It was definitely the intricate details that sealed it for me. The rooibos flat white played a big hand, and the Espresso Star Dome tipped me over and poured my feelings out. I was in CocoHeaven, alternatively known as Coco Safar.
There are some spaces you walk away from and the experience itself uplifts your spirit. Coco Safar in Sea Point has captured my palate in just one visit.
When you step through the newly opened doors of Coco Safar, you can’t help but let out a “wow” of astonishment; the space previously known as Adelphi Centre has been remodeled into something that could easily pass as a cafe in the most exclusive streets of New York or Paris. As part of the Sea Point neighbourhood rejuvenation, the old Adelphi Centre is undergoing a milestone R200-million transformation and will relaunch as Artem, a luxurious galleria-style shopping centre.
The attention to detail at Coco Safar is incredible. The butterfly emblem is delicately emblazoned on everything you set your gaze upon. Attention to detail indeed and on a global luxury scale.
For those familiar with the brand, Coco Safar relocated from Claremont to their new state of the art flagship store in January. With a new immersive experience, the brand promises to deliver many ‘world firsts’ in its offering of specialty coffee and Rooibos products, world-class collections of Nespresso-compatible capsules, couture pâtisserie, relaxed café fare and curated retail lifestyle accessories.
The menu is exactly what you would expect it to be, influenced by international tastes with the quality to match. Elegant cutlery, bespoke crockery and chic booths fill up the room. Couture desserts, which you could believe came from a Michelin star kitchen, grace their open counters. “One of each please” – these are what food fantasies are made of.
These pictures speak a thousand words.
Co-founders Wilhelm Liebenberg and Caroline Sirois spent 20 years gathering their world experiences to put into one immaculate dream space – and it shows in every intricate detail of the store.
“We recognised that Sea Point is a thriving community going through an invigorating renaissance, which will make it Cape Town’s hotspot and newest destination for innovative retail stores and eateries. The future significance of the area is undisputed, and after an extended search for the right premises, in the right location that had ample space to house and set the stage for the theatrical culinary retail experience we wanted to deliver, we couldn’t be more thrilled with our new street-level location”, says Liebenberg.
Coco Safar is spread out within the centre, almost like a shopping experience, from one great taste to another. Take your time and understand all they have on offer. Each area has a unique feature and flavour profile that you can’t find anywhere else.
Features to look out for:
1. The Capsule Emporium collections offers a selection of fine freshly roasted coffees curated from the finest specialty beans and regions around the world.
2. The state-of-the-art Espresso Bar boasts the world’s first Spirit Idrocompresso espresso machine, making its global premier in Cape Town, it sets the stage for an unforgettable coffee experience and journey to discover exquisite coffees and Rooibos teas.
3. They have in-store boutique quality merchandise for sale, from coffee plungers to glamorous handbags, you can indulge in a little shopping too.
I can confidently say that no other space in Cape Town, and possibly even the country, can compare to these luxury offerings – with reasonable prices. Whether it’s coffee, rooibos, dessert or unique accessories you admire, you need to visit Coco Safar and decide for yourself – my mind is already made up.
Address: 277 Main Road Sea Point, Cape Town
Contact: 021 433 0490
Website: www.cocosafar.com
Pictures: Supplied and Nidha Narrandes