For the last few years, I’ve preferred to start my day with a cup of tea. But about once a day I really enjoy a well-brewed cup of coffee or latté. Add a beautiful or interesting interior setting & I’m transported to coffee heaven! So, when I discovered these three gems on my recent visit to the KZN-Natal Midlands, I was over the moon.
Flamme Rouge Cycle Café
We literally stumbled upon this little hidden secret as we popped in at the nearby pharmacy in Nottingham Road. From far, I thought it was a decor or gift shop because I could see it looked rather special. Upon closer investigation, we discovered that this café is all about coffee & cycling.
Cyclists probably know that flamme rouge refers to the red flag that marks the final kilometer of the (cycling) race. Non-cyclists are luckily also welcome at Flamme Rouge & the mere discovery of this little gem made me feel like I had already won a race!
The interior is minimalist, clean & fresh. A look that I wouldn’t mind recreating in our lounge.
Location: 1 Harrison Green East, Gowrie Village, Nottingham Road, Kwazulu-Natal
Hours: Open weekdays from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; 7:30 – 1 pm on weekends
Steampunk Coffee
The guys at Steampunk Coffee are not scared of taking a stand. They’re about making a difference. The delicious coffee & (complimentary) food-for-thought make Steampunk a must-do stop.
I’d recommend that you take your own cup as Steampunk doesn’t have take away cups. You either drink your coffee right there or you produce your own takeaway cup. Cool right? They also don’t make hot coffees (65-72 degrees) which should be music to your ears if you are a coffee connoisseur.
Location: Thokans Garage R103 between Mandela Capture Site & Piggly Wiggly, Lions Rover, KwaZulu-Natal
Hours: Open daily from 7 am – 5 pm, but only opens at 8 am on public holidays.
Terbodore
The very first batch of Terbodore coffee was roasted in 2004 right here on the Terbodore farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Now you might have noticed Terbodore coffee in your local supermarket, but nothing beats going back to the very place where it all started.
On the day of our visit the place was packed & we received slightly disappointing service, so I would suggest that you book a table as they get really super busy. Also take your time to enjoy your visit. If you’re lucky, you might even see the legendary Great Dane around. Next time I’ll be back for a milk tart cigar or even a lazy lunch.
Location: 87 Old Main Road, Curry’s Post, KZN Midlands
Times: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from Thursday to Monday. Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Finally, I would also like to share 2 tips for exploring awesome little coffee shops in the Midlands:
- Take some cash. Many little stores & stalls – like Steampunk – don’t accept cards so have some hard earned cash in your wallet.
- Invest in a reusable cup: With so many fabulous little coffee stops along the Midlands Meander, taking a reusable cup is the responsible thing to do.
Have you been to any of these? Or do you know of more quaint coffee stops in the Midlands?
Yolandi ♥