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QBar Johannesburg, a luxury wine bar that draws inspiration from the enchanting aspects of the Cape Winelands, has recently earned a spot on the prestigious shortlist for the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2023.
Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, Qbar epitomises an experience destination, offering wine, food, signature drinks and a great atmosphere in a space designed by professional architect Yuliya Gaiduk.
“Quoin Rock Wine Farm has decided to open an exquisite wine lounge and restaurant in Johannesburg to bring an authentic Winelands experience to Gauteng,” says Ewaldt Verster, Quoin Rock’s brand and marketing manager. “We offer a variety of exceptional wines from Quoin Rock and Knorhoek, as well as grappa, gin and Cap Classique, all presented and shared by three professional sommeliers who relocated from Stellenbosch to pursue the grand vision of expressing the Winelands in Gauteng.”
It is the essence and beauty of the Cape Winelands, and the rich heritage of wine production in the Western Cape, that are the inspiration behind Qbar. The goal was to create a space that captures this essence and express it in Gauteng. “Just as our own family fell in love with South Africa and the Stellenbosch Winelands back in 2012, we believe our passion for wine and this beautiful place we call home would serve as an inciting, warm invitation to every person who spends time at Qbar,” says Ewaldt. “We believe in making exceptional wines, operating as family, and sharing experiences around our passions and innovations.”
Experience an ambience typical of Stellenbosch vineyards as you look up at the Cabernet Sauvignon leaves that cover the ceilings of Qbar’s interiors. You will also spot features such as a hand sketch of the Simonsberg mountain by Yuliya, printed in large-scale format on the fixed glass panel above the main entrance.
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A brass- finished pillar, created as a centrepiece, represented an interesting challenge for Yuliya and Charles Haupt of Bronze Age – the goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible with brass by transforming this beautiful material into a gradient of natural colours and textures. The Cabernet Sauvignon leaf wall panel was designed to illuminate the space at night.
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A combination of timber and brass finishes with green marble and smoky mirror accents complete the backdrop. Attention was given to every detail, and every piece of art and decor is a key element of the overall design.
The kitchen has an open design – and here, head chef Brenden Fouché creates a magical food experience for the patrons. Between the kitchen space and the dining area are four pivot screens created by Charles – the magnificent pieces are clad in brass panels that have been laser-cut with Cabernet Sauvignon leaf motifs. The L-shaped bar counter’s front façade is wrapped in brass and two layers of green marble, and features a 3D silhouette of the Simonsberg mountain slopes, with the Quoin Rock logo at the edge.
View the full shortlist for the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2023 at restaurantandbardesignawards.com.
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