Starting August 2025, The Pot Luck Club from Cape Town will take over the historic Homage dining room at London’s Waldorf Hilton for three months. Led by chef Luke Dale Roberts, this vibrant residency will mix bold South African flavors with fresh British ingredients in small plates meant for sharing. The elegant Edwardian setting will get a lively makeover, blending heritage with modern style. Guests can expect inventive cocktails and a warm, relaxed atmosphere where tradition meets daring new tastes. It’s a unique chance to experience a thrilling fusion of cultures right in the heart of London.
What is The Pot Luck Club’s residency at The Waldorf Hilton in London?
The Pot Luck Club, Cape Town’s innovative dining spot led by Luke Dale Roberts, will have a three-month residency at The Waldorf Hilton in London starting August 2025. The experience features shared plates, seasonal British ingredients, inventive cocktails, and a reimagined historic dining space blending heritage with modern cuisine.
The Meeting of Two Legends
London, a city where cuisines from every corner of the world converge, is about to host a culinary event that promises to be the talk of the town in 2025. In August of that year, The Pot Luck Club—Cape Town’s acclaimed dining destination—will begin a three-month residency at The Waldorf Hilton. For Londoners and visitors alike, this represents more than a typical pop-up; it’s a fusion of innovation and tradition, where Cape Town’s boundary-pushing kitchen meets the grandeur of one of London’s most storied hotels.
The Waldorf Hilton, with its iconic Edwardian design and rich heritage, has long set the scene for lavish events and memorable meals. Since opening its doors in 1908, the hotel has offered more than just accommodation—it has been a gathering place for high society, offering everything from refined afternoon teas to elegant dinners beneath its sparkling chandeliers. The Homage dining room, known for its sweeping domes and ornate columns, is about to be reimagined for a new era, as the bold flavors and creative energy of The Pot Luck Club take center stage.
Bringing The Pot Luck Club to London is a significant moment for both establishments. This residency isn’t just about sharing food from Cape Town; it’s a true meeting of cultures, where the old-world charm of The Waldorf Hilton provides the perfect stage for a new kind of culinary performance. As London looks forward to this union, anticipation builds for an experience that will blend the best of two worlds—heritage and modern innovation, local ingredients and international flair.
The Vision of Luke Dale Roberts
At the heart of this collaboration stands Luke Dale Roberts, the British-born chef who has redefined South African fine dining. Perched atop Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill, The Pot Luck Club is a testament to Dale Roberts’ fearless approach to food. With panoramic views of the city and a reputation for creativity, the restaurant draws food lovers from around the world. Its menu, built around sharing plates, showcases a broad spectrum of influences, from Asian techniques to South African flavors, all tied together by Dale Roberts’ signature inventiveness.
Dale Roberts’ story is one of global experience and local passion. His time in the kitchens of London, combined with years spent mastering Asian and European cuisines, has shaped a chef who thrives on innovation. Yet, it’s his embrace of South Africa’s bounty—its produce, its traditions, its multicultural energy—that has given The Pot Luck Club its distinct character. Dishes like smoked beef fillet with truffle café au lait sauce and Cape Malay-spiced vegetables tell stories of migration and exchange, reflecting both the chef’s journey and the history of the Cape.
The decision to bring The Pot Luck Club to London marks a homecoming for Dale Roberts, but with a twist. For him, this residency is an opportunity to revisit his roots while sharing the lessons and flavors he’s gathered abroad. As he describes it, returning to London “means something special”—not just professionally, but personally. For the many who have made The Pot Luck Club a culinary destination in Cape Town, this is a rare opportunity to taste its signature creations in the heart of the British capital.
A Menu Shaped by Two Worlds
Central to The Pot Luck Club experience is its approach to food: small plates meant for sharing, each carefully composed yet playful in concept. The London residency will stay true to this vision, but with inventive twists that celebrate local British produce. While beloved classics like the smoked beef fillet and inventive seafood dishes will make the journey north, the menu will also adapt to the changing seasons and the availability of ingredients in the UK. Expect to see British lamb in place of South African mutton, and wild mushrooms sourced from English forests used in new and creative ways.
Rachel Maroun, Dale Roberts’ trusted sous chef, will oversee the kitchen during the residency, ensuring that the spirit of The Pot Luck Club remains intact. The team’s philosophy is simple: deliver food that surprises and delights, without the rigidity or formality that can sometimes overshadow fine dining. Guests can expect attentive yet relaxed service, creating an atmosphere that feels both special and accessible. Whether opting for the à la carte offerings, a concise set menu for those short on time, or the full tasting journey, diners are invited to explore a world of bold flavors and thoughtful compositions.
The experience extends beyond the plate, thanks to a cocktail program developed in partnership with The Waldorf Hilton’s master bartenders. Abby Long, known for her creative approach to mixology, leads the bar team as they craft cocktails that complement the food rather than compete with it. House-infused liqueurs, seasonal botanicals, and nods to South African flavors will feature prominently, ensuring that each drink pairs harmoniously with the menu. Complementary bar snacks, inspired by The Pot Luck Club’s playful spirit, will keep the conversation lively long after dinner service has ended.
Redefining the Dining Experience
The transformation of the Homage dining room is a key part of The Pot Luck Club’s London story. Drawing inspiration from its industrial-chic home in Cape Town, the residency will introduce new lighting, music, and table settings to create a fresh ambiance within the historic walls of The Waldorf Hilton. While respecting the building’s Edwardian elegance, the design aims to capture the energy and sophistication that define The Pot Luck Club’s style. The result is a space where heritage meets modernity, inviting guests to linger, explore, and savor each moment.
Guy Hilton, the area general manager, sums up the collaboration as an ideal pairing. He sees the residency as a “perfect match,” blending the warmth and creativity of South African cuisine with the legendary hospitality of The Waldorf Hilton. This partnership isn’t just about importing a restaurant; it’s about creating a dynamic new dining experience that honors the past while embracing the future. Dinner service will start at 5pm, with the last tables seated at 10pm, and the Wild Monkey bar will welcome guests from late afternoon until late at night, ensuring the festivities continue well into the evening.
This residency signals a growing trend in the world of gastronomy, where great restaurants act as cultural ambassadors, bringing their unique stories and flavors to new audiences. In a city as cosmopolitan as London, The Pot Luck Club’s presence feels both timely and exciting—a testament to the evolving nature of global dining. For both longtime fans and those discovering The Pot Luck Club for the first time, this promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the restaurant’s journey and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking bold, contemporary cuisine in one of London’s most iconic settings.
As anticipation mounts and reservations fill, diners will find themselves at the heart of a global conversation—one told through inventive dishes, inspired cocktails, and the shared pleasure of a truly exceptional meal. The Pot Luck Club at The Waldorf Hilton stands poised to offer not just a taste of Cape Town, but a fresh perspective on what it means to dine out in London today.
What is The Pot Luck Club’s residency at The Waldorf Hilton?
Starting August 2025, The Pot Luck Club from Cape Town will hold a three-month residency at the historic Homage dining room in London’s Waldorf Hilton. Led by chef Luke Dale Roberts, this residency will feature small plates designed for sharing, combining bold South African flavors with fresh British ingredients. The experience includes inventive cocktails and a redesigned dining space that blends Edwardian elegance with modern style.
Who is Luke Dale Roberts and what is his vision for this residency?
Luke Dale Roberts is the British-born chef behind The Pot Luck Club and one of South Africa’s most innovative culinary figures. Known for his fearless creativity and fusion of international influences with South African traditions, Roberts aims to bring a unique culinary dialogue between Cape Town and London. This residency represents a personal homecoming for him, where he revisits his roots while showcasing the bold flavors and shared dining philosophy that define his restaurant.
How will the menu at The Pot Luck Club in London differ from the original Cape Town restaurant?
While maintaining The Pot Luck Club’s signature style of small, shareable plates, the London menu will adapt to seasonal British produce. Classic dishes like smoked beef fillet and Cape Malay-spiced vegetables will be present, but with inventive twists such as English wild mushrooms and British lamb substituting South African ingredients. The menu will offer à la carte options, a concise set menu, and a full tasting experience to suit different dining preferences.
What changes can guests expect in the Homage dining room during the residency?
The traditionally elegant Edwardian Homage dining room will be reimagined with new lighting, music, and table settings inspired by The Pot Luck Club’s industrial-chic atmosphere from Cape Town. The redesign aims to blend the hotel’s historic grandeur with a lively, contemporary vibe, creating a warm and welcoming environment that encourages guests to relax, share, and savor their meals.
What kind of beverage experience will accompany the food?
The cocktail program is a highlight of the residency, developed collaboratively between The Pot Luck Club team and The Waldorf Hilton’s master bartenders, led by Abby Long. Expect creatively crafted cocktails featuring house-infused liqueurs, seasonal botanicals, and South African flavor influences that complement the food perfectly. Additionally, playful bar snacks inspired by The Pot Luck Club will be available, enhancing the overall dining and social experience.
How can guests make reservations and what are the opening hours during the residency?
Dinner service at The Pot Luck Club residency will begin at 5pm, with the last tables seated by 10pm. The Wild Monkey bar inside The Waldorf Hilton will be open from late afternoon until late night, offering a space to enjoy drinks and bar snacks beyond dinner hours. Given the popularity and limited three-month run, guests are encouraged to book their tables in advance through The Waldorf Hilton’s official website or reservation platforms.
