The fourth annual Engel & Völkers Chilli Festival concluded in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 6 June, with a vibrant Grand Finale event at Barrington’s Estate, bringing to a close a month-long celebration of local food, hospitality and community spirit.
Held throughout May, the festival invited locals and visitors to explore specially created chilli-inspired dishes at 16 participating restaurants across Plettenberg Bay. Designed to support local businesses during the quieter winter season, the festival encouraged diners to discover new flavours, support local restaurants and vote for their favourite dishes and dining experiences.
The festival culminated in a family-friendly finale featuring a chilli eating competition, cooking demonstrations, live music, local vendors, children’s entertainment and the announcement of the 2026 Engel & Völkers Chilli Festival winners.
Commenting on the success of this year’s festival, Derval Hoban, License Partner and Principal at Engel & Völkers Plettenberg Bay, said the event continues to demonstrate the power of local collaboration and community support.
“The Engel & Völkers Chilli Festival was created with a simple goal: to support our local community and local businesses. The festival encourages residents and visitors alike to get out, enjoy great food and support the people who work so hard within our hospitality industry,” said Hoban.
“Every meal purchased, every vote cast and every event attended helps support local businesses and contributes to the vibrancy of our town. The continued growth of the festival is a reflection of the incredible support we receive from our participating restaurants, sponsors, volunteers and the wider community.”
The Grand Finale brought together festival participants, sponsors and supporters for an afternoon of entertainment and celebration. Highlights included the popular chilli eating competition, a cooking demonstration featuring local chef Guy Clarke of Café Civara alongside acclaimed chef Pete Goffe-Wood, live music by Whiskey for Tea, and a variety of local food and artisan stalls.
The organisers extended their sincere thanks to headline sponsors Pilot Software and Straughan Inc. Attorneys for their ongoing support, as well as Farrier & Partners for independently overseeing the verification of voting ballots. Appreciation was also expressed to Barrington’s Estate for hosting the Grand Finale, and to the many volunteers, musicians, vendors and participating restaurants who helped make the festival possible.
2026 ENGEL & VÖLKERS CHILLI FESTIVAL WINNERS
- Engel & Völkers Chilli Festival Champion Restaurant: Café Civara
- Second Place Restaurant Overall: Blue Rocks Café & Grill
- Restaurant That Sold the Most Chilli Festival Dishes: The Club Haus Plett
- First Place Waitron: Rose from Café Civara
- Second Place Waitron: Ricardo from Slops
Hoban added that the festival has grown into much more than a culinary competition.
“With every year, the festival becomes more than a food event. It is a celebration of local entrepreneurship, hospitality and community spirit, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s festival such a success.”
As the festival continues to grow, Engel & Völkers Plettenberg Bay remains committed to creating opportunities that bring people together, support local businesses and showcase the best of what the region has to offer.