at Pick n Pay.
Distillery 031
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087 941 4540
Words: Jenna Kelly
Images: Supplied
