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Roaming Office: A tranquil work day at The Peech Hotel
The Peech Hotel is easily one of our team's favourite places to work. Our last visit was in June 2025 for 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 on-site restaurant, The Pot Luck Club, and enjoyed a walk through the leafy Melrose neighbourhood.
One of the most astonishing aspects of this hotel is its glorious garden, one which we have watched develop over years of visiting. Each time we 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. Notably, 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 backup electricity in place. We were treated to a breakfast spread including colourful fresh fruit, croissants, yoghurt, and muesli, with coffee and a variety of teas not too far away.
The Peech Hotel’s boardroom accommodates up to 16 people. Thoughtfully designed with comfort and productivity in mind, the space includes a 65" wall-mounted TV and all the essentials you need for a seamless day. Full-day conference packages (including all breaks, refreshments, and lunch) are priced from R850 per person for 2025, while half-day options start from R775 per person.
Eco-conscious touches and local flair
As a certified eco-hotel, The Peech Hotel takes its sustainability seriously – and it shows. From clever water-saving systems to considered design choices, its green ethos is more than a marketing tagline; it’s embedded into the day-to-day operations.
While solar plans are still in the pipeline – with a rooftop panel installation and control house build planned once the newly paved car park is complete – other sustainability upgrades have taken priority. The hotel recently implemented a borehole filtration system, moving entirely off the municipal water supply. They've also introduced an on-site water and glass bottling plant, meaning all still and sparkling water is bottled in-house, with used bottles returned for sterilisation and reuse – a refreshingly self-reliant system.
Design-wise, the property is full of local touches. You’ll spot woven partitions in the newer rooms, created by women from Bethany Home in Bertrams – a shelter and skills development programme for survivors of abuse. Original illustrations by Black Ink Design, refurbished workstations from Brush+Pistol, and sculptural furniture by the acclaimed Houtlander are just a few more examples of The Peech Hotel’s commitment to supporting local craftsmanship.
And in June 2025, The Peech Hotel – along with The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg – was officially named one of the “Top 5 Glass Recycling Contributors” in Johannesburg, a recognition that speaks volumes about their ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality.
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 a seriously 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 two separate units into a spacious family unit. The Luxury Suite includes a dedicated office nook, ideal for business travellers. For a breath of fresh air, most suites offer balconies or outdoor spaces with leafy garden views.
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 hotel's public-facing restaurant, The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg – which made The Peech Hotel home after relocating from Oxford Parks in February 2025. The revamped space (formerly Basalt) boasts a sunny terrace and dreamy paper sculptures by Maia Lehr-Sacks, making for an artful dining experience.
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 and 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.
Book your stay at The Peech Hotel
Find The Peech Hotel at 61 North St, Melrose North, Johannesburg
Contact the hotel on +27 11 537 9797 or book online here or via email at reservations@thepeech.co.za
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