Cape Grace, nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, has appointed chef Wesli Jacobs as its new executive chef. Here, he will lead the culinary direction at Heirloom Restaurant, as well as the hotel’s bars and lounges. 

With more than 15 years’ experience in top South African kitchens, including Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, where he was at the helm of Flames Restaurant, Wesli has a passion for bold, tradition-rooted flavours and locally sourced ingredients. He is deeply inspired by his great-grandmother’s home-cooked feasts.  

“I look forward to exciting Heirloom diners with punchy flavours deeply rooted in tradition, yet modernised,” he says. “And to incorporate the best of the Cape’s natural produce.”

As a leader, Wesli is known for his collaborative approach and dedication to nurturing talent within his team. And from cooking for royal families, dignitaries and celebrities to mentoring young chefs, his approach is deeply personal. 

His first menu for Heirloom will launch in July and promises to offer guests a fresh and flavour-forward experience of Cape Town’s rich culinary narrative.