Summer is almost in full swing, and we’re seeing more laptops balanced on the edges of tables. With the “work from home” culture still on trend, creative freelancers and digital nomads in the Mother City are always on the hunt for a quiet nook to work from – or a spot to soak up the sun and city buzz to keep the inspiration flowing.
The Loading Bay
(30 Hudson St, De Waterkant)
One of my favourite spots to plant myself for a morning or afternoon is The Loading Bay in De Waterkant. The high ceilings create a space for my thoughts to wander while I sip a perfectly brewed coffee, with African beats strumming away in the background. There’s space to stretch your legs between work breaks, browse through their apparel store, or try out the Aesop fragrances upstairs. But for me, the main perk is the all-day breakfast menu, with the star of the show being the Red Roots: a combination of baby beets, carrots, creamy goat cheese, and poached eggs. It’s delicious, fresh and a hearty all-in-one meal.
Pauline’s
(37A Somerset Rd, Green Point)
My latest discovery is Pauline’s, a café run by the same owners as The Loading Bay, located in the Goodman’s Gallery in Green Point, just off Somerset Road. It’s quiet and quaint, and sitting outside in the courtyard feels as though you’ve been transported to a European piazza. This is a great spot for solo work or a casual work meet-up. Enjoy your favourite coffee, or if you’ve hit your coffee quota for the day, try a freshly brewed Mesquite.
The seedpods of the Mesquite tree become rich, smooth, caramel-like and nutty once roasted and ground. Mesquite can be enjoyed like coffee – giving you all energy minus the side effects of caffeine.
Honest Chocolate Café
(64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre)
The Honest Chocolate courtyard, tucked away at the back of the shop, has a similar atmosphere. It feels like a mini adventure walking through the chocolate shop to find your work spot, maybe collecting some assorted bonbons on the way. Hand-made and tempered with ethically sourced cacao beans and coconut blossom sugar, their chocolate provides an easy excuse to enjoy a treat any time of the day – even for breakfast, if you wish! Host a late afternoon work meeting in the courtyard, and linger for a drink at the Honest Gin Bar afterwards.
Between Us
(176 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre)
Another daytime hidden gem is Between Us on Bree Street. With a variety of seating arrangements, you can host a casual work meet-up on the low couches, or grab a solo table if you need to focus and tap into a project on your own. The kitchen is semi-open, and as a chef, I always love peeking in to see what’s simmering behind the scenes. Between Us is open all day and centrally located, which is very convenient. The mood is calm and the space holds interesting artwork for the wandering eye. They also have deliciously fresh cordials and shrubs to keep you hydrated through a summer work session.
The Power and the Glory
(13d Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof)
A cool, laid-back spot I recently stumbled upon the other day is The Power and the Glory, a multi-purpose space. By day, it feels like a focused co-working hub. The long tables are filled with people plugged into their various projects. The menu is simple, offering salads to the classic hot dog, with old-school, funky beats playing in the background. It’s definitely a place I’d choose for solo work while soaking in the vibe of my fellow unknown co-workers.
Cape Town definitely has many more hidden gems where you can find a cushy corner to work from – these are just a few that I love! And, I hope that you will enjoy them too. Are there any cafés or co-working spots that you love to visit? Share it in the comments below!
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