South Africa, Stellenbosch 19 June 2025: This June marks one year since Mill St Bistro first opened its doors in Stellenbosch, a milestone made all the more meaningful following the restaurant’s recent win as Best Bistro in South Africa at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards.

As the team celebrates this incredible chapter, they’re also turning the page to an exciting new one. Chef-owner Phil Carmichael has announced a bold next step: a new opportunity set on a nearby Stellenbosch wine farm, where Carmichael’s ingredient-led, fermentation-forward food philosophy will evolve in an entirely new and inspiring setting. Mill St Bistro in its current iteration will therefore be closing its doors.

“This was not something we were anticipating, but from the moment it landed, it just felt right and an opportunity that I could not turn down.” says Carmichael. “It’s the natural next step in the journey we’ve started at Mill St Bistro, a chance to grow, to evolve, and to keep doing what we love in a new space. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created at Mill St, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

While the announcement may come as a surprise to those who recently joined the team for Mill St’s winter menu launch, it reflects Carmichael’s ongoing commitment to growth, to sharing the philosophy of Bistronomy, and to honouring the roots and richness of South African ingredients.

Set among vineyards and surrounded by nature, the new venue offers a canvas for the next evolution of Carmichael’s culinary story. Renovations are already underway, with more details to be shared in in due course.

To fully realise this next chapter, Mill St Bistro will close its current location on Saturday 21st June. This decision allows Carmichael and his team to channel their full energy and attention into shaping the new space and bringing it into life for the summer of 2025 / 2026.

More information about Carmichaeil’s new venture will be announced in the coming weeks. For comment, contact Phil Carmichael via phil@millstbistro.co.za.

For Press and media assistance contact Ian and Lise Manley of Manley Communications Atelier via premierbrands@publicity.co.za or call +27 (0) 82 826 0456.