The Open Kitchen

True to the current pattern developing in Stellenbosch, there's another new coffee shop/ deli/ kitchen open and ready to present it's customers with a delightful homely and warm atmosphere.

With a variety of freshly baked breads, sweet treats and brewing coffee, the smell emanating from The Open Kitchen's doors is just as wonderful as the interior decorating and is an immediate plus as far as a welcoming atmosphere goes. 

The owner, Kimble, is on hand to chat enthusiastically about the shop and the fact that it's become more of her home than her actual home. There's a variety of specials and delicacies, ranging from exotically flavoured home made pies to hot drinks converted into milkshakes (coffee, horlicks, milo etc). 

A huge plus is that pretty much any time you want to stop by you will be able to because The Open Kitchen is giving literal meaning to it's name, not only can you watch your food being cooked and the busy bustle of the kitchen, but they also open their doors at 7am, and starting soon will be keeping them open 'til 10pm on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night (a definite answer to the night-time coffee conundrum experienced by so many.) 

A personal favourite as far as this particular shop goes is that the bar counter is lined with the owner's personal collection of novels, and customers are welcome to pick up a book and read a chapter of two while enjoying their drink (and are of course encouraged to return to finish the book ;) ) 

The coffee is an organic Ethiopian blend, and while it was strong and hot it was definitely not one of the more pleasant cups recently tasted. Perhaps it was just a once off  but it had the definite taste of being burned, or the grounds having been used to make more than one cup. It was an unfortunate edge to an otherwise lovely experience. 

Wifi: Yes

Address: 35 Plein Street 

Facebook: Yes