Enjoy coffee and pastries from a secret café in Tokai Forest

Half the fun of the Secret Forest Café is finding it

You won't find this hidden coffee shop in Cape Town's bustling CBD nor will you find it out in the quiet suburbs. Instead, you'll have to walk, not too far, through Tokai Forest's indigenous nature reserve to find it. Right on the edge of the forest, facing Elephant's Eye in the Silvermine Nature Reserve, you'll find Olivia Hedley's family-run coffee shop, the Secret Forest Café. 

HALF OF THE FUN IS GETTING TO THE SECRET FOREST CAFE

The trail starts at the Tokai park parking area next to the Lions Club. From here, take the very first path and keep left all the way down. About 2km in, keep an eye out for a wooden walkway, which will take you straight to the café. 

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER DOOR OPENS

Like many small businesses in lockdown, Olivia Hedley’s previous business had to close its doors to the public. But Hedley has spotted opportunity in this tough time. “When one door closes another really does open,” she told CapeTownMagazine.com. “I think in some ways we have remembered the things we are good at, that we are passionate about and that makes a difference”. Hedley first started the coffee shop on 19 June It’s open on sunny days, and is the perfect pitstop for passing walkers, cyclists or runners.  

NOBODY CAN RESIST A SECRET

“I love the idea of magic, Narnia-style. The unknown, the path less followed,” says Hedley. “It's exciting and intriguing when something is secret, and I guess we all want to know what the secret is”. 

DAILY MADE BAGELS AND A MEAN CARROT CAKE

Once you’ve made it, reward yourself with a cup of Deluxé Coffee Works and one of the Secret Forest Café’s daily baked goods. “People never say no to a home-baked choc chip cookie”, says Hedley, “and the freshly baked almond Croissants are also a huge favourite”. They also make a mean carrot cake and gourmet bagels. 

If you feel like something a little lighter after your cycle or run, they also offer healthy snacks like frittatas, as well as fresh juices. Plus, smoothies will be on the menu soon. 

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