These work-friendly eateries, cafés and coffee shops provide the perfect space for productivity
The nature of the typical work environment is changing. Thanks to WiFi, Skype and Google Docs, companies can function successfully with staff members working remotely. Professionals no longer feel the need to be chained to their desks from 9am 'til 5pm. You can be as productive from your bed as you are sitting in the office - and restaurants have started to notice.
I used to scoff at people who'd type away on their laptops in public but I've recently become one of them.
When I need a change of scenery and a charge of creative energy, I head to my local coffee shop, connect to the free internet and get my work done.
Coffices are extremely convenient when I'm on a food tour because I don't miss my deadlines, and I get to grill the wait staff about the local food culture and where I should go for my next meal.
Below are my favourite coffices in Cape Town:
Melt Cafe - CBD
Owners Ayla & Andy always have a throng of loyal customers at their Long Street location. Whether you want chai with almond milk, a pipping cup of hot chocolate or the Gypsy toasted sandwich on rye, you'll always be served with a smile.
Enjoy the attentive staff while you work, or plug in your earphones and you'll certainly be left alone- but be sure to get a seat at the counter by the window so you can people watch when you need the distraction. Cape Town is filled with some of the wackiest, most wonderful personalities and Long Street is the runway for most of them.
Field Office - Woodstock
One of Cape Town's oldest suburbs is crowded with coffices. If you want a quiet place to enjoy a loose leaf tea and caprese panini, while across from you a bearded hipster sits next to a crackling fire, sweating out the website for his touring bicycle business, then this is the place for you.
The staff are lovely, the atmosphere is inviting and the menu is enticing.
The small and intimate eatery is ideal for the professional looking to get work done in a quite and relaxed environment. You can work in the main restaurant of soak up the sun in the courtyard.
Solo has a carefully curated menu that changes in accordance to the seasonal ingredients they manage to source locally. Don't think that means you'll be paying an arm and a leg to eat and work from here. The prices match most of the budget-friendly restaurants in the area.
Bootleggers - Green Point
Boasting baristas that are easy on the eyes; I must admit I patron this coffee house for more than the fast WiFi and salted caramel popcorn milkshake. Bootleggers is always bursting with energy. If you can't find a seat at this popular location, there are three other franchises across the city.
I happened upon this gem nestled at the heart of Salt River when I visited Cape Town in June. Forming part of a fantastic gallery that supports local artists, The Burrow is a must visit. The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating - you'll feel like you're hot desking with a bunch of mates because within minutes the staff make you feel like family (and even proof read your copy when you need a fresh pair of eyes).
The menu is humble but every bite packs a piquant punch.
Mustacchio - Gardens
At the corner of Kloof Street and Orange-Street-meets-Buitensingel-Street, among the commotion, you'll find this quirky cafe. Though there is always a symphony of car horns and hoards of pedestrians rushing to and fro outisde, you won't hear a thing from when you cross the threshold. Order a coffee or two and the staff will let you stay as long as you like. Conveniently located, when you're done you can either head down Long Street or up Kloof Street to enjoy a couple rounds of sundowners with your mates.
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Cape Town is the culinary playground of South Africa. You can walk into niche restaurants specializing in broth or ice cream sandwiches or gin. An establishment offering a similar experience is Honest Chocolate. Whilst in Cape Town, I popped in for a quick bite. Read about it here.
I also had the privilege of being invited to a dinner party hosted by the talented Ayanonga Gope. #dinnerwiththecookdude went a little like this.
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