Last Updated on December 31, 2025
A Taste of Cape Town in London
3.8 out of 5.0 starsThe Pot Luck Club at the Waldorf Hilton in London, a pop-up of one of Cape Town’s most celebrated restaurants, is the creation of British-born chef Luke Dale Roberts and his talented team. Long hailed as one of the coolest places to eat in Cape Town, The Pot Luck Club built its reputation on an eclectic, globally inspired small plate concept that reflects Luke’s internationally influenced culinary journey, which spans classical European training and extensive time spent in Asia before settling in South Africa to acclaim and awards including top placements in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. No Michelin stars, but that might just be because the Michelin guide doesn’t extend to South Africa!
The Pot Luck Club began as a vibrant sixth-floor destination at the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, with sweeping views of Table Mountain and the city. The pop-up has taken over the Homage dining room at the Waldorf Hilton, offering London diners a rare chance to immerse themselves in bold flavours and creative combinations that have made the original such a standout, albeit in very different surroundings.
The London residency, extended into June 2026 following exceptional demand, showcases festive and seasonal small plates that fuse global inspiration with high-quality British produce. From delicately spiced duck samosas and rich fallow deer with mole jus to signature items such as smoked beef fillet with truffle café au lait, the menu pushes the boundaries of flavour while retaining an approachable selection of sharing-style dishes and small plates.
We went along just before Christmas, when the Waldorf Astoria was in full Christmas bling, with a major event in the function room next door. On the night we were there, service was a little variable, and the atmosphere in the spacious dining room was somewhat spoiled by the sound system next door. It’s not the cosiest of spaces, and I suspect the pop-up works a lot better outside of the Festive season when the whole hotel is stretched. The food, cocktails and wine, though, were spot on! There was even a cap classique fizz to get the party started.
Cocktails were equally impressive- my Yuzu Margarita had just the right balance of acidity and fresh fruity flavours.
Sourdough came with marinated olives, a silky baba ghanoush and well-flavoured cultured butter. Utterly delicious, it was one occasion when I’d have preferred not to have the calorie count on the side.
The tiny mouthfuls of yuzu porcini mushrooms on toast came topped with a soft poached quail egg, smooth hollandaise and a rich porcini mushroom dusting on a crisp brioche toast. I’d happily have scoffed a few more of these.
Taco 2.0 was another triumph in a mouthful of flavour. Linefish ceviche, black bean puree, charred corn salsa and chipotle emulsion could so easily have gone badly wrong, but the tacos were fabulously crisp, and the layered flavours were subtly smoky and piquant.
Tiny fish sliders followed swiftly – a delicate morsel of battered hake with miso mayo and mojo dressing in perfectly spherical Japanese steamed buns. There’s a level of attention to detail in these dishes that justifies why the Pot Luck Club is so popular.
Guinea fowl can easily be dry, particularly the breast meat. But, here it was wonderfully moist and tender with a festive cranberry compote, chicken liver stuffing, bread sauce and gravy. A festive seasonal dish that was perfect for December
The ultimate savoury dish that evening was a smoked beef fillet in a delicious black pepper and truffled sauce. We ordered a glass each of one of my favourite South African red wines, the delicious Chocolate Block, an excellent pairing.
Desserts were no less impressive – the lightly poached quince came with yoghurt pannacotta and chamomile ice cream and a delicious fragrant sweet sauce with sunflower seeds
Roasted pineapple came looking pretty as a picture, with coconut and litchi sabayon , shards of coconut meringue and a mango sorbet.
Both light and refreshing, but still perfect as a sweet ending to a delicious meal.
We enjoyed the food at the Pot Luck Club and loved meeting Luke Dale Roberts in person (he was over to launch the winter menu). Pricing is reasonable for this kind of venue, with larger plates between £20 and £35 and with the small plates from £8 for the sourdough with accompaniments to £15 for the intricate and delicious Taco 2.0
The Pot Luck Club pop-up is at the Waldorf Hilton until 30 June 2026
The Waldorf Hilton,
Aldwych,
London WC2B 4DD
+44 (0) 20 7836 240
Looking for something different? We recommend Chiswell Street Dining Rooms in the City
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