The Bailey's Paul du Toit dining room: a tribute to the late artist

On the second floor of The Bailey, chef Liam Tomlin’s recently opened multi-storey culinary destination in Cape Town, is where you’ll find the Brasserie Bailey, reminiscent of a gentleman’s club of a time gone by with its dark wood, chocolate-brown leather, and red-velvet finishes.

It’s also where you’ll find the Paul du Toit private dining room. In stark contrast to the feel of the rest of the restaurant, here modern industrial design is used to great effect. Paying tribute to the late artist, a friend of the chef, the room is a permanent exhibition space for his striking works of art. The floor, inspired by the artist’s studio, is speckled with paint, while the dining-room table and centrepiece recreate a hand-painted table by Du Toit.

Exhibited in the space are artworks by Du Toit in the vibrant colours for which he became known. Works on display include Losing Yourself on a Desolate Beach, the Decal Series of original paper works, the silkscreen Hello and Goodbye, and two sculptures — Paper Monster and the monumental Stargazer. Seating up to 10 guests, the dining room is catered for by the Brasserie kitchen, helmed by chef Jacques Grové.

Those who book the room have the option of a four-course menu (with a choice of starters and mains) or a full eight-course tasting menu, both drawing on the French influence of the eatery. Expect the likes of chicken-liver parfait, decadent langoustine vichyssoise, seared springbok with sauce bordelaise and, of course, a Tomlin signature — risotto. Bailey sommelier Lennox Nyengera has put together a pairing list to go with the dishes, if desired.

It’s a magnificent room that highlights The Bailey’s focus on art, as well as being a touching tribute to the late, great artist. The Bailey on Bree, 91 Bree Street, Cape Town, 021 773 0440, the-bailey.co.za