CapeTownMagazine.com

Coffee, quirky murals and art in Langa

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

Coffee, quirky murals and art in Langa

Drink an Oreoccino at MSquared EspressoLab, a cool + colourful coffee shop

Last updated: 2 August 2022

Just off King Langalibalele Drive, a few minutes walk from Guga S’thebe Arts and Culture Centre, is a little coffee shop. Its hatches overlook a quiet side street lined with a couple of churches, a school and the homes of Cape Town’s oldest township. This is MSquared EspressoLab, a colourful and popular hangout spot in Langa. 


The coffee shop is located on Lerotholi Avenue. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

EXPLORE LANGA THROUGH COFFEE + ART

Langa, meaning sun in Xhosa, is known for its rich history and cultural offerings, and you’ll find numerous tour groups walking through the neighbourhood on a daily basis. MSquared EspressoLab is a popular stop thanks to its central location, quirky trademark murals and the art gallery just next door.


Many tour groups stop by EspressoLab. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

You’ll find all kinds of people here, besides the tourists: Gogos and grandkids, drive-by cyclists, style icons and best friends. It’s the kind of place that knows regular customers by name and collaborates with other black-owned businesses.  


Visitors can grab a coffee and sit outside the store or lounge by the window. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

PICK UP A QUICK COFFEE OR SIT IN THE WINDOW

The Lab, as the locals call it, sells all kinds of drinks, from coffees and teas to smoothies in summer. Its best-kept secret, according to its Instagram, is the Oreoccino – an oreo frappuccino. If you’re feeling snackish, you can also order fresh bagels, muffins or croissants.


The Lab also sells a Smartiescinno. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

STAY FOR THE ART

16 on Lerotholi, the art gallery next to The Lab, is a space that uses art as a tool to foster solidarity within the Langa community and on the African continent. It runs a number of exhibitions each year and an artist-in-residence programme. 


The coffee shop and art gallery are situated next to each other. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

MSquared EspressoLab is open: Monday to Sundays, 8am - 6pm
Find it: 16 + 17 Lerotholi Avenue | Langa | Cape Town
Contact it on: 068 030 4631 or 081 316 9966, Instagram: @msquared_espressolab and @16onlerotholi

By Lara van Zyl

---

DISCOVER MORE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Learn how to do origami from a Guinness World Record holder

Order a Tokoloshe coffee at this new coffee shop in Loop Street.

This coffee shop in the middle of nowhere is made of haystacks.

Play a game of chess with coffee, art and bagels at Sonder Café.

Join a song-filled township tour in Langa.

Discover +7 things to do this weekend.

---

Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.  

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...

Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Ricks Cafe AmericainMonday burger specials + happy hour ...

Enjoy any burger with a free beer at Rick’s Café on Kloof Street

Taj Jiva SpaJiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...

Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure

Breathwork Africa foundation3+ ways to get your breath back and ...

Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...

GiveawaysTravel Tips