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The President Hotel in Bantry Bay, affectionately known as Cape Town’s most loved hotel, with its spacious apartments, gorgeous views and Instagram-worthy infinity pool, has given its dining outlets a fresh face and light refurbishment. The Restaurant and Terrace, The Deck Bar, The Base (for gourmet woodfired pizzas) and Botany Café (serving healthy lunch and freshly squeezed juice) are all popular amongst locals who enjoy the divine breakfast spread, delicious pizzas and daily sundowners.

Similarly, The Senate, one of Cape Town’s favourite hangout spots for local sports fans and sundowner regulars has reinvented itself into a refreshing contemporary wine and tapas bar and business hub/coworking space that offers comfort, high-speed Wifi, sustainably sourced Bootlegger coffee and all amenities needed to meet, eat, work and unwind. With a clear vision in mind, and some advice from local design consultants, Stokperd, the space now boasts contemporary furnishing and finishes, and little touches to enhance the dining experience.

Keeping in line with the hotel’s sustainability journey, the new features incorporate local artists, pieces and furnishings that focus on reducing their environmental impact. The simple and elegant high tables, designed and manufactured by a Woodstock-based artisan give a clean and sophisticated look, with tall seating almost floating alongside. The stools - a product of Dark Horse, known for their “Repair, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy – are made using locally sourced leather that’s a direct bi-product of the meat industry, with no environmentally harmful chemicals used in the tanning process.

“Ensuring that our suppliers and all the designers we work with are aligned with our values and sustainability goals was an important part of this project and we’re really happy with the outcome. We really strive to be more mindful of the environment and our impact on it and we’re proud to be associated with other local businesses that are on the same journey,” says Jeremy Clayton, Managing Director at The President Hotel.

The showstopping Cape Winelands backdrop from Cara Saven Wall Design, and beautifully illustrated by local artist, Michael Chandler (whose work has graced the walls of the South African National Gallery) effortlessly completes the space that flows into the bar area. Houtlander oak café tables create a stylish setting for comfort and conversations, while touches of uplifting mustard, in the form of upcycled couches, add a playful pop of colour to the sophisticated emerald and grey space. Elegant scatter cushions, by Lucy Jane Turpin, at Wanderland Collective, finish the area beautifully.

The space is now lush with fresh foliage, thanks to plants by FOLHA - and their pots made from sandstone and resin and recycled materials – and others by local Iconomy and Pezula Interiors.

The bar, serving an extensive selection of local wines, has also been rejuvenated and now sports cosy pockets for socialising, meetings and relaxing. Wine flights are now available so guests can taste and appreciate the wines of the region as they follow the hotel’s Presidential Wine Journey.  The Senate will remain a popular gathering spot with a locally inspired menu, the new look just lends itself to a more relaxing dining experience with sea views that make it the perfect place to unwind.

All dining areas are family-friendly, while the Restaurant and Terrace are dog-friendly as well. All outlets are open to the public as well as guests of the 350-roomed hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Upcoming and ongoing events at refurbished spaces include:

• Daily sundowner specials – selected drinks 25% off between 5pm and 7pm
• Complimentary wine tasting every Friday
• Sunday Lunch Buffet (R275pp), booking essential (excludes specials days such as Mother’s Day)
• High Tea on the first Saturday of each month (R225pp), booking essential
• Kids free pizza-making every Friday between 5pm and 8pm*
• St Patrick’s Day After Party - Saturday, 18 March 2023 – R385pp, booking essential
• Easter Feast - Sunday, 9 April 2023, R485pp, booking essential
• Mother’s Day Lunch - Sunday, 14 May 2023, R490pp, booking essential

For more information and to make a reservation, email events@presidenthotel.co.za , WhatsApp 066 038 4521 or visit the website.