The Greenhouse Restaurant X The Shortmarket Club – Joburg’s First Authentic Supper Club – Now by Day
There’s a particular kind of afternoon you only find in the world’s most effortless cities. It starts with a good lunch and a chilled bottle of something bubbly. The sun shifts, shadows stretch, and the music hums in the background – the kind of afternoon that can easily spill into the evening. In New York, it might be a sunny corner in the West Villafe; in Cape Town, a balcony in Camps Bay. In Johannesburg, it’s in the courtyard at The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar.
The Greenhouse, part of the Monseca Hospitality Group, has become known for capturing a distinct Joburg social energy – it’s become a space that balances design with that unmistakable city energy. Like Ocaso, Monseca’s design-forward Corona flagship in Rosebank, it’s built around how people actually want to gather: stylishly, confortably, and surrounded by good food.
A new chapter: New chef, cew lunch menu
As this Sandton restaurant celebrates it’s sixth birthday, its restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of its lunch service – now open from 12 pm, Thursday to Saturday. Newly appointed chef, Leigh-Anne Knipe, is leading this evolution. Her résumé reads like a tour of SA;s most acclaimed kitchens – restaurant Mosaic, Overture, Ethos, and more recently, Proud Mary.
Her impressive background and creative approach to flavour has allowed Chef Knipe to craft a menu that perfectly captures the spirit of a relaxed lunch with dishes that are approachable, yet full of character. Since incorporating the Shortmarket Club concept earlier this year, The Greenhouse continues to honour that legacy of crafted flavours and beautiful presentation, now expressed in a more welcoming, daytime way.
It’s important to have variety on your menu, whether it’s vegan, vegetarian, or meat, so there’s something for everyone,” says Knipe. “With our Shortmarket Club background, we know how to create great food with a bit of flair, but the vibe here is more relaxed and welcoming than fine dining.”
The new menu leans into long, lazy afternoons in mind, and easy lunches and signature dishes:
- Sumac-grilled chicken thighs with corn cream and grilled peaches
- Lobster mac ‘n cheese enriched with Gruyére and garlic-rosemary-thyme crumbs
- Pan con tomate on toasted brioche
- And the Almond and blueberry mess – meringue shards, almond mousse, blueberry compote, and toasted almonds.
Our goal is to deliver the kind of food you’d expect from a top-tier restaurant, great ingredients, refined technique, and beautiful presentation, without the stiffness or formality that usually comes with it,” says Daniel Rismani, Head of Operations. “You’re eating top-quality dishes, but in an atmosphere where you can relax, connect, and really enjoy yourself.”
From Noon to Midnight
The Greenhouse is one of those spaces that feels different depending on the time of day. In the courtyard, sunlight dances across black-and-white tiles while rattan pendants sway above cascades of greenery. Curved sofas invite you to stretch out and settle in. Inside, plush booths, lush foliage and fluttering butterfly details create a whimsical backdrop for long meals and even longer conversations.
By day, it’s perfect for a girls’ lunch, a smart business meeting, or a laid-back date. Signature long-pour cocktails – the Henny Pot (Henny VS, Appletiser, elderflower, and lemon) and the G Pot (Tanqueray, Blue Curacao, pink tonic, and lemon) – set the tone for afternoons that drift into golden hour.
By night, the 180-seater transforms back into Joburg’s first authentic Supper Club, where velvet-lined booths, champagne pops and a rotation of DJs (from deep house to hip-hop) add to the Greenhouse glow.
Everyone knows Greenhouse is a beautiful space, but most people still see it as a popular nightlife destination. They don’t think of it as somewhere to come for afternoon drinks, a date, or a really good meal. What we’re trying to do now is shift that perception, to show that it’s not just about the late-night scene, but the full experience,” says Luke Dakers, Founder for the Monseca Group.
The Greenhouse has long been celebrated for its nights, but now offers an experience that doesn’t have to wait until sunset. It’s the same energy, just a slower tempo, a place to arrive for lunch and stay as the afternoon unfolds.
When you go
Lunch from 12 pm, Thursday to Saturday (until late). Bookings welcome for corporate events and celebrations.
The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar is situated at 24 Central, 6 Gwen Lane & Fredman Drive, Sandton.
View the menu here https://www.greenhousejhb.co.za or
Book your table https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/the-greenhouse-johannesburg-
Follow on Instagram @thegreenhousejhb
