The Cape Town institution pops up in a unique Joburg venue
As you walk past some impressive looking doormen and walk through the nostalgic glamour of the Marabi Club, you’re faced with a sight that’s utterly unique in Joburg. With its velvet curtains, live music and stylish staff, the luxurious setting of the Pop Luck Club (a pop-up version of the renowned Pot Luck Club restaurant in Cape Town), is something special indeed.
The decor and architectural inspiration of the venue was a collaborative effort between Dale de Ruig (director of Steyn Entertainment, the company that owns The Marabi Club), TJ Steyn (co-owner) and Dean Simon (a South African artist and collector). The space is filled with genuine Johannesburg antiques as the team wanted a place that was truly representative of the city they love. “Two of my favourite elements are the ceiling panels that adorn the bar front – which are originals from a Randlord mansion built in the late 1800s – and the Maitre D stand that is a ‘book returns’ piece from the old Roodepoort library,” Dale comments.
And how about the food? After all, Jozi diners are flocking to taste dishes from lauded chef, Luke Dale Roberts. Well, they’re in for a treat, you can expect classics from The Pot Luck Club’s menu such as Fish Sliders, the Smoked Beef Fillet with Luke’s Cafe Au Lait sauce and the Pot Luck Churro’s with Rooibos Dulce de Lece. But there are also some new dishes such as The Cuban Sandwich and the Pushing Passion dessert: a grilled pineapple sorbet with compressed pineapple, passion fruit and creme fraiche.
Head chef Katlego Mlambo says that Cape Town and Jozi diners are somewhat different. “I find Joburg diners like what’s familiar. You can experiment more with Cape Town diners and they’re willing to let the chef cook for them. In saying that, the Joburg food culture is developing its own identity and it’s extremely exciting being a part of that,” says Katlego.
With the huge success being enjoyed by the Pop Luck Club, many may be wondering if it would consider becoming a permanent fixture on the Jozi food scene. “The Marabi Club is permanent and we fully expect it to become a Johannesburg icon in the future,” says Dale.
“The Pop Luck Club ends at the end of September. We’ve loved the collaboration and if there is an opportunity to do another pop-up or something more permanent, we’d definitely be up for it,” ends Dale.
010 591 2872
themarabiclub.com
Words: Belinda Mountain | Images: Supplied
