As the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown reached its 100th day on July 4, many are still feeling the economic consequences thereof – despite various industries reopening. Another well-known establishment has fallen with the announcement that they will shut down permanently.
The Stack, a Brasserie and Bar in Gardens, Cape Town, has announced that it has closed its doors permanently. In an Instagram post, they confirmed that it is time to say goodbye.
“A sad day indeed. We must say goodbye and close our doors but the memories can’t be erased. We will miss you all!” said The Stack.
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Many patrons of the establishment are heartbroken to see it go.
“Very sad for the team. You built a beautiful space. Let’s hope something good comes of this madness,” said one Instagram user.
“A very sad day indeed. How I will miss my little corner! So many happy memories. Such a wonderful team,” said another.
Envy&Co, a design and lifestyle consultancy focused on product development & interiors, posted a heartfelt message to the closing establishment. “Dearest Sarah and Nigel, our history is entwined with The Stack in a magical manner. We conceived and created Envy&Co in your bar and made the upstairs lounge our office for 3 inspiring years. Surrounded by beauty, loved by everyone, sated with steak and rosé. You graciously offered us a space to launch our EnvyCollection as we experimented with our collaborators. The Stack represented everything we love in Cape Town: heritage, charm, community, class, sass & abundance. We have issues with the Universe at the moment, but we have become friends and nothing can take that away from us. With love & respect, Kay & Jaco- Envy&Co,” they wrote.
An employee also commented on Facebook, “So sad… my heart bleed when I received the shocking news from my boss Nigel. Working at The Stack was a great experience for me. I enjoyed every moment. Great memories working behind the bar. Thank you Nigel for giving me such a great opportunity.”
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The idea of opening The Stack came to Nigel Pace “on a fragrant afternoon in the monsoon season, during a vacation in Sri Lanka”, says the establishment.
They opened in 2015, and only 6 days after they were hit by the calamity. A fire on the top floor of their building resulted in disaster and massive loss, but owners Nigel and Sarah Ord didn’t let this set them back. They regrouped, rebuilt and refurnished the establishment in Leinster Hall, and reopened at the beginning of June 2016.
The Stack became a beloved location in the city, with an opulent public bar and brasserie downstairs and a unique private members’ club upstairs.
It is sad to see them go.
Picture: Facebook / The Stack