Good beans, great art and while you’re at it, pass the wine

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Interior of De Oude Bank Bakkerij

Stellenbosch, as a town, is becoming a living, breathing, art installation – head down Dorp Street and you’re bound to find artistic inspiration in the nearest coffee shop. A good place to start is the Oude Bank building on Church Street. Walk through the Dylan Lewis and Dorp Street galleries to get to De Oude Bank Bakkerij. This popular spot is a bakery, coffee shop and deli rolled into 1.

If you hanker after international quality artisanal breads, this is it, whether you’re after a French baguette, Italian ciabatta, breadsticks or Eastern European rye bread and sourdough.

All sorts of delicious treats are on offer

The décor is eclectic and interesting and everything delivered to your table is a work of art of sorts, from the gentle curve of the wooden spoon to the beautiful etchings on your coffee cup. Tuck into an open sandwich topped with old-world style cured ham (black forest, Spanish jamon) and proper buffalo milk mozzarella with some olive tapenade on the side.

Close by is the Farmer’s Daughter décor shop with its locally made design items and its jams – whole grape being a regional specialty. Original artworks and beautiful linens are all on offer in this shop-cum-gallery of creativity.

Nothing like a good cuppa with an artistic bent

On the same pavement is Java Café, a bistro/coffee shop/restaurant that serves anything from pasta and panini to tarts and sweet treats. Opposite is the Red Teapot art studio-cum-gallery. Artist Portchie, renowned for his vivid portrayal of typical South African scenery, uses the shop as his studio and is happy to chat to visitors. 

DeliCatEssen on Tokara Wine Estate just outside Stellenbosch features an interactive sculpture garden for the enjoyment of toddlers and adults alike. This is where locals bring their visitors for breakfast and lunch to show off the best of all things Stellenbosch and Cape. Buying a few bottles of wine to take back home with you just adds to the fun factor of the experience.

If you like a good cuppa surrounded by beautiful works of art, creative souls and inspiration around every corner, then Stellenbosch is just the spot for you. The good news is that there are over 85 eateries (including coffee shops) in the area, so you are spoilt for choice.

Details:

• De Oude Bank Bakkerij, 7 Church Street; tel +27 (0)21 883 2187; open breakfast Tuesday to Sunday, lunch Tuesday to Saturday, dinner Wednesday and Saturday
• Java Café, Church Street; tel + 27 (0)21 887 6261; open Monday to Saturday 8am to 11pm, Sundays from 9am to 11pm
• DeliCatEssen, Tokara Wine Estate, Helshoogte Pass; tel: + 27 (0)21 808 5950; open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm
• The Red Teapot Gallery, Church Street; visit www.portchie.com

Category: Food & Wine