Mariner’s Wharf is located in scenic Hout Bay and was developed in 1984 by Stanley Dorman as the first harbourfront emporium in the Southern Hemisphere.

The development evolved over the years to include shops, markets, and restaurants, and in 1991 the Wharfside Grill was established. A nautical-themed restaurant was envisioned with the aim being to transport diners back in time to the sea-faring days of centuries gone by. To achieve this maritime ambience, Dorman wanted the restaurant seating to tie in with the overall look and feel of the establishment. Inspired by a chair he had seen during a trip to San Francisco, he approached Woodbender to create something similar for his Hout Bay restaurant. And so the Wharfside Grill chair (an adaptation on our Captain’s Classic chair) was designed.

With its curved silhouette, this chair is an iconic example of a bentwood chair. A padded circular seat and rounded backrest allow for maximum comfort and a minimised footprint. The chair’s unique shape means that it can be tucked under a small dining room table making it a versatile seating option for restaurants with both large and small tables. As with all Woodbender designs, the Wharfside Grill chair is timelessly stylish and durable. In fact, the very same chairs that were ordered for the restaurant in the 90’s are still in use today, 28 years later – a true testament to the quality of craftsmanship of Woodbender designs.

If you ever find yourself in Hout Bay be sure to pull up a chair at the Wharfside Grill to sample their mouthwatering offering of fresh seafood while you take in the view.