SJ Nel

SJ Nel has returned to South Africa after earning his stripes in London and Sweden and taken the helm at the Oak & Vigne kitchen. He is passionate about food, having worked for Gary Chance in London and in a well-known Swedish restaurant called Incontro. This mildly mannered man is more likely to leave you speechless with delight on eating his food than to curse in Swedish. But we can arrange for him to do both. Having studied at the International Hotel School and completed his training with the Red Carnation Hotel Group, what you get with SJ is a commitment to quality and a wonderfully organised kitchen where nothing is left to chance.

Working with Ronan O'Dwyer's menu at the Oak & Vigne is a wonderful opportunity for him to excel in all these areas. He cooks like a dream, runs our kitchen like a ship and leaves our customers applauding at the end of their meals. He starts his meals from scratch making his own stocks, mayonnaises, sauces, breads and pastas. With him in charge: breakfasts are yummy, lunches delicious and dinners sublime.