Iconic artwork welcomes diners after The Bull Run’s multi-million Rand revamp

They've raised the steaks at The Bull Run following a 20 million Rand refurbishment. Picture: Supplied

They've raised the steaks at The Bull Run following a 20 million Rand refurbishment. Picture: Supplied

Published Aug 31, 2018

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A much-loved Johannesburg landmark returns to business in style, with an iconic new addition to the Sandton street scene, as The Bull Run, the city’s quintessential grill house, reopens after three months of extensive refurbishments. The Maude Street restaurant underwent a R20-million revamp, and its reopening coincides with the launch of the massive The Marc property development on the neighbouring stand.

The beautiful interior of the Bull Run. Picture: Supplied

The Bull Run’s reopening heralds the return of some of the best steaks in Johannesburg, an extensive wine list, custom-designed cocktails, and the unveiling of a bronze sculpture that captures the spirit of the neighbourhood in epic fashion.The larger-than-life sculpture, which measures three metres by two metres, depicts a raging bull, exemplifying the powerful dynamism of the city’s financial district, with The Bull Run at its very heart, across the road from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The sculpture is the work of sculptor Michael Canadas, of Mpumalanga’s The Loop Art Foundry, trading as Bronze Art Africa, one of South Africa’s most respected art foundries. The piece is set to become an integral, evocative part of the Sandton landscape for international visitors and locals alike. The work of award-winning Johannesburg interior designer Tristan du Plessis, the refurbished Bull Run features an enhanced décor concept, masculine, evocative and inspired by the financial district of which The Bull Run is inextricably part.

Jörg Zwinscher (General Manager) and Ivan van Rensburg (co-owner of The Bull Run). Picture: Siphiwe Mbokazi

“The new Bull Run is a welcoming, warm space, true to its roots as a meat grill room, and inspired by New York grill houses,” says Du Plessis. “We have custom- designed and created most of the elements, from light fittings and furniture to the handmade wall tiles, all with a nod to the stock exchange. True to its motto, “A wealth of good taste”, The Bull Run will offer a wide and impeccably curated selection of steaks, wines and cocktails, as well as breakfasts and light meals.

The Dollar Bar inside The Bull Run - one of the latest additions to the space. Picture: Supplied.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work into refreshing the venue, the menu, the wine list, the entire look and feel of the restaurant we love so much,” said Jörg Zwinscher, GM of the Protea Hotel by Marriott® Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, proprietors of The Bull Run. “We’re thrilled to be able to share to results with the people of Joburg and our many international guests. At least half of our clientele is international, and they find our affordable, expertly prepared meat dishes irresistible. We remain true to that heritage, with an enhanced, contemporary feel that reflects our neighbourhood.”

The financial theme is carried through in décor celebrating titans of global finance, the unpretentious, masculine aesthetic, and the Bull Run menu. Diners can recline in the ox-leather seats and compare prices of sumptuous steaks in foreign currencies while selecting from the 14-page wine list or choosing a unique gin and tonic, sangria or thier signature adult milkshake.

Maroon ox-leather chesterfield couches give dimension to the interior of The Bull Run. Picture: Supplied.

Over its 18 years of existence, The Bull Run has built up an impressive list of clients, including business leaders, international sports people, politicians, and music and movie stars. This is sure to grow with the relaunch of the iconic restaurant “Sandton is a global centre, with The Bull Run at the heart of it,” said Zwinscher. “Our new look reflects that, but we have remained true to the impeccable service and delicious food that we’ve always been known for.”

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