Vergelegen Wine Estate has opened a temporary restaurant, Firehorse, following the March fire that destroyed its Stables restaurant.
Firehorse opened on April 17 and is located at the Stables site next to the estate’s legacy vineyard block. The venue seats 130 guests and features a marquee structure with open sides for al fresco dining and mountain views.
The menu includes a selection of dishes previously offered at Stables with options such as eggs Benedict, farm breakfasts, French toast and pastries. Lunch offerings include salmon tartare, West Coast mussels, French onion soup, bobotie, grilled kingklip, melanzane and tiger prawns alongside salads, burgers and a vegan option. Desserts include citrus crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and berry pavlova.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by messages of support since the Stables fire,” says Vergelegen CEO Wayne Coetzer. “We’re incredibly grateful that the blaze was contained quickly and no-one was injured.”
“Firehorse represents continuity and resilience while Stables undergoes restoration. We plan to start construction soon, which will take approximately seven months,” added Coetzer. “Support for Firehorse, as a restaurant and as a private functions venue, will enable us to retain our 73 dedicated Stables staff members, safeguarding jobs and providing stability for the team while we rebuild and move forward.”
Firehorse operates from 08h30 to 17h00, with the kitchen closing at 15h30, until the end of October.
