It’s been a busy few weeks for the South African restaurant industry. A plethora of new restaurants have opened, plus there have also been a few changes to the kitchens of some of the country’s top restaurants.

In February, Luke Dale-Roberts announced that he would be parting ways with The Saxon and that chef Candice Phillip would remain at the helm in what will become a new restaurant in April.

Chefs Luke Dale-Roberts and Candice Philip. Photo supplied.

In KZN, Hartford House’s head chef Constantijn Hahndiek announced that he would be departing the number 18 restaurant, with his last night of service having occurred on 26 February. Chef Chris Papayannes, who has cooked at the likes of Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Chalk & Cork, Devil’s Peak Brewing Company and Thatch House Boutique Hotel, is set to take over from chef Hahndiek.

@chefconstantijn leaves @hartfordhousehotel on the highest note possible. He cooked up a feast for us on Saturday eve- what an honor and pleasure it was sharing his last service with him as a guest. Thank you @duncanbruce15 and the entire staff for making it extra special for @ben_wessels and I. Welcome Chris @pickleandsmoke to the Midlands and to the position of Head Chef at HH,do shout if there is anything I can assist with. I wish you all the very best and huge success to you and your team.

A post shared by Jackie Cameron (@jackiecameronincolour) on Feb 25, 2018 at 7:49pm PST

Closer to the shores came the sad announcement that much-loved Glenwood Restaurant would be closing its doors in May. While chef Adam Robinson won’t be serving his silken pastas anymore, he will still being staying put in the suburb and will go back to focus on things at The Glenwood Bakery.

Liam Tomlin’s Indian tapas eatery, Thali in Gardens, also said goodbye to its young head chef, John van Zyl. After his final service on 28 February, John expressed how grateful he is to have had the experience at the number 16 restaurant. Liam is yet to announce who will be appointed head chef, but will remain hands on at the restaurant. John will also be taking some time to broaden his horizons with plans to travel to Morocco and Spain in the next few months.

A post shared by John van Zyl (@john_vanzyl) on Feb 28, 2018 at 7:07am PST

Finally, in more recent news, chef Michelle Theron of Pierneef à La Motte has told Eat Out that she will be leaving her post as head chef on 28 March 2018. She will then take the position of head chef at the soon-to-be revamped and reopened Hazendal Wine Farm from 1 April, which will boast a deli, a restaurant and a museum. “This is a really big change for me, as La Motte has been a huge part of my life for eight years now,” says Michelle, “but the changes are all so super exciting.” While it’s not been revealed who will be taking over the reins as head chef at La Motte, Michelle hints that “it’s definitely going to be a big and exciting change.”

Chef Michelle Theron. Photo by Jan Ras.

Stay tuned to Eat Out for more exciting updates.