Modern spin on classic style
• Sandton grillhouse enjoys R20m refurbishment to keep step with area’s development, writes Pedro van Gaalen
Abull run is characterised by investor confidence and optimism that the market’s current run of success will continue, which is exactly how Ivan van Rensburg, owner of The Bull Run, is feeling.
The iconic restaurant launched 18 years ago when Van Rensburg learnt that the JSE would relocate to Sandton. It is situated on Maude Street, in Sandton’s financial district, opposite Exchange Square.
“Our location has been an important part of our success,” says Van Rensburg.
“We’re surrounded by financial institutions, big businesses, hotels, residential high-rises and shopping centres. This provides a mix of clientele, many of whom have been loyal customers for years.”
Another key attribute that keeps patrons coming back, according to Van Rensburg, is the quality of the food, particularly the AAA-grade, expertly aged meat, and the beverage selection. “Our meat selection is a significant drawcard for international business travellers and holiday makers who stay in Sandton. We’ve also hosted celebrities, dignitaries and sportspeople.”
This formula hasn’t needed much tweaking over the years and has entrenched The Bull Run as a dining institution in the area. However, following substantial redevelopment around the precinct, Van Rensburg decided to back the restaurant’s 18-year run of success by investing R20m to refurbish the establishment.
“To keep step with the changes happening around us, The Bull Run needed to evolve,” adds Jörg Zwinscher, GM of The Bull Run and adjacent Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton.
Renowned boutique interior architect Tristan du Plessis from Studio A was commissioned. His brief was to modernise the restaurant with a New York City grillhouse theme. “New York hosts the most iconic financial district in the world. So, to draw inspiration, I flew there and visited the city’s timeless grillhouses,” explains Du Plessis.
Following his New York sojourn, and engagements with numerous Bull Run patrons, Du Plessis finalised his design concept. “Rather than try to be new and trendy, the intention was to focus on compelling and functional design elements that felt authentic and created a luxurious yet timeless space.”
The Bull Run closed in March 2018 to undergo the transformation. The restaurant relaunched three months later to coincide with the official opening of the adjacent Marc — Maude And Rivonia Corner — building. The new-look restaurant is characterised by a juxtaposition of classic grillhouse elements and modern styling cues in the design and décor.
The openness of the new layout is a key feature. “Space is a luxury in Sandton, so we made the best use of what we had. The terraces recreate European-style avenue dining, while also facilitating an interplay between the restaurant and the Marc development,” says Du Plessis.
While the brief to modernise is apparent throughout, traditional grill house elements remain prominent. These include various seating options.
“Due to the diversity of patrons, it was essential that we created unique areas catering to different dining requirements,” adds Du Plessis. The revamped establishment is ideal for business travellers and groups of business people meeting over lunch in a private booth, with an abbreviated lunch menu introduced for diners who want a great meal, but need to get in and out as quickly as possible.
The other striking traditional element is the new bar. “It offers an attractive after-work, predinner and after-dinner drinks option within the bustle of the restaurant,” says Van Rensburg.
“We’re bullish about our future prospects. The initial response has been extremely positive. We’ve had an increase in turnover and our loyal customers are eager to enjoy the new Bull Run experience.”