If you have been anywhere near Hazelwood lately, you have probably seen the buzz (and the queues). Pantry by Marble, the trendy, gourmet convenience store that took Johannesburg by a storm, officially opened its first Pretoria branch on 29 October, and it is about to change the way we think about quick shopping and casual dining.

PDBY had the pleasure of visiting this new spot that is just five minutes away from the university. It combines a supermarket, deli, bakery, and takeaway restaurant all under one stylish, farmhouse-inspired roof. Whether you need groceries, a good cup of coffee, or just a break from the streets of Hatfield, The Pantry in Hazelwood promises to be a space that blends luxury with accessibility and aesthetics. The best part about it? It is actually student friendly.

Pantry by Marble was co-founded just over a decade ago by chef David Higgs and entrepreneur Gary Kyriacou: a pair who wanted to rethink what a convenience store could be. Their first location in Rosebank is attached to a Sasol petrol station on Jan Smuts Avenue. When it was developed, it quickly became famous for its fresh food, great coffee, and especially vibrant atmosphere.

Now, with Hazelwood being their first standalone location, they have gone all out. The new store spans 1 000 square metres, almost double the size of the Rosebank Pantry. It features everything from fresh produce and ready-made meals to breads and pastries, and the store even has The Pantry’s now famous pizzas and burgers on offer.

Dino Constantinou, Partner at Marble Hope Group and Director of Operations, explained that this opening had been a long-term goal. “This project was four years in the making,” he said. “We fell in love with Hazelwood because it has that mix of community and energy, giving it a Cape Town or European feel that Johannesburg just doesn’t have. It’s the perfect place to build something like this.”

For Pretoria students, The Pantry Hazelwood might just become the new go-to for everything from study snacks to weekend meetups. Although it looks high-end, their prices are designed to stay competitive, so you can grab something delicious without draining your entire month’s allowance.

Here is a list of what is worth checking out:

  • Affordable convenience: Pantry stocks your everyday essentials alongside gourmet finds, so you can do your weekly grocery shopping and treat yourself at the same time.
  • Quick, quality meals: Grab freshly-made wraps, delicious pasta bowls, or even hearty burgers in between classes. Their pizzas, made in wood-fired ovens, are already legendary.
  • Coffee and chill: With dedicated coffee and soft-serve bars, it is the perfect place to power through your assignments or catch up with friends.
  • Freshly baked goods: The in-house bakery offers croissants, sourdough, and desserts that look and taste like something straight out of a movie.
  • Instagram-worthy aesthetic: Between the custom-made wooden ceilings, warm lighting, and stylish packaging, not taking a photo (or ten) is impossible.

Unlike most convenience stores, The Pantry is all about creating an experience for shoppers. The Hazelwood branch was designed by Irene Kyriacou who envisioned a space that feels both nostalgic and modern. Think open-plan interiors, shelves lined with local products, and the constant smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

“It’s not just about buying groceries,” Constantinou explained. “It’s about bringing back the joy of shopping.” The Pantry has introduced a few exclusive features for the Pretoria crowd, including a bespoke butchery offering premium meats and braai cuts, an expanded bakery with more bread and pastry options than ever, a gift and homeware corner with their signature wrapping, and a soft-serve waffle pod because dessert should always be an option.

Despite the polished look, The Pantry aims to stay inclusive. “We want a taxi driver to walk in here for bread, a mom to pop by for flowers, and students to grab lunch or study here,” Constantinou said. The team behind Pantry is also proud of their hands-on approach – everything from their bread to their marketing is done in-house. The result? Consistent quality, friendly service, and a strong brand identity that keeps people coming back.

If you are wondering about the food, then yes, it is as good as it looks. PDBY got to sample some of The Pantry’s bestsellers: perfectly cheesy pepperoni pizza, juicy burgers, and affordable ice cream that gives gelato a run for its money.

With its official opening, it is clear that Pantry Hazelwood is not just another grocery store. For students, it is the ultimate mix of practicality and indulgence, a place where you can grab dinner, meet friends, or even get some studying done.

Whether you are craving something fresh, needing to top-up on weekly groceries, or just wanting to see what exactly it is that everyone is talking about, Pantry Hazelwood is worth the visit. Pro tip: go early, come hungry, and expect to stay longer than planned.

Operating hours: 

Sunday to Thursday: 07:00 to 22:00

Friday to Saturday: 07:00 to 00:00

Find out more: PANTRY.

Relebogile Manana

Originally posted on the PDBY website: Pantry by Marble Lands in Hazelwood, and It’s Perfect for Students