When I first heard about the closure of The Melting Pot at Oak Valley, it was bittersweet. Having been a frequent guest, I witnessed firsthand the magic Chef John brought to the plate. His fusion of global culinary influences paired with Oak Valley’s wines was something quite extraordinary. You can read my thoughts on that closure here. But as with all things in the world of food, the only constant is change, and in that spirit, Oak Valley has embraced a new chapter with the introduction of The Table at Oak Valley, a restaurant that promises to combine simplicity and quality into a refined, yet relaxed dining experience.
The history of The Table is one I hold close, having often visited The Table at De Meye when it was still owned by Luke and Jess Grant. They were the masterminds behind the concept of long-table dining, offering platters of seasonally inspired dishes to be shared among guests. Luke and Jess eventually moved on to start Good to Gather, leaving the restaurant in the capable hands of husband-and-wife team, Brendan and Leigh Thorncroft, who have now taken their passion for local, sustainable dining to the beautiful Oak Valley Estate.
A Nod to the Past, But a Step Forward
For those unfamiliar, The Melting Pot was a much-beloved eatery during its run at Oak Valley. Its charm lay not just in the food, but in its ability to meld international flavours with local produce in a way that felt fresh, creative, and entirely unpretentious. While its departure left many of us wondering what could fill the void, the arrival of The Table at Oak Valley feels like a thoughtful continuation of Oak Valley’s ethos—a farm-to-table approach that speaks to the heart of its location in Elgin, one of the Western Cape’s most fertile regions.
The Thorncrofts have designed The Table to honour the tradition of shared dining that they perfected at De Meye. Here, guests can expect a more refined, farm-style menu that emphasises the best of what Elgin and its surrounds have to offer. The menu is set, with each course served on large platters for the table to share, a communal style that invites conversation and interaction, while also allowing the kitchen to focus on quality over quantity.
What to Expect from The Table at Oak Valley
The Thorncrofts are no strangers to the importance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Much like their previous venture, The Table at Oak Valley will rely heavily on produce from the surrounding region—local vegetables, herbs, and free-range meats, as well as seasonal fruits from nearby farms. This focus on locality is not just a trend but a true passion for them, and it’s reflected in every dish they serve.
Their menus are designed to change with the seasons, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients are used, and nothing ever feels stale or repetitive. Think slow-cooked Karoo lamb, with sides of roasted root vegetables from Elgin’s farms, or confit duck that’s as crispy on the outside as it is tender on the inside. Vegetarians and vegans are not an afterthought here either, with each menu offering innovative vegetable-forward dishes that highlight the diversity of South African produce.
One of the key differences between The Table and its predecessor The Melting Pot is the stripped-back approach. Whereas The Melting Pot often ventured into complex fusion dishes, The Table keeps things simpler, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to take centre stage. This isn’t to say the food is lacking in flair—there’s still plenty of creativity on the plate—but the focus is on celebrating the ingredients in their purest form.
A Setting That Complements the Experience
Part of what made The Table at De Meye so special was its beautiful, laid-back setting under towering oak trees, and The Table at Oak Valley aims to create a similar environment. Diners can enjoy their meals al fresco, under Oak Valley’s century-old oak trees, surrounded by the serene beauty of Elgin’s vineyards and orchards. On cooler days, the indoor dining space provides a cosy alternative, but whether inside or out, the focus is always on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy the company of their fellow diners.
The combination of setting, food, and the Thorncrofts’ personable service creates an experience that feels personal and intimate—something that’s rare to find in today’s often hurried restaurant scene. Their ethos of slow, shared dining encourages guests to linger over their meals, enjoying each bite, each sip of wine, without feeling the need to rush through courses.
The Wine Experience
Of course, no dining experience at Oak Valley would be complete without wine. The estate is known for producing some of the finest cool-climate wines in South Africa, and The Table takes full advantage of this. Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines from Oak Valley’s own collection, as well as selected bottles from neighbouring estates. Whether you’re a fan of crisp Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noirs, or something a bit more adventurous, the wine list is sure to have something to suit your taste.
As someone who has followed the evolution of dining at Oak Valley closely, I’m genuinely excited for what the Thorncrofts have in store. Their attention to detail, their passion for local, seasonal produce, and their dedication to creating a relaxed, yet refined dining experience make The Table at Oak Valley a welcome addition to the estate and the wider Elgin food scene. The restaurant officially opens its doors in mid-November, and with bookings already open, it’s clear that many, like myself, are eagerly anticipating their first visit.
Whether you’re a regular visitor to Oak Valley or someone looking for a new dining adventure, The Table at Oak Valley promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that combines the best of the farm, the vineyard, and the kitchen. If you’re looking for a place where good food, good wine, and good company come together in perfect harmony, this is it.
Bookings open 1 October via Dineplan
Opening mid-November 2024
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday (October – April)
Thursday – Sunday (May – September)
12pm – 2pm (last seating)
Contact 021 859 4111, oakvalley@thetablerestaurant.co.za
Oak Valley Estate, 127 Oak Avenue, Grabouw
IMAGES: Claire Gunn
