Picture: Tegan Smith
Chef Matt Manning, like many other restaurant owners in South Africa, is hopeful that the upcoming festive season will give the industry the much-needed financial boost to recover from the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Last year’s festive season was rather dry, as the country was moved to alert level lockdown 3 on 28 December.
While restaurants were allowed to open during this time, the sale of alcohol was prohibited and all outdoor and indoor gatherings banned for 14 days. The stricter regulations saw thousands of South Africans canceling their holiday plans, dealing both the tourism and restaurant industry a harsh blow as they were banking on the festive season to survive.
In a statement, Manning explained that The Blue Room, formerly the Red Bull Music Studios, was born from a desire to resuscitate the local music scene, which has also been suffering under the strict lockdown regulations.
“After months stuck at home, people want to get out and get together. Every day, we’re seeing more and more locals and tourists in the CBD. At 103 Bree Street, we want to give our patrons more than enough opportunities to reconnect with each other, over extraordinary experiences they can share in,” he said.
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Manning adds that like dining out, music adds magic to life.
“Through marrying my experience in hospitality with my passion for jazz, I wanted to provide an exciting platform for local talent, which would breathe new life into Cape Town’s music scene.”
Buddy Wells, a prominent jazz artist, will manage the venue’s live music element, which will see The Blue Room regularly host top local musicians including the likes of Nobuhle Ashanti, Darren English, Tefo Mohala and Hilton Schilder’s and Goema Club over the festive season.
An evening of wonderful entertainment just won’t be complete without something delicious to eat and drink.
Guests can look forward to enjoying some exquisite cocktails, from delicious concoctions such as the Ella Fizzgerald (gin, lime, rhubarb, fennel and Brut MCC) and Muddy Waters (bourbon, dry sherry, vanilla maple and naartjie) while nibbling on delectable selection of small plates served from the Grub & Vine kitchen while enjoying the music.
The Blue Room is open for lunch from Monday to Friday, brunch on Saturdays and tapas and cocktails at night.
To find out more and to view the Blue Room’s upcoming performances, click here or find them on Instagram @theblueroomct.
Compiled by Xanet Scheepers