Rich Aromas at Hazz Espresso Bar in Newlands

Stellenbosch’s much-loved coffee brand opens a new café in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs

Blue.

That’s the first thing that welcomes you into Häzz, a new espresso bar that’s opened in the southern Cape Town suburb of Newlands: a very specific calming, yet striking kind of blue. Next are the clean white walls and a burst of dynamic colours that fill a part of the room in the form of a funky mural. And all these hues come together in a way that says, “hello, come in”.

I find a seat and am greeted by the marketing manager of the coffee house, Marisa Freeman, who offers me a cup of the brand’s award-winning blend (it won a gold medal at the International Coffee Tasting Competition in 2012), which I gladly accept.

“How do you pronounce the name?” I ask.

“Any way you want to. It can even mean anything that you want it to mean,” she explains, and I am immediately intrigued by this South African java blend and shop.

The brand’s story began in 2009 when it first introduced itself to the world as a simple bag of beans. After some time, the team of four responsible for its inception (the designer, owner, marketer and coffee roaster) decided that Häzz needed a storefront, and so in 2011, a coffee house on Ryneveld Street in Stellenbosch opened its doors. Years later it was decided that the brand needed to spread its wings to the Mother City, and after months of searching for the perfect spot, the crew launched the Cape Town branch in April 2015 at the Kildare Centre in the serene area of Newlands.

“We’re all about making good coffee and have built everything about the espresso bar with this in mind,” explains Marisa. So, the moment you enter the door, you’re met with the sight of a barista brewing heavenly creations at a low-lying counter that gives the impression that there are no barriers (customers are open to ask him as many questions as they want to). And alongside this vision, you’re enveloped by a rich coffee aroma.

“You should be able to pick up hints of hazelnut and chocolate in the flavour profile,” says Marisa, as I take a sip of my flat white. She goes on to explain that their pure Arabica blend (a lesser-known, high-quality bean varietal) has origins in Africa, Asia, South and Central America and is designed to stay true to its structural profile. So, whether you order Häzz as an Americano, a flat white or an espresso to go, the distinct taste always comes through.

And should coffee lovers be keen on pairing the hot liquid goodness with delicious eats, they are able to choose from the bar’s small, yet satisfying range of light bites on offer (think sandwiches, cupcakes, muffins, biscuits and croissants). These can be enjoyed at one of the spot’s wooden tables or visitors can perch themselves comfortably on the leather couch. If guests are more abuzz and in the mood to get some work done, they’ll be pleased to know that the space is also conducive to that, and the free Wi-fi certainly comes in handy.

There is another handy part to Häzz: a boutique coffee store section where avid java fans can stock up on barista machines and appliances as well as purchase beans in bulk. Marisa explains that it is incredibly easy to make a stellar cup of their coffee – the components of the bean make that possible – which means that you’re able to take the Häzz magic home.

Speaking of home, I look at my watch and realise that it’s time for me to head out. As I say my goodbyes I find myself thinking about how Häzz is the kind of place that leaves a strong impression. From the hard-to-miss blue that streaks across almost everything (even the sugar sachets and the takeaway cups) right down to the intriguing flavour of the blend, this espresso bar is certainly capable of carving a warm and rich place in your memory.

Tip: Häzz’s award-winning coffee blend is not only available for home purchase, but can also be bought to be sold in retail stores and other cafés. For more information, contact +27 (0) 21 671 2587.

The Bill: Beverages are reasonably priced at Häzz. Single coffees are priced between R14 and R20, doubles range from R16 to R22 and a hot chocolate or chai latte rings in at R22. Cold drinks sit between R11 and R22, sandwiches cost between R29 and R42 and pastries range from R12 to R42.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 5pm; Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 3pm

7 Kildare Centre | Corner of Kildare Road & Main Street | Newlands | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 671 2587

by Dudu Luthuli

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Looking for a great place to eat in the Southern Suburbs? Here’s the rundown on Four & Twenty Café in Wynberg.

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