All Recipes
Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa has relaunched its food and beverage experiences with a menu created by Executive Chef Matthew Foxon. The relaunch included the unveiling of the newly refurbished restaurant, Qunu, as well as the Olive Bar, Piano Lounge and Terrace; “With 24 years of storied history, the Saxon Hotel celebrates its legacy while embracing the future of hospitality.”
The transformation was successfully pulled off with the support and guidance of the Steyn family and interior designer and founder of Ommni design, Nelson Kubheka. Nelson’s vision integrates Saxon’s heritage with contemporary luxury.
“This evolution embodies our passion for delivering unparalleled hospitality, blending respect for our heritage with visionary design for the years ahead,” remarks Managing Director of Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, George Cohen.
A culinary renaissance at Qunu
Qunu restaurant has been reimagined to offer a dining journey with a team led by Executive Chef Matthew Foxon. Foxon has crafted a menu that honours South Africa’s heritage while embracing contemporary influences. Each dish features locally sourced ingredients. The new dining journey offers a set menu with a range of ingredients and flavours. Guests can enjoy a 2, 3, or 4-course menu paired by our team of sommeliers from our wine list.
A 6-course tasting menu will be available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The menu showcases sustainably sourced ingredients and bold flavour combinations. Among the new dishes is an octopus dish, complemented by the flavours of squid ink. The addition of apple provides a refreshing contrast, while dashi adds an umami undertone. The dish is finished with spicy kimchi. Another dish is the Black Angus sirloin, flavoured with the subtle richness of coffee and paired with parsnip and polenta. For guests who prefer a plant-based menu, a new beetroot dish has been introduced.
The new restaurant design includes a variety of seating arrangements, featuring banquette-style options. The space features new pendulum lights and clean design lines, creating a modern and inviting ambiance. A new art installation was created for this space, reflecting South Africa’s cultural mosaic.
Rediscover the Olive Bar
At the Olive Bar, just off the main Terrace, their team of mixologists wows with a range of signature cocktails, familiar mixes, and premium beverages. The footprint of the bar space has doubled in size and includes a wraparound bar alongside lounge nooks. The bar features accents of light marble, complemented by bespoke light fittings. Fabrics selected for the seats ensure comfort while maintaining an air of luxury. Glass stacking doors from the bar lead out onto the Terrace.
Sophistication in the Piano Lounge
The Piano Lounge, overlooking the Terrace, features various seating styles to accommodate different preferences. Stacking doors seamlessly integrate into the outdoors, bringing a sense of openness to the Lounge.
Experience the renewed Terrace
The reimagined Terrace offers an al fresco dining experience, with views overlooking the pool and gardens. The menu features a selection of dishes, including specialties such as prawn linguini, braised lamb shank, and their Saxon beef burger. Grill items, cooked using the Mibrasa charcoal grill, include options like Wagyu steak with a 9+ marble score, yellowfin tuna, and grass-fed beef. There is also a selection of classic desserts, including the Saxon torte, and new treats including a calamansi-glazed lemon mousse, Guajana chocolate ice cream, and a vanilla baked cheesecake.
Showcasing local art and modern African design
There is now a curated selection of artwork accenting the newly reimagined spaces, handpicked from the Spier art collection, including works from artists such as Samson Mnisi, Lisette Forsyth, and Qhama Maswana. Each artwork has been chosen to complement the hotel, offering guests a visual journey through the talents that define our nation’s cultural landscape. The pieces will be updated quarterly.
Reception and foyer
There is an all-new lobby lounge, reflecting contemporary aesthetics and timeless elegance and which also showcases a curated selection of local artwork. The reception area has been relocated to a more intimate enclave. The reception area is decorated with warm tones and marble accent.
About the design
Founder of Ommni Design, Nelson Kubheka, is the designer behind these re-imagined spaces. With nearly a decade of experience in interiors and spatial solutions across Africa, Nelson Kubheka brings expertise spanning conceptual design, technical documentation, and site implementation. His vision for the Saxon combines a fresh, modern African design ethos with a deep respect for the hotel’s rich history through the integration of authentic and sustainable elements alongside contemporary touches.
“Inclusive design has been a cornerstone of this project,” explains Nelson Kubheka. “It underscores the significance of local craftsmanship and collaboration. By partnering closely with local contractors, furniture makers, tilers, and painters, we have woven together a cohesive narrative that exemplifies how diverse skills and disciplines can converge to breathe life into an idea. The result is a vibrant, elegant space that pays homage to the past while embracing the future.”
Nelson Kubheka draws inspiration from David Adjaye, an architect celebrated for his innovative approach to architecture and design. This influence is evident in the integration of cultural narratives and contemporary aesthetics throughout The Saxon’s reimagined interiors. Nelson’s design philosophy incorporates biophilic design principles, aiming to integrate natural elements into each space. Features such as natural light, plants, organic materials, and views of nature help bring the outside environment into these renewed spaces by incorporating natural shapes and organic forms into the sculptural elements of the design.
