Futuristic coffee atelier with curious brews

Coffee with honeybush, blood orange and more

Last updated: Friday, 5 April 2024 

This coffee shop feels like you’ve stepped into Architectural Digest. It’s a new atelier in De Waterkant from Espresso Lab, a coffee roastery that’s been around since 2009 and has over 100 stores across the world. It’s a popular hub for coworking and meetings, with futuristic decor and curious coffees made with espresso foam or yuzu juice.


Espresso Lab has opened a coffee atelier. Image: Espresso Lab

MINIMALIST MEETS FUTURISTIC DECOR

The combination of neutral colours and minimalist decorations are exciting to the eye. As you step inside you see grey leather couches, cool granite floors and walls and metal roundtables. 

The decor of Espresso Lab’s coffee atelier feels somewhat futuristic, like a science lab. There’s moving signs above the order counter, and some of the drinks are served in beakers, adding to the futuristic atmosphere.


The decor feels inspired by Architectural Digest. Image: Espresso Lab

COFFEES WITH BLOOD ORANGE AND TONIC

On the drinks menu you’ll find curious combinations like a Yuzu Sour (made with yuzu juice, honey, soda water and espresso foam) or a Lekker Brew, a cold brew with honey bush, blood orange and a rosemary aperitif. 

There’s even an espresso called Pink Tonic, made with iced rose cucumber tonic water. For non-coffee drinkers there’s the usual hot chocolate, chai or matcha latte. And some special drinks like a Cape Fog (rooibos tea, cascara syrup and milk foam).


Try a unique coffee combination. Image: Sarah Williams

AN IMPRESSIVE CASE OF SWEET AND SAVOURY  

When sitting downstairs you can see (and smell) pastries, tarts and sandwiches being freshly made by the open window bakery at the back.  

There’s chia cups, frittatas, tiramisu cake rolls, madeleines, cardamom and cinnamon buns, focaccia sandwiches, brioche croissants and more. Besides the eats, the fridge also has Babylonstoren fresh juices.


The pastry case is visually appealing. Image: Sarah Williams

WORKING NEVER LOOKED SO COOL

The coffee atelier is conveniently positioned at the edge of the city centre in De Waterkant. Its central location and unique look makes it a great spot for business meetings, or to just change your office scenery. At the table running along the coffee atelier counter, there are plug points and reliable wifi.
  

VISIT THE COFFEE ATELIER 

Espresso Lab is open: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm; Saturday, 8am to 3pm
Find it: 8 De Smidt Street, De Waterkant, City Centre
Cost: Coffees from R30
Contact on: @espressolabza  

By Sarah Williams

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