Try the new Menu by Executive Chef Simon Kemp at Bistro31

With a deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts sparked in his childhood, Executive Chef Simon Kemp brings a unique blend of creativity, experience, and a love for bold flavors to Bistro31 in Woodstock.

Raised in a household where both parents excelled in the kitchen, Simon discovered early on the joy of crafting dishes that transcended the familiar.

This formative experience laid the foundation for his culinary journey, which has taken him around the world.

Simon’s professional path is marked by notable achievements, including the prestigious roles of Executive Chef at Simola Hotel in Knysna and DoubleTree by Hilton in Cape Town. These milestones, particularly the challenging process of opening both establishments, reflect his dedication and adaptability in the high-stakes world of hospitality.

He has also used his culinary expertise to travel, often working in remote locations, enriching his knowledge of global cuisines. Simon’s culinary style is fluid and instinctive, driven by his passion for diverse flavors and ingredients. Drawing inspiration from his annual travels abroad, he incorporates traditional dishes and techniques from various cultures into his creations. His approach to menu development at Bistro 31 blends local influences with flavors he loves to cook and eat, ensuring a dining experience that is exciting yet accessible.

The new spring menu incorporates flavor palettes from all corners of the culinary world, combining contemporary and traditional cooking techniques in an upmarket Bistro setting. The culinary team of chef Simon Kemp has a passion for service, a love for food & an understanding of sustainability.

View the latest menu at Bistro 31 here!

Beyond his professional accolades, Simon enjoys the simpler pleasures of food. His comfort dish, chapattis with butter, takes him back to his childhood in Malawi, while his go-to meal for friends and family is a spread of Mexican tapas, designed to bring people together in a sociable, relaxed setting.

Always looking to push boundaries, Simon dreams of collaborating with ACDC’s Angus Young, creating a “TNT Black Reaper Burger” inspired by the band’s high-energy music—a perfect reflection of his fun, adventurous approach to cooking.

For aspiring chefs, Simon offers sage advice: remember your passion, embrace the challenges of the kitchen, and never stop learning or creating. At Bistro31, Chef Simon Kemp’s menu is a testament to this philosophy of flavor, experience, and innovation, delighting guests with dishes that are both familiar and refreshingly original.

31 Brickfield Road, Woodstock , Cape Town, South Africa