Cafe Focus: Foakes Roastery & Bakery

By Ayanda Dlamini 

I visited Foakes Coffee Roastery & Bakery at victory yards the other day. The best way to describe it is by comparing it to the sensation of relief. That cool breeze on a hot summer's day; that well awaited sit back on your couch after the longest day of your life - that’s how experiencing Foakes Coffee Roastery & Bakery is capable of making you feel.

I walked into what felt like a beautiful garden shed in the corner of a yard. It was late in the afternoon, so the warmth and glow of the sunset created the perfect soft lighting, forming a gentle ambiance, and a comforting embrace after a long day. Like a garden shed, the cafe is surrounded by an urban garden, with fresh seasonal produce, influencing the space’s ability to create solace amidst the chaos of life. 

I was cheerfully welcomed by Happy Masenamela and Silibasizo Dube, alongside the classic and nostalgic richly scented coffee smell, combined with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes. The three of us clicked instantly, exchanging coffee stories, which then turned into history stories leading us into personal stories - and just like that, our diverse backgrounds and perspectives blended so beautifully creating rich conversations and connections. 

Architecturally, I was taken by the space’s urban industrial elegance. Its honey toned hues and the creative incorporation of hessian sacks as a design element was my favorite part of it. Foakes Roastery and Bakery is perfectly situated amidst trendy and creative niches like studios, galleries, and artisanal workshops and craft gins, this cafe embodies the spirit of community and collaboration that really defines the area.

True to their craftsmanship nature, Foakes Coffee Roastery and Bakery roasts their own coffee. Creatively their 2kg roasters present as a functional decorative tool around the cafe. I was served Foakes’ House Blend (a blend of Brazilian, Columbian, Nicaragua and Guatemala), the combination of these coffees brings out a bold and robust flavor, followed by a delightful nuttiness that envelops your taste buds. 

I find myself filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment from this experience. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was in a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invited me to linger after closing hours and savour every moment. I now carry with me fond memories and a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of good food, good company, and a welcoming ambiance.