Coffee is more than just a get-up-and-go; it is a meet and greet with a friend,  the perfect companion for that blanket-and-good-book kind of day, an excuse to take a well-deserved break, a steamy dessert, a hug in a mug and the perfect pick-me-up.

The culture of caffeine, coffee and cafes has evolved a lot over the past few years in South Africa. Did you know that in ten years, the number of coffee roasters in South Africa has jumped from a mere 20 to over 100? Years ago we had kitchens filled with plastic containers and instant coffee granules and the majority of the caffeinated folk had no idea what the difference was between a filter coffee and an Americano. Today, shiny moka pots, French presses and coffee machines birth dark, strong liquid happiness into our cups and our caffeine lingo has moved from just coffee to espressos and flat whites with baristas training around the clock to perfect the art of the coffee.  

It’s no secret: South Africans love coffee and if you’ve ever wondered how the caffeine addicts in Nelson Mandela Bay take their coffee, the answer would be, “Seriously. Very Seriously”.

And who can blame us?

Coffee has been in the veins of the Bay since 1924 when Mastertons - the oldest and most established roaster in South Africa - opened its doors for the first time as “The tea and coffee house” in Queen Street (now Govan Mbeki Avenue). In 1966 the roasters moved up to Russell Road where they still operate - 92 years later - today.

 

 

10 Coffee Shops to Visit in the Bay

"Because here in the Bay, we speak coffee fluently..."

#1 Urban Espress Coffee Co.

Urban Espress Coffee Co. understands and appreciates the art, beauty and importance of caffeine addiction. They say, "the experience is all about the coffee buzz, the hype, the vibe and everything that comes with it. We’re here for the distinctly unique flavour of the coffee bean".

Address: 25 6th Avenue and 23 Constitution Hill.
 

 

#2 Cobblestone Bistro & Bakery

Cobblestone Bistro & Bakery - a family-owned and operated café - is a place where you feel at home with the first step and where you fall in love at first smell with their mouth-watering farm-style meals, confectioneries and thick, foamy cappuccinos.

Address: 40 6th Avenue, Walmer.

#3 Banneton Bakery & Café

Banneton Bakery & Café, a newcomer in Port Elizabeth, is hot on everyone's lips...and with good reason. Their menu is wholesome, their style is elegant and their coffee will make you say, "one more, please". Here you'll find no processed drinks, but you'll indulge in different blends of tea, natural freshly squeezed juices and robust coffee.

Address: 154 Main Road, Walmer.

 

 

#4 Friendly Stranger

Friendly Stranger is situated in a quaint old cobblestone building (believed to be the second oldest in Port Elizabeth) in the urban yet modern Baakens Valley. Friendly Stranger is loved by many for its friendly service, enchanting ambiance, original art and of course, its excellent coffee. 

Address: 1 Bridge Street, Upper Valley Road.

#5 Vovo Telo

Once upon a time, before the brews and breads of Vovo Telo took South Africa by storm, there was only one Vovo Telo and it was in Port Elizabeth and to this day, the bakery still puts smiles on people's faces with their artisanal breads and deliciously dark, strong coffee.

Address: 16 – 18 Raleigh Street, Richmond Hill.
 

 

#6 Rhubarb and Lime

Rhubarb and Lime is an upmarket retro coffee shop specialising in gourmet delicacies from food to drink and everything in between. They passionately strive to give coffee lovers the full coffee house experience and serve the renowned TRUTH coffee, all the way from the Mother City.

Address: 7 Park Drive.

#7 Fratellis Foods PE

Fratellis Foods PE is more than just another coffee stop; it is an Italian deli and coffee bar that brings imported goods right to your dinner table. They serve La Dolcé Vita Caffé (heaven in a cup), an Italian brand created exclusively for Fratelli Foods - roasted in Noceto, enjoyed in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Address: Alabaster Road, Baakens Valley.
 

 

#8 Savages Fine Food

Savages Fine Food is a café and deli situated in a beautiful old homestead dating back to 1885. It is a place not only rich in history, but also rich in atmosphere which serves a special Savages blend accompanied by their "beautiful home style good old-fashioned food".

Address: 70 Park Drive.

#9 Company Social Brasserie

Company Social Brasserie, situated on the beach front, is all about "company".  The carefully crafted menu offers "sumptuous breakfasts, artisanal coffee and pastries on the go, brunch, lunch and dinner".

Address: 27 Beach Road.

 

 

#10 Micoffee

If you are looking for a handcrafted blend on the go, look no further than Micoffee, our first drive-through coffee shop in the Bay. Micoffee specalises in single-origin coffees and is a favourite stop for the Banters with its banting-friendly Bulletproof Coffee.

Address: 152 Main Road and 106 Hurd Street (Newton Park).

 

Photos and words by Anje Rautenbach, travel blogger at Going Somewhere Slowly. Follow her journeys around South Africa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.