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When a fire swept through Stables Restaurant on Vergelegen Wine Estate in March, it left one of the Somerset West estate’s most popular dining spaces closed until further notice.
And although the rest of the historic estate, including the Rose Terrace Tea Room, remained open to visitors, the 70-odd staff at Stables were left with the prospect of months without work. Happily, Vergelegen was quick to respond with a new restaurant concept that keeps flavour-forward Winelands cooking very much on the menu.
Firehorse opened in mid-April, taking over a space alongside the Stables site and the estate’s legacy vineyard block. And though it’s a temporary structure while Stables is renovated and upgraded (expected to re-open in late 2026), you wouldn’t know it. Step inside the airy reception area, and it’s hard to tell this hasn’t always been part of the landscape. And Stables regulars might even recognise the equine statue, Chevalier, that still takes pride of place, only now with a few fiery sparkles to boot.
Wander through to the 130-seater dining area, and this upmarket marquee has a wonderful, airy feel to it. Potted trees and tall windows make you feel as if you’re dining in the gardens. And while winter sunshine means the doors can open, and the views flow in, it’d be just as charming when the rain lashes down, and you have a good excuse to indulge in the heartier plates on the menu.
The menu keeps many of the Stables’ favourites in play, from breakfast dishes that run to farm plates and eggs Benedict, alongside freshly baked blueberry scones and croissants.
But lunch is when Firehorse really hits its stride, with a menu that balances lighter, fresher plates for those glorious Cape winter days when the sun shines, and the air is crisp, with hearty dishes you’ll want when there’s snow on the Helderberg.
Starters range from salmon tartare (for the sun) to French onion soup (for the snow), while mains include Cape classics like bobotie and grilled kingklip, as well as a melanzane that is sure to keep the chills at bay. The standout on my visit, though, was a glorious bowl of wild mushroom linguine with herbed crème fraîche. If you’re in the mood for something simpler, there are also garden salads and grilled burgers on offer.
And leave room for dessert, where you will – trust me – be tempted by the crème Catalana brûlée, but won’t want to miss the playful Firehorse chocolate mousse with hazelnut praline and fresh raspberries. The portions are generous and the cooking is on point.
Throw in warm yet polished service, and a setting that many permanent restaurants would pay dearly for, and Firehorse looks set to hold the reins quite nicely until Stables returns.
Firehorse at Vergelegen:
- Open from 8.30am to 5pm, with the kitchen closing at 3.30pm
- Bookings via Stables DinePlan platform or email to customerservices@vergelegen.co.za
- Menu: View the Firehorse menu here.
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