132 Helen Joseph Road: Opens Monday 19 October
The new kids on the block: Glenwood has a funky new dining option to add to the restaurant mix on the Davenport strip, with Pop-up Society opening its doors mid October.
The uniqueness of Pop-up Society is that owners are concentrating on making their new venue stand out from the crowd. What makes their eatery special is that they are a family day time and evening restaurant which caters for a wide variety of culinary choices and styles (including Banting and vegetarian); it has a fabulous cosy bar with a great selection (including craft beers, bespoke spirit range and a comprehensive cocktail menu) and it welcomes both children and dogs (there is a programme of children’s activities to keep littlies busy while the grown-ups dine).
Pop-up Society is the brainchild of owners / directors Rev Batohi and Mike Laing. In charge of the Front of House is Mike Laing who has eight years’ experience in the hospitality industry learning his trade through working in high-end eateries, as well as event management and sound engineering. He is joined by Rev Batohi or “Chef Rev” as he is known in culinary circles, who is in charge of the menu and kitchen.
The bold, multi-coloured, quirky exterior promises a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Chef Rev and Mike have personally lovingly restored an old Glenwood home in Davenport Rd – one of those old gems which boast tall ceilings, sash windows and wooden floors.
We are hungry to achieve and deliver not only good food, but a great dining experience.
Pop-up Society offers an intimate 80 seater, fixed and contemporary style restaurant and bar which will trade seven days a week with three meal sittings catering to a wide culinary variety not currently in the area. This stylish and modern spot creates a funky environment. It boasts an avant-garde indoor garden (a design feature with cows and grass on the wall!); an inviting wooden bar; and an outdoor area which doubles as the kitchen’s garden. The dining area features large reclaimed doors from the actual building which have been reappointed as solid table-tops; and there is quirky décor in and around the house – vintage movie posters, chalk boards and affirmation phrases dotted around.
We saw the need for more family-friendly spaces that wasn’t a predictable franchise chain store. We have dates earmarked to have kids activities where we will teach them to make their own pizzas; bake gingerbread man; bake cup-cakes and learn to decorate them. – Chef Rev.
Having graduated in 2012 from the Capsicum Culinary Studio, South Africa’s largest hospitality school, Chef Rev continues, “I just want to cook! And by so doing, spread my passion for mouth-watering fare. Our menu is adventurous and full of surprises. We also have a handful of Banting options which we will be expanding on soon, and a whole vegetarian menu as well! We don’t however have a dessert menu as I am a pastry chef so each day I will be coming up with a few options of what is in season and what I fancy – it’s the sweet part of my job!”
A delectable variety of craft beer is on offer. Laing affirms: “We are excited to serve a wide selection of some great brews.”
Pop-up Society is situated on 132 Helen Joseph / Davenport Rd, Glenwood (next to Badgers). It is open during the week from 10am until late and on weekends from 8am until late, opening on Monday 19 October.
