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The Pot Luck Club Brings Juicy Flavours to The Peech 

One of the city’s most beloved boutique hotels adds another layer of excellence.

“I’ve always been a tremendous admirer of Luke’s food and his approach as a restaurateur and chef,” says James Peech. “Marking 20 years in business was a turning point for our family-run hotel, and we wanted to continue evolving what we offer both travellers and locals. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Luke in this next chapter.”

The Peech Boutique Hotel has consistently delivered quality to Joburg patrons since it opened in 2004. Established by James and Vicky Peech, the hotel quickly gained acclaim for its eco-chic ethos, stylish interiors and its tranquil setting in the heart of Melrose. Over the years, The Peech has grown with a notable expansion in 2019 that doubled the hotel’s footprint, adding luxurious new suites and landscaped gardens.

What has not changed is the on-point service and wonderful staff, many of whom have been part of the team since inception.

From the start, food and drink have been central to The Peech experience. Initially, the hotel was home to bistro-style dining that emphasised seasonal, locally sourced produce. Later came Bistro at The Peech, under the guidance of chef Greg Jardim, which focused on clean, contemporary plates. More recently, Basalt, launched in 2020 with chef Freddie Dias and followed by Candice Philip and then James Diack, brought fine dining flair to the hotel. Each evolution of The Peech’s food offering reflected a commitment to bringing innovative culinary experiences to the table.

Now, The Pot Luck Club brings a new energy to The Peech. Originally created by chef Luke Dale Roberts at Cape Town’s The Old Biscuit Mill, The Pot Luck Club was a sensation from the start with its small-plate philosophy designed to be mixed, matched, and enjoyed together. The inventive menu brings together east and west, smoky and sweet, with umami the star of the show. From the first course of the famous Pot Luck bread, PLC fans can expect a treat. Some of the favourites include the chickpea fries with aioli and smoked ketchup, and beef fillet with café au lait, while new dishes have been added. All are delivered under the care of Head Chef Ebie du Toit, who has been part of Luke’s team since The Test Kitchen days. 

Luke Dale Roberts is equally excited about the move: “When James and Vicky presented the idea to us, we gave it careful thought. The Peech, renowned as one of the continent’s finest boutique hotels, aligns perfectly with our values. This new chapter for The Pot Luck Club feels like a natural evolution. We want guests to start with a Pot Luck signature cocktail in the gardens and then either stroll over to the restaurant for their meal or choose to dine beneath the tree canopies.”

Pot Luck Club Johannesburg – Vicky Peech, Luke Dale Roberts and James Peech

The space has also had an overhaul – the redesign was a collaboration between Aparna Ramani (Aparna Ramani Design) and Richard Ball (RAB Designs). Tactile textures, natural materials, and industrial-chic elements like brushed concrete and warm woods make for a cosy setting that’s also chic and urban. Moody lighting and art are key, with an origami installation by artist Maia Lehr-Sacks taking centre stage and artworks by Johannesburg-based artist David Tsoka adorning the walls.

The Peech also offers meals at the Garden Restaurant. With an outside patio area overlooking the gardens, it’s a great space for family dining with younger children.

The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, with reservations available between 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, with seating between 6 pm and 9 pm. Reservations are essential: Email [email protected], call +27 010 1575757, or visit www.thepotluckclubjhb.co.za 

Don’t miss…

From 5 May to 30 September 2025, the Luke Dale Roberts Group of Restaurants is offering its renowned prix fixe menus across all restaurants – The Pot Luck Club (Johannesburg and Cape Town), SALON and The Test Kitchen Fledgelings. The outstanding value multi-course menus allow guests the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of plates. Reservations and full menus are available at www.lukedaleroberts.com

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JUly 2025

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