The Pantry by Marble is a revolutionary approach to the
South African forecourt convenience store.
The Pantry is hybrid model of a supermarket, deli, take
away and retail store. It’s a speciality grocery store which
offers consumers an elevated selection of items
including quality fresh produce, ready to go meals,
bakery items, flowers, wine and everyday essentials
along with a bespoke retail selection.
A supply partnership with leading fuel supplier, Sasol
provides motorists with petrol, diesel and electric
options courtesy of Mercedes Benz.
The progression of products allows customers to spend
as much time as they need in the store from quick
convenience to thoughtful gifts. It’s the new one stop.
“One of the biggest things with The Pantry is being able to bring our group’s level of hospitality into a retail or grocery setting. The Pantry’s team of restaurant managers and chefs have worked with us for many years and understand the importance of having a relationship with guests. We want to know our customers by name and know what they order so that we can help them find their usual or find something new.” Gary Kyriacou.
Retail
The retail section has over 6 000 items ranging from convenience foods to household retail items, curated local artisanal products and imported items. You can buy anything from washing powder, toothpaste and baby nappies, to artisanal spices, chillis and hot chocolate.
“We also stock a varying range of local artisanal products, not only to support food entrepreneurs, but to offer new diversity. We’ve got some beautiful spices and sauces with really interesting flavours, and then great cuts of meat to have with them. The thinking behind the stuff on the shelves is that you can create a basket of items to put together.” Chef David Higgs
Food
David and his team – headed up by Megan Meikle and Tyler Clayton – have assembled an array of foods – including quick ready-to-eat items like cakes, bowls, salads, pasta, wraps and even freshly-made pizza. It’s something a little bit different from other shops. The hot products are reminiscent of what you’d find at a corner café – fish and chips, prego rolls, not-your-average garage pie and rotisserie chickens. There is also a wide assortment of salad and vegetable options a day. The idea is you can easily put a meal together – Mexican, Italian, roast chicken and veg, or steak and salad.
The food also extends to baked items – the infamous Marble bread will be on offer alongside a couple of other loaves, and croissants, muffins and biscuits – headed by Tyler. Megan has whipped up a collection of tarts – think lemon meringue, berry and chocolate – quiches, apple tarte Tatin and basque cheesecake. There’s also a signature choux pastry bun that you’ll find nowhere else, piped full of passionfruit or apple crumble.
Wine
Wikus Human, head sommelier for the Marble Group, curates an ever- changing and thoughtful selection of 45 local wines and international Champagnes. You’ll find a great familiar mix of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Pinotage, Pinot Noir and one or two blends. In the absence of a sommelier, the vintage, background, tasting notes and recommended pairing is displayed next to each bottle – just as a sommelier would guide you in either Marble, Saint or Zioux.
Homeware & gifting
The homeware and gifting section, curated by Marble Group’s interior designer Irene Kyriacou, features an assortment of items made especially for Marble and Saint, but also functional homeware items for serving or gifting. Rialheim platters and vases, Okra candles, and 100% cotton table linen from African Jacquard.
“Everything in the store has been selected to either be used with your purchases, in your home or as a beautiful gift.” Irene Kyriacou
Interior
Irene once again partnered with GRID and Reddeco to bring the 1000m2 Pantry space to life. Organic shades of green brush the walls, laser cut wooden trellis cover the ceiling and Wolkberg cement tiles adorn the façade of the kitchen. Retro elements of curved lines, rounded edges covered in cork and terrazzo marble counters give the space a mid-Century feel. Overall, the space has been transformed into one with warmth and one that feels relaxed, modern and wholesome. The forecourt, traditionally quite dark, had been made lighter with an installation of wood slats and green foliage.
“Because we are underneath a building, it was quite a dark space. To make it lighter we added the wooden ceiling – it softens the space and draws your eyes in.” Irene Kyriacou
The Pantry is open 7 days a week, 24-hours a day.
Trumpet on Keyes, Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank
Instagram The Pantry by Marble Facebook: The Pantry by Marble www.pantry.co.za
