“Hi there, we’d like to invite you to The Roundhouse for lunch”
“Hi yes thank you please can I go now what about now is five minutes too soon I know it’s not lunchtime but I could eat lunch now omg yes please yes thanks yay”.
The Roundhouse is actually the main restaurant, open for fine dinging dinner service. The Rumbullion is the summer outdoor, tapas-style lunching spot of champions, which has been brought inside for winter.
Steeped in history, it was built as a guard house by the Dutch East India Company back in 1786. Century-old engravings add a sprinkle of magic – reminding you of the people who’ve wined and dined before you.
The meal goes as follows. There are no courses (except dessert). Order everything. It all comes at once in beautiful Le Creuset (lovvee) dishes. Everyone shares. Chill. Order more. Share. Dessert. Share.
From top left, going clockwise:
Oxtail potjie – R120
This melt-in-your-mouth oxtail was slow-cooked to absolute perfection, with caramalised baby onions. Each item on the menu comes with a recommendation, and we went with it and had it with the super smooth, super creamy mash for (seen at the bottom of the pic). It was a combination made in gastronomic heaven.
Beef Shortrib – R60
This deboned shortrib, in a deliciously salty red wine based sauce. The meat was so tender, it fell apart – a great contrast to the crispy onion topping.
Mash – R30
I wanted to live in this mash.
Mussels – R60
One of the more affordable options, as it was a large portion of huge Saldanha Bay black mussels in a ridiculously moreish creamy white wine sauce, which I could’ve eaten as a soup. So often the sauce is overpoweringly garlicky, this had the perfect balance and was freshened up with some parsley.
Bread & Butter Pudding R45
I fell in love with this savoury leek, spinach and mushroom bread and butter pudding instantly. If you take one piece of advice from this review, it’s not share the B&B pud with anyone. Get your own one and make everyone else get one too. Light and fluffy, but still rich and creamy, I could’ve ordered another two or three or four.
Chicken Pie – R55
Packed tight with thyme-roasted chicken and forest mushroom, then topped with golden crisp pastry – another affordable option, this well-sized rustic pie was a dream.
Malva Pudding – R45
This well priced malva pudding was laced with Amarula, and if you know me, you know I love me some Amarula. Hands down, this is the most delicious malva pudding that I have ever had. It wasn’t overwhelmingly “saucy” to the point that it was too dense, it was light but still had that ooziness you expect and want.
Cobbler – R45
This pear, blueberry and port cobbler was pretty much my only disappointment. It was too sweet, too acidic and too overcooked for my liking.
Classic Cheese Fondue – R160
Yes, we ate a lot. Stop judging. I am obsessed with fondue and there was no way that I was going to pass it up. Served with pickled baby onions and gherkins, which were both divine, and mini coutons, which weren’t my favourite – this fondue is certainly a crowd pleaser.
Cheese Board – R60
In case we hadn’t had enough cheese, we indulged in some blue, brie and smoked cheddar. I loved that it was served with such delicate “bread”, which didn’t fill you up at all, and really just gave you something to put the cheese on.
Ok everyone, relax. We stopped eating around about now.
The Roundhouse is an experience. From the minute you arrive and sit in the luscious woollen seats, to the moment you leave and they magically know which is your coat and help you put it back on – it’s an experience. While its not a cheap lunch spot, it certainly can be affordable and is a lot less expensive than people think. And you know what? It’s worth every damn cent.
PS. Check out this competition they’re running to win a lunch for two! And have a look at their champagne gift to all social media fans.
