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Read our #MyJoburg interview James and Vicky Peech.
Roaming Office: A tranquil work day at The Peech Hotel
We returned to The Peech Hotel in June 2025 for another Roaming Office – a day of working remotely, connecting with hospitality partners, and exploring the space. This time, we spent the workday in the hotel’s light-filled boardroom, stepped out for lunch at the new on-site restaurant, The Pot Luck Club, and enjoyed a walk through the leafy Melrose neighbourhood.
The most astonishing aspect of this hotel is its glorious garden, one which we have watched develop over years of visiting. Each time we do visit we are struck by the beauty and privilege of being surrounded by so much lush greenery, and the sound of birdsong. The hotel is within walking distance from urban Melrose Arch and a short drive to the M1 highway, but once inside you would never imagine that proximity.
Our morning started with a friendly greeting from every staff member we encountered. It's a notable thing that many of the staff here have worked at The Peech for some years. From here we were shown to the main boardroom, looking out onto the terrace and garden, where we worked for the day with back up electricity in place. We were treated to a spread of breakfast treats including perfectly cut fresh fruit, croissants, yoghurt, and muesli, with coffee and a variety of teas not too far away.
Redefined luxury
The Peech Hotel offers 32 beautifully appointed rooms across four categories – Classic, Suite, Luxury, and Villa – each with its own distinct charm. Whether you're a solo traveller or planning a romantic escape, there's a space to suit your style. Expect elegant furnishings, smart TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
We had the chance to peek inside one of the 14 Classic rooms – a calm, considered space that blends comfort and sophistication. Light-washed hardwood floors and a red ash-tiled bathroom (complete with both a bath and that giant shower we couldn’t stop talking about) bring a touch of understated luxury. It’s the kind of room where thoughtful details shine, like the cheeky “Go away, I’m sleeping” door sign that says ‘do not disturb’ with a wink. In 2017, The Peech expanded with the addition of the Villa and Luxury Suites. These elegant spaces feature sliding glass doors that open onto private patios. The two-bedroom Villa includes ensuite rooms (one with a bath, the other a shower), plus a shared kitchenette and lounge, with adjoining rooms that can convert into a spacious family unit. The Luxury Suite adds a dedicated office nook, ideal for business travellers. Most suites offer balconies or outdoor spaces with leafy garden views, perfect for a breath of fresh air.
Each room is uniquely adorned with a different colour palette, creating a personalised experience for every guest. One of the standout features of these suites is their ability to retain heat in the winter and remain cool during the sweltering summer months, ensuring a comfortable stay year-round.
Culinary offerings: The Pot Luck Club
We had lunch at the Garden Restaurant, an exclusive dining space for in-house guests that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The focus is on cosy comfort food – perfect for those who’ve travelled from afar.
Though we were seated in the Garden Restaurant, we were lucky enough to sample dishes from The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg (open to the public) — now calling The Peech Hotel home after relocating from Oxford Parks in Feb 2025. The revamped space (formerly Basalt) boasts a sunny terrace and dreamy paper sculptures by Maia Lehr-Sacks, making for a light-filled, artful dining experience. Find out more about The Pot Luck Club at the Peech Hotel here.
We kicked things off with a Thai green curry cocktail – a bold blend of litchi, coconut, and chilli-infused vodka. The silence around the table after the initial sip made it quite obvious that we had found our new go-to cocktail. Small plates that packed a punch were followed by the reimagined Taco 2.0, featuring linefish ceviche, black bean purée, charred corn salsa, avocado, and a chipotle kick, plus fresh tuna tartare. For mains, we tucked into a juicy Wagyu beef burger with golden fries, peri-peri chicken served with ajo blanco, a kale and pepper salad, a smoky braai vinaigrette, and a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly Penang in a spicy coconut and peanut broth, topped with lime-pickled onions and coriander oil.
Both the Garden Restaurant and The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg offer lunch and dinner menus curated by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts. Find the full menus for The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg here.
The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is open for lunch Wed – Sun from 12:30 – 14:00, and dinner Tue – Sat from 18:00 – 21:00.
The Peech Hotel is a testament to what a boutique hotel can achieve when it combines sustainability, artistry and luxury. With its rich history, commitment to sustainability and impeccable design, The Peech encapsulates the essence of luxury and authenticity. Whether you're a traveller seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city or an environmentally conscious guest looking for accommodation that shares your eco-values, The Peech Hotel offers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
Book your stay
The Peech Hotel, 61 North St, Melrose NorthContact the hotel on +27 11 537 9797 or book online here or via email at reservations@thepeech.co.za
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