Folk Coffee Anthropology in Bree Street

Enrich your java experience at this trendy yet homey Cape Town haunt with a big heart

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2022:

Do a Turkish coffee and Turkish-delight pairing at this cafe.

Get coffee in the middle of nowhere on the R44.

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“It is really about being inclusive and inviting people to engage with the space,” explains Leeanne Heald, who co-owns Folk Coffee Anthropology along with her husband Laurence Heald. “It is open and light and that is what we wanted it to be – a place you can feel at home in.”

And that’s the sort of experience the Bree Street spot brings to the busy CBD streets – warmth and friendliness. From the moment you walk into Folk Coffee Anthropology, you’re made to feel welcome and are encouraged to interact with your surroundings. From the book corner with its shelves filled with must-reads and other antique bits and bobs – there is an old till and radio on display, to the elevated stage area – ideal for live acts or book reviews, and the large comfy couch positioned next to the coffee roasting machine – everything you see in the store encourages customers to engage with cafe culture.

Ultimately, it all started with Espresso Concepts, the Johannesburg-based family coffee roastery on Leeanne’s side that she and Laurence envisioned to expand in Cape Town. Owing to Leeanne’s fascination around the culture of coffee, she and her husband wished to create a space that allowed people to interact not only with coffee as a product, but also with the experience of going to your favourite coffee spot.

The five coffee varietals in store (Ethiopian, Brazilian, Honduras, Zimbabwean and Indian) and the shop's iconic Folk blend, coupled with the owner’s broad java knowledge, create limitless possibilities in terms of roasting, blending and brewing coffee. Leeanne and Laurence definitely know a thing or two about the beans, are always willing to share their insights, take pride in accommodating their customers and have created an inclusive space perfect for the coffee fundi and the average Joe.

“That is where we are a bit different”, says Laurence. “We ask how you like your coffee – we offer our high quality products just the way you like them.”

What’s more, Folk Coffee Anthropology is a retail store for Espresso Concepts coffee and is the sole importer of the Spanish Iberital espresso machine range. All coffee can be tasted and the machines can be viewed and tried in the store. They also sell other coffee goods such as domestic use coffee grinders, percolators, French presses and green coffee beans. Not to mention, Folk Coffee Anthropology is happy to assist customers who wish to learn more about how best to roast, blend, grind, extract and store their own beans.

In addition, the eatery offers an extensive menu, which was developed by Leeanne: “I have always cooked – my grandmother used to own a bakery and from there I pretty much learnt everything I know. I have always just loved cooking.” As a result, guests can expect an array of hearty items including breakfast delights (served all day), delicious home-baked cakes and pastries, various tapas dishes, indulgent salads, old-school burgers and other light main meals that are ideal for lunch or dinner.

The hand-crafted menu includes items, such as freshly baked muffins, croissants and cakes; various tapas plates, such as artichokes in a chilli and olive oil dressing and chorizo and capers served with freshly toasted ciabatta; and other light main meals, like fish cakes served with coriander and a pinch of chilli topped with salsa and guacamole, deep dish quiche that changes daily, artisan beef, vegetarian and chicken burgers made from scratch and chicken livers served with freshly-baked ciabatta. There are also a variety of cold and warm salads such as the chicken Caesar salad with bacon bits, poached egg and crispy croutons and the calamari and sundried tomato salad.

What’s more, everything in the kitchen – from the burger patties and fish cakes to all the sauces and the salad dressings – are homemade and created from scratch using only the best quality local, organic and free-range ingredients where possible.

To accompany the fare, Folk Coffee Anthropology has a fully functioning bar and an extensive wine list. With each vino specifically chosen for the eatery, guests can expect to find a large selection of reds and whites suitable for all palates and pockets. Fancy a craft beer on tap or in a bottle, they’ve got those too. A great gin collection, well of course you can get it at Folk Coffee Anthropology along with a coffee inspired cocktail menu.

Additionally, the java haunt also offers patrons a variety of smoothies made with fresh fruit and other delicious ingredients all selected based on what you want to get from your smoothy. Expect to find gems such as the BerryPine & coco made with blueberries, pineapple and coconut water; the Post Workout smoothie to re-energise you after a workout; the Protein Shake made with peanut butter, banana and cinnamon; the Health smoothie for a dairy free option, or the Superfood smoothie made with almond milk and chia seeds for a health boost.

If you don't have time to get to the eatery, you don't have to miss out as they deliver up and down Bree Street and to all of the surrounding areas. They also have a full catering menu available for your private function at Folk, or for delivery to your private parties, office functions or business lunches. In addition to this, Leeanne makes wedding and party cakes using her family recipes which promise to be the most delicious part of your event, and she is always available for a consultation for bespoke requirements.

NOTE: Folk Coffee Anthropology is open during First Thursdays. Be sure to also check out their Friday Burger & Beer affair and their monthly Book (&wine!) club that they host every second Wednesday of the month.

Tip: The venue can be hired out for various events and functions and can host approximately 60 people. The restaurants centrally positioned stage is ideal for live acts or to be used as a viewing area. A full catering menu is available or a set menu can be developed to your needs. Contact Folk Coffee Anthropology for more information.   

The Bill: Breakfast items range between R18 and R85. Tapas cost between R45 and R85 and light main meals between R55 and R150. Coffees ring in at R14 to R36 and smoothies between R45 and R58. Specialty drinks cost between R24 and 45 and Coffee Cocktails range between R45 and R95. A glass of wine will cost around R40 to R75 whereas a bottle ranges between R120 and R260.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am – 7pm | Saturday: 8am – 3pm | Sunday: Only open for special events or occasions.

Shop 4 Touchstone House | 7 Bree Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 276 1795 | info@folkcoffee.co.za | www.folkcoffee.co.za

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Check out the all-new beach-style Folk Cafe in St James.

Looking for some other awesome coffee shops to try? Then don’t forget to read our list of some of the best roasteries and cafes in the Mother City. Or perhaps our overview of Top Places to Eat Breakfast in Cape Town and Top Spots for Brunch in Cape Town is just up your alley. Enjoy!

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