Big news in the culinary world! Chef and restaurateur Luke Dale-Roberts has passed the torch for The Shortmarket Club in Rosebank’s Oxford Parks. The iconic restaurant is set to close on 31 January 2025, making way for its bold reinvention as Ocaso, a vibrant new dining and nightlife concept spearheaded by Heinz Rynners in partnership with Corona.
Rynners, known for creating some of Johannesburg’s most talked-about venues like Greenhouse Bar and Babylon, is bringing his signature energy and creativity to Ocaso. With the transformation, patrons can expect a seamless blend of bold Mexican-inspired cuisine and South African flair. The new venue promises adventurous shared plates, premium tequila, and an exclusive Corona beer selection.
“We’re crafting a space that celebrates flavour, energy, and creativity,” says Rynners. To bring this vision to life, he has teamed up with Ben Stanger and Luke Dakers of Monseca, who will oversee operations at Ocaso and Greenhouse. Their combined expertise will help shape Ocaso into a destination for dining and entertainment.
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Long-time Shortmarket Club Head Chef Tyron Gentry will continue to lead the kitchen at Ocaso. Known for his culinary excellence, Gentry will ensure the transition is seamless while delivering a dynamic, Mexican-inspired menu that stays true to the high standards of the space’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Luke Dale-Roberts remains focused on his Cape Town ventures, including The Pot Luck Club, SALON, and The Test Kitchen Fledgelings. He’s also gearing up for the reopening of The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg at The Peech Boutique Hotel on 11 February 2025.
Ocaso is set to open its doors in April 2025, offering a fresh perspective on dining and nightlife in Johannesburg. Keep an eye out for this exciting new chapter!
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Feature image: Chef Luke-Dale Roberts/Instagram
