Leeu Collection has revealed exciting new plans for its Cape Winelands properties that will cement its desire to host only the very best dining experiences (that make the most of local produce and talent) and reinforce Franschhoek’s title as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa. Leeu Estates; Darren Badenhorst; Le coin Francais signature dessert
The seeds for this concept were sown earlier this year when it was announced that Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan is to take over the restaurant (to be called Henrock) and every other aspect of the Food & Beverage at Leeu’s British property, Linthwaite House in the Lake District, from early October 2019. Now, Leeu Collection has reached agreement with two of the best culinary teams in South Africa to replicate the idea in Franschhoek.
Multiple award-winning chef Darren Badenhorst, already well-known as the Chef Patron of Le coin Français in Franschhoek, will manage the food and beverage offering at Leeu Estates as of 15 October 2019, creating a new restaurant in the Manor House called Le chêne (The Oak) that will serve French-inspired dishes made from local produce. Both the name and concept of this new dining experience acknowledge Franschhoek’s history – French Huguenots settled in the valley in the 17th century, hence its name of Franschhoek which derives from the Dutch for “French corner”.
Then, from the start of May 2020, the award-winning team at La Colombe in Cape Town will move La Petite Colombe (which is currently located at Leeu’s Le Quartier Français) into a larger stand-alone space on Leeu Estates that is set amid beautiful gardens, with glorious river and mountain views. Alongside it will stand a new Everard Read gallery for monumental art, creating a “must-go” destination for food and art aficionados. (La Petite Colombe will be the only Food & Beverage outlet at Leeu Estates not operated by Badenhorst.) Protégé, also operated by the La Colombe team, will remain at Le Quartier Français. La Petite Colombe; the La Colombe team; La Petite Colombe signature dish
“Food and drink are such an important part of a hotel stay, we have made the decision to welcome top chefs and their restaurants into the Leeu Collection properties, to enhance the guest experience,” says Analjit Singh, founder of Leeu Collection. “While we provide the infrastructure and functionality, focusing on lifestyle aspects such as beautifully curated interiors, exquisite landscaped gardens, stunning pieces of art and immersive Mullineux & Leeu Family Wine tastings, we can allow the experts to cook up a magical storm in our kitchens.”
Leeu Collection offers guests a wide and diverse choice of unforgettable places to stay in the sublimely beautiful Franschhoek valley, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The portfolio comprises three unique properties: Leeu Estates, the mountainside country house hotel and boutique winery recently awarded the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)’s new 5-Star Premium grading, as well as Leeu House, an exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Franschhoek, and Le Quartier Français, a romantic hotel with two independent villas.
For further information, please contact us on +27 21 492 2222 or email reservations@leeucollection.com or visit www.leeucollection.com
For media queries, please contact Nicolette Waterford: Nicolette.Waterford@leeucollection.com
FRANSCHHOEK IS OPEN!
Our Main Road village entrance is now clear, and the majority of our beloved wine estates, restaurants, and shops are flinging their doors open with open arms to welcome you! If you need to get in touch, please email us at office@franschhoek.org.za, or call us on +27(0) 66 224 6360.
Our dedicated disaster management teams are working hard to restore our beautiful valley to its former glory, and the outpouring of support from our community has been nothing short of awe-inspiring!
Please note that The Franschhoek Wine Tram is currently offering an Original Brill Tram Experience, which departs from the Franschhoek Terminal, and visits a group of Franschhoek wine estates, as well their Navy and Orange lines, which depart from the Groot Drakenstein Terminal.
If you’re looking to lend a hand, why not consider making a donation to FRANCO? They’re currently providing assistance to 87 individuals who have been displaced, including 55 adults and 32 children. Your support, big or small, will make a world of difference!
*Please also note that the Franschhoek Pass remains closed until further notice.
