Johannesburg’s dining scene just got a boost with the relocation of Luke Dale Roberts’ Pot Luck Club from Oxford Parks in Rosebank to The Peech Hotel in Melrose. Known for its inventive, globally inspired dishes and signature small-plate dining, the original Pot Luck Club in Cape Town’s Woodstock, along with its Johannesburg counterpart, has earned a reputation for culinary excellence.
The move to The Peech Hotel in Melrose marks an important milestone for both the restaurant and the boutique hotel. Known for its Afro-Chic style and intimate atmosphere, The Peech celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. With the arrival of The Pot Luck Club, the hotel now offers locals and visitors a dining experience that aligns with its ethos of understated elegance. Situated within The Peech’s two-acre lush garden, the new Pot Luck Club Johannesburg provides both indoor and alfresco dining, including family-friendly Sunday lunches and gatherings with friends. Pot Luck regulars will recognise the signature interior design style.
The owners of The Peech, James and Vicky’s vision for the boutique city hotel has always been to create a space where comfort, style, and top-tier hospitality come together. Partnering with Luke Dale Roberts and his team marks a new era, as The Pot Luck Club brings its inventive and energetic approach to the hotel’s dining experience.
“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.”
Luke Dale Roberts shares his excitement about the move: “The new location at The Peech is absolutely ideal, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, including a lovely terrace and vibrant gardens. 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. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch or dinner in a peaceful, beautiful environment. 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.”
At the helm of the Johannesburg kitchen is Head Chef Ebie du Toit, working alongside Pot Luck Club’s Group Executive Chef Jason Kosmas, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the restaurant’s approach to cuisine. Du Toit has played a formative role within the group since The Test Kitchen era, and together with Kosmas, he ensures that the Pot Luck Club’s much-admired menu and service, remain consistent while also embracing fresh inspiration from its new address.
For regulars, the menu will feel reassuringly familiar. The experience begins with Pot Luck’s signature bread course, followed by “Family Favourites,” including signature dishes including the famous chickpea fries with aioli and smoked ketchup, and awesome beef fillet with café au lait sauce—both enduring crowd-pleasers. Some classics have been adapted for The Peech, while new additions ensure the menu remains vibrant and full of surprises.
Beyond the cuisine, The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is known for its bold, inventive cocktails and a wine list that champions small, interesting producers, perfectly complementing the wide-ranging dishes on offer. Every element is designed to enhance the dining experience.
Overseeing day-to-day operations is Gray Tawanda, the longest-serving manager from the original Pot Luck Club in Cape Town. Now leading the new Johannesburg team, Gray brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to service that defines the Pot Luck Club’s ethos.