Big Easy Winebar & Grill

Big Easy Winebar & Grill is located at the Hilton Durban in South Africa. A collaboration with the design team of professional golfer Ernie "Big Easy" Els, the restaurant marked Virserius Studio's entry into Africa and has set the tone for additional projects on the continent. Virserius Studio drew design inspiration from Ernie Els and his vision of what his native South Africa represents to him. Big Easy includes several unique spaces, all tied together by inviting rustic elements. The warmly pigmented floor screed, wood-beamed ceilings, metal lighting and handcrafted furniture come together in rich artisanal harmony. These colors and textures are very earthy and distinctly South African. The main area comprises the open kitchen and chef beamed ceilings, metal lighting and han handcrafted furniture come together in rich art artisanal harmony. These colors and textures are are very earthy and distinctly South African. The main area comprises the open kitchen and chef’s table, which invites guests to view the chef’s work in a casual and friendly manner. The bar and lounge includes Big Easy vintage wines from Ernie Els’s own vineyard, and includes a feature wall that shows him at stages of his life and legendary golf career. A particular standout feature in the private dining room is the handcrafted backlit rope ceiling that cascades down the wall, creating an almost theatrical touch.