Food & Wine News South Africa

Cause|Effect relocates to the V&A Waterfront, introduces Schweppes Bartender's Lab

The Cause|Effect Cocktail Kitchen and Cape Brandy Bar recently relocated to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. And is set to bring its memorable menu of Cape-inspired cocktail experiences to a wider audience - showcasing its immersive ingredients and two-metre ice-ball rollercoaster.

The brainchild of award-winning mixologist Kurt Schlechter, Cause|Effect Cocktail Kitchen & Cape Brandy Bar created a stir in the Mother City since opening in late 2017 – winning Cocktail Bar of the Year at the Bartending Accolades & Recognition Awards 2019.

Cause Effect Bartenders team © Rusaan Schlechter
Cause Effect Bartenders team © Rusaan Schlechter

A bar within a bar

Truly curious cocktail fans will want to book a seat in the newly-opened Schweppes Bartender’s Lab. Seating just six guests at a time, the Lab will see a dedicated bartender create a selection of genre-busting bespoke cocktails – each paired with small plates.

“It’s like a chef’s table, a bar within a bar,” explains Schlechter. “There are so many techniques we have created and perfected over the years, we can’t squeeze them all into a single menu, so the Lab is a space for our bartenders to express their creativity in liquid form.”

Cause|Effect relocates to the V&A Waterfront, introduces Schweppes Bartender's Lab

“We’re burning, freezing, solidifying, dusting, grating, atomising, spraying. There are so many things going on in this bar!” enthuses Schlechter. “We’re an experiential cocktail kitchen, so we want you to have an experience. We want people to come and see the magic we’re creating.”

The Schweppes Bartender’s Lab is open daily between noon and 10pm and seats only six persons per session. Bookings are taken for every hour on the hour and includes a three-course cocktail and food pairing. Cost is R450 per person.

Cause|Effect Cocktail Kitchen and Cape Brandy Bar is located at The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 12am. For bookings call (+27) (21) 422 0266.

Let's do Biz