A unique establishment in Cape Town's Central Business District (CBD) has been gaining attention for its versatility as both a coffee house and a bar. Located at 36 Buitenkant St, the venue offers patrons the freedom to choose their preferred experience. The author, a contributor to Nation Media Group's Business Daily Africa, stumbled upon the place while searching for great coffee houses nearby with the help of ChatGPT.
The author visited the coffee house with friends who were in town for the Nelson Mandela Marathon. The friends, who are health-conscious and disciplined, did not drink coffee, but the author was impressed by the coffee served at the establishment. The author and friends had been staying near the Grande Parade, where the marathon was set to start. Their interest in the coffee house was piqued, and they decided to try it out.
The coffee house, known as Truth, also features a unique interior design, described as a "dramatic steampunk and industrial aesthetic" created by Haldane Martin in 2011. The interior is set within a three-storey heritage warehouse from the turn of the century, blending Victorian and futuristic elements with heavy machinery. The author and friends were impressed by the waiters, who were witty and knowledgeable about the menu offerings.
On one evening, after returning from a wine tour, the author took friends to Truth for an early dinner and to admire the architecture. The author ordered a double bourbon, which was well-received due to its palatability. As dusk fell outside, a lady approached their table and asked the author if he was "Black Coffee," mistaking him for the South African DJ.
The author was flattered by the mistake but clarified the situation, explaining that he was not the famous DJ. The incident added a memorable touch to their visit to Truth. The establishment's unique blend of coffee house and bar experiences seems to attract a diverse range of patrons, from those seeking great coffee to others looking for a place to enjoy a drink.
Truth's location in the CBD of Cape Town makes it easily accessible to visitors and locals alike. The author appreciated the venue's ambiance and the service provided by the staff. The combination of a coffee house and bar in one location offers a unique experience that caters to different tastes and preferences.
The author's visit to Truth, although brief, left a lasting impression. The chance encounter with a patron who mistook him for Black Coffee added a humorous element to the evening. Overall, Truth appears to be a versatile venue that offers something for everyone, whether it's great coffee, a unique atmosphere, or simply a place to socialize.
Key points
- The establishment, Truth, serves as both a coffee house and a bar, offering patrons a unique experience.
- The author was mistaken for South African DJ Black Coffee while visiting Truth.
- Truth's interior design features a steampunk and industrial aesthetic created by Haldane Martin in 2011.
