Spun from a love of exquisite food, home and imagination.
If you live in the northern suburbs of Cape Town and are yet to experience the magic of Homespun by Matt, a stone’s throw from Blouberg beach, know this: you are doing yourself the gravest of disservices. Small in stature yet Olympian in gastronomy, Homespun is the restaurant you take the person you intend to marry or the in-laws you need to impress. It’s effortlessly and approachably gorgeous, from the impeccably plated food to the rustic and homely interior. But within the culinary echelons of Cape Town, it’s hard to keep a good concept down. And so Homespun by Matt multiplied, officially blessing the Southern Suburbs — specifically, the luxurious Andros Boutique Hotel in Claremont, a venue newly open to the public — with its divine presence.
The Matt behind the Homespun
Like all the best stories, it started with serendipity. At just 12 years old, Matt Schreuder (accidentally) burned down the family’s Wendy house. As punishment, his father condemned him to work in the kitchen of his restaurant, where said punishment transformed into a passion for little Matt. Over the years, he worked his way up to manager and then beetled off to Europe, followed by Asia to pursue his culinary obsession. After soaking up the teachings of the Michelin-star kitchens in which he slogged, Matt returned home with a burning vision to open his own restaurant, the décor and menu of which would be a projection of his most creative imaginings. And, thus, Homespun by Matt was born in Blouberg.
Six years later, Capetonians, sick of paying for an Uber ride to the northern burbs, demanded a sister restaurant. And in June 2021, she was born!
Homespun 2.0: same-same but different
With the handsome and craggy countenance of Table Mountain as its backdrop, the five-star Andros Boutique Hotel is the home of the new Homespun by Matt. This means two things: (1) the transition between gorgeous Cape Dutch exterior (complete with manicured gardens and mountain vistas) and the warm, inviting interior is seamless, and (2) if you have a little too much wine, you have a perfectly sophisticated place to spend the night.
The menu is a unique adaptation of European culinary techniques with accents of Asian, South African, and other-worldly flavours. And, of course, every dish is religiously homemade from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. Think beef tataki, goat’s cheese Caprese, pork belly pancakes, or jackfruit dumplings to start; crispy gammon, line fish with squid dukkha, yuzu, and leek creamies, or Matt’s special beef fillet for mains; and “not banana” passion fruit, banana, peanut and basil or “cry baby” strawberry chocolate vanilla desserts.
These (and more) are available as a six-course symphony for R595 (R970 with wine pairing) or a three-course sonata for R475 (R750 with wine).
For more than six years, Homespun has thrived as the living, breathing manifestation of chef Matt Schreuder’s most fervent dream to open his own restaurant. And now there are two. So, for truly exquisite fare served in an atmosphere so warm, inviting, and homey that you’d be forgiven for showing up in pyjamas, you know where your next treat meal needs to be!
Homespun by Matt at the Andros Hotel in Claremont is open Monday to Saturday for breakfast; Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for high tea. For bookings email reservations@homespunandros.co.za or call 021 761 4520.