Marble Group is once again going to be pushing the boundaries of luxury, and everyone’s invited. Get ready to dress up, show up and break free this Summer when Zioux {pronounced Zoo} officially opens its stained-glass, over-the-top doors.
“The world has changed, but people still love to go out and have fun,” explains Gary Kyriacou, founder of The Marble Group. “We see people are looking to escape when they’re out – Zioux will be that place for them to let go.”
Located next door to Saint in the MARC building, and described as a playground for the adventurous, Zioux is set to create a buzzing hub in the heart of Sandton – with the high-energy and playful Saint on one side, and Africa’s largest stock exchange on the other.
The 400m² space will be a merger of a bar and a restaurant at an international level – a luxurious lounge where guests indulge in Champagne, cocktails and a menu featuring an extravagant selection of dishes designed to be shared. Each corner and surface has been carefully thought through and pays homage to the 70’s era. The idea being to punch emotion into this intimate, yet seductive space.
“Zioux will bring warm authenticity but also decadent detail to life,” explains Interior Designer, Irene Kyriacou. “Everything in the space will be custom-made and intricate to create an air of comfort and timelessness in the inside-outside space.”
Marble Group has once again partnered with GRID to design the look and feel for Zioux. The centerpiece to Zioux will be the onyx marble back-lit bar. It will be flanked by booth seating, a raised VIP area and outside seating with intricate detailing. Playful prints, bespoke artwork designs and textures will bring the space to life. It will also feature one of the best VOID sounds systems in the country – with enough tech and volume to satisfy the fussiest DJ, and under the guidance of Operations Director, Dino Constantinou.
Wikus Human, head sommelier for the group is developing the wine and Champagne offering – plus George Hunter, consulting head barman for Marble and Saint, will be joining the group full-time to curate the cocktail experience. He is working closely with a number of premium alcohol brands to develop 14 bespoke cocktails. Even the ice has come to the party – two ice-machines have been flown in from Japan to produce perfectly condensed, clear ice cubes. And the crushed ice – it’s not. Instead, it’s perfectly pebbled and purified.
The food won’t be your traditional sit-down offering either. Instead, a classic retro-revival of nostalgic menu items and small, decadent plates. On certain days of the week, Zioux will also feature extravagant brunches and high teas.
“We cater for a diverse but specific crowd,” explains David Higgs, co-founder of The Marble Group and the artistic mind behind the globally-inspired menu. “Food has always brought people together, and we’re going back to that, it’s just going to be really opulent and playful.”
Although still being developed under the watchful eye of one of the world’s best chefs, the food will include lavish cold seafood buffets, an oyster bar, whole sides of salmon, cake and bread displays, and a caviar station. Oh, and did we mention the plans for Joburg’s most outrageous burger – served on a crystal plate and garnished with gold leaf?
“The world has changed, and we’ve entered a new generation of luxury,” Gary explains. “Customers are no longer seeking stiff and uptight environments to feel a sense of luxury. Zioux is a space that boldly brings together luxury through experience, quality and intuitive service. It’s sure to bring out the wild side in everyone.”
Zioux will open Summer 2021. Booking essential and a strict dress-code will apply. No under 25s.