Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
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 |
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.
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.
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.
“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”.
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.
---
Get coffee in the middle of nowhere on the R44.
Do a Turkish coffee and Turkish-delight pairing at this cafe.
Visit this all-day breakfast café with a secret.
Get a taste of Paris in Cape Town.
Take your trail running up a notch with a 12-week long trailblazing marathon.
Find out all you need to know about the rise of coffee culture in Cape Town.
Make finding a secret café just one of the many things you can do this weekend.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
A brewery with food specials for every ...
Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...
Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
Monday burger specials + happy hour ...
Enjoy any burger with a free beer at Rick’s Café on Kloof Street
Jiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...
Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure
3+ ways to get your breath back and ...
Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...