Chef Liam Tomlin – you know, the man behind Chefs Warehouse and Thali and more – has undoubtedly revolutionised Cape Town’s food scene. His three Chefs Hats are but one accolade attesting to his ability to make, and create environments for delicious experiences. And he’s just introduced another Mother City gem: The Bailey.
The Bailey, named after Tomlin’s beloved pooch, certainly has our tails wagging. The stunning new eatery sits like a deep green emerald on Bree Street’s golden band. The building itself dates back to 1862 – the perfect vessel to take us back in time to Europe’s grand all-day café scene.
Tomlin has teamed up with the owners of Tintswalo Lodges (Lisa and Warwick Goosen, and Gaye and Ernest Corbett). A fabulous pairing: their first collaboration, Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic, was voted ‘Africa’s Best New Restaurant’ in the 2021 World Culinary Awards and included in the coveted Condé Nast Traveller Readers Awards as one of the Best New Restaurants in the World.
Now, they’re on track to bring a bit more old-school class to Cape Town with The Bailey: a whopping three-storey set-up that’s sure to keep you hooked from breakfast to Whiskey Bar. You heard right, three-storeys on Bree.
Let’s work our way up:
The ground floor: Café Bailey
- A patisserie with divine cakes, macaroons, pastries and fresh juices.
- All-day brekkie (English or Irish), brunch, light lunch and High Tea.
- Open for pre and post-‘theatre’ drinks and eats (it will make sense on the second floor).
- Serves champagne and classic cocktails all day until closing (last orders at 9pm).
- Currently open for business; walk-in’s welcome.
The second floor: Brasserie Bailey
- A French-style brasserie.
- Open for lunch and dinner (bookings recommended).
- On the menu: iconic continental dishes and wines for a contemporary dining experience.
- Service is to be coordinated by the maître d’ whose team adds an element of hospitality theatre.
- Open from 14 June.
The third floor: The Old Bailey Club
- A rooftop terrace with an old New York/London “members-only club” vibe (but everyone is invited).
- Enjoy the finer things in life: premium wines; cocktails; whisky bar.
- A sophisticated space where you get to dress up a little.
- Open from 14 June.
Head Chef Jacques Grové (25) takes the reins in his first appointment as Head Chef, with Dian Botes as Sous Chef. Head Pastry Chef San-Marie Pienaar will be on all things Café Bailey. The trio all have a wealth of experience working locally and internationally in some seriously accredited kitchens.
Café all day in the most delicious way:
- Location: 91 Bree Street, Cape Town
- Bookings: 021 773 0440
- Website: the-bailey.co.za
Open:
- Café Bailey: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 9pm
- Brasserie Bailey: 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm
- Old Bailey: 3pm until late (Saturdays from 5pm)
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Picture: @thebaileyonbree / Instagram