SALSIFY has reopened with a spectacular new look. The restaurant at The Roundhouse, which dates back to 1786, has been given a stylish new look, thanks to the eye of interior designer Jean Francois de Villiers.
“It’s four years since we opened and we’ve now reimagined the space, building upon its past, and writing the next chapter,” says chef Ryan Cole. “It’s an evolution that stays true to not only the building’s past but also Salsify’s sustainable, seasonal and local ethos.”
The design process started with two artworks, namely The Vandalised Vicount (sic) and The Damaged Duke, both depicting 18th Century figures. The prints, complete with elaborate illusion frames have been defaced by spray-paint, with a vivid orange and electric line across each of their respective faces. “It’s these bright colours which have formed the basis for the tonal palette of the reimagined new space. Hues of green, yellow and orange, bring a modern and youthful feel,” De Villiers explains.
Reception features natural, untreated pine slatting, elements of green-veined marble-esque porcelain, a floral installation by Marissa Pretorius of Opus Studio and a custom bench by Vogel. The centre chamber houses Jan Otto du Plessis’s 1.3m Lady Salsify, the half-gamebird, half-woman sculpture, under a golden ceiling illuminated by a vintage chandelier. The private dining room draws on the existing Louis de Villiers graffiti work. The room features a pine slatted bench and Naturalis Fiver chairs upholstered in grey, black fabric and coal sueded leather. Custom-designed brushed black aluminum floor to ceiling wine racks (by Welding Services) run along the exposed masonry of the building.
The Seasonal Room brings the outside in. The hanging floral ceiling installation, by Opus, creates a forest-like illusion while the walls feature an oceanic print (by Cara Saven Wallpaper). The room’s décor will change in line with the seasons. The Sea Room’s oceanic view and dazzle of the sun is reflected in the golden thread graffitied the length of the room. Two Anton Kannemeyer stone pine prints pay homage to the forestry around the Roundhouse. A custom commission by Mariëtte Momberg showcases The Roundhouse linocut in gold on newspaper print. The ceramic Naughts & Crosses by Hennie Meyer, feature characters, animals and flora. White voile curtains, and elements of greenery merge the grounds with the interior.
