Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, long a landmark of luxury in Johannesburg, is embarking on a significant culinary transformation. Perched on the Witwatersrand Ridge in the iconic suburb of Westcliff, with panoramic views of the city’s urban forest, this establishment is redefining its gastronomic offerings.
At the centre of this change is the appointment of Chef Rudi Liebenberg as Executive Chef. This move marks a homecoming for Liebenberg, who returns to Johannesburg to oversee all food and beverage operations at the hotel, including Flames, banqueting and events, and the new outlets that will open as a part of the exciting new developments at the property. He brings a wealth of experience from his timely tenure at Cape Town’s Belmond Mount Nelson and various hotels and resorts globally. His approach, which artfully combines African ingredients with international culinary techniques, promises to bring a fresh perspective to the hotel’s kitchens.
“Returning to Johannesburg feels like coming full circle,” says Liebenberg. “I’m excited to work with the incredible produce and flavours of this region, and to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate South African cuisine while incorporating global influences.”
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Flames, is undergoing its own metamorphosis. New, advanced kitchen equipment has been installed, providing a fitting stage for Chef de Cuisine Avuyile Fumba’s innovative creations. Fumba’s cooking style pays homage to Africa’s flame-grilling traditions and the elevation of traditionally local ingredients to new heights of refinement.
Adding to this culinary ensemble is Nathan Jacobs, who has joined the team as the Executive Pastry Chef. He has returned to South Africa after four years in the UK and before that served as Head Pastry Chef at The Twelve Apostles in Cape Town and Executive Pastry Chef at The Saxon Hotel Villas and Spa. His artistic confections are expected to complement the savoury offerings, rounding out a formidable culinary team.
Beyond the kitchen, Four Seasons Johannesburg is reimagining its entire food and beverage experience. A cornerstone of this transformation is the hotel’s impressive 400-seat ballroom, widely regarded as the finest in Johannesburg. This grand space is set to become the city’s premier venue for large-scale events and gastronomic showcases. The ballroom’s capacity positions Four Seasons to host everything from intimate corporate gatherings to lavish weddings with unparalleled elegance.
Additionally, the destination lobby, lounge, and bar are being redesigned to create more versatile spaces for dining and socialising, further enhancing the hotel’s appeal as a destination for both locals and visitors.
Flames’ recent accolades, including Best Restaurant at the South Africa Restaurant Awards and the Luxe People’s Choice Award, underscore its commitment to excellence. These honours solidify its position as a leading dining destination in Johannesburg and beyond.
As these changes unfold, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is poised to offer a dining experience that thoughtfully blends local heritage with international standards. With Liebenberg overseeing the culinary direction, this Johannesburg institution is set to become a true gastronomic destination, meriting attention from food enthusiasts and luxury lovers across the country and beyond.
