Orchard on Long Juice Bar in Cape Town

The new city centre grove serving up blended bursts of fresh flavour 

Amidst the myriad of dingy bars and houses of drunken debauchery that line Cape Town’s most raucous nightlife stretch, new daytime juice and smoothie bar Orchard on Long looks to replenish battered livers and rejuvenate hungover souls.

Launched on Long Street on 19 June 2013, the intimate beverage-focused café stands out amongst its party-hearty neighbours as a beacon of wellness, espousing the belief that a good diet is key to good health and that vigour and vitality come down to what you put in your mouth. And as young, well-travelled founder Tim Spence asserts, little could be better for the body than a sizeable glass of fresh juice. 

“I could write a laundry list full of the benefits of juicing,” he exclaims, pointing out that one 350-mL cup of blended nectar is packed with vitamins and minerals from over 1kg of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

Armed with a hefty helping of passion and the results of extensive research, the local fitness enthusiast has carefully compiled a diverse menu (it changes seasonally) that boasts predominantly organic drinks ideal for anything from boosting energy and combating hangovers to improving mood and fighting winter flu.

There is, for example, the immune-enhancing Hot Citrus C (a mix of oranges, naartjies, basil, ginger and chilli), the wholesome Beetroot Buzz (a blend of beetroot, apples, lemon and cucumber), the antioxidant-rich Cocoa Luna (free-range milk married with peanut butter, raw cacao, honey, whey powder and vanilla) and the exotic Spicy Avocado Smoothie (avocado with apples, strawberries, lemon, basil, jalapeno chillies, flaxseed and hemp seeds), amongst many more.

For the benefit of customers, all produce is on display at the front of the shop – meaning that plump pineapples, pears, limes and bananas and glass jars brimming with almonds, oats, prunes and maca root are the store’s key décor pieces. Not to mention, patrons can watch as their day’s choice is freshly squeezed and puréed right before them (Tim plans to plant a vegetable garden on the rooftop, so soon visitors will be able to see where some of the ingredients are grown too).

In fact, although the flavoursome tonics lend themselves to takeaways, the whole experience and ambience (and the fact that there’s free Wi-fi) invites a little lingering. Like an inner-city grove itself, the well-lit bar boasts a refreshing pastel green colour palette, a scattering of small plants on its windowsill and slender tree stumps that stretch up to the ceiling. With the scent of ripe fruits and fragrant herbs completing the picture, it’s not all that difficult for visitors to feel as though they’re sitting in the midst of an actual orchard.

In short, the charming café is a little taste of nature in the heart of Cape Town’s urban jungle, a refreshing respite from fast food and beer, and a welcome option for all those a tad tired of the Long Street standards.

Tip: Though juice and smoothies are the heart and soul of Orchard on Long, the café will soon offer a small selection of nutritious food options too, like wholesome sandwiches, organic salads and muesli and yoghurt for breakfast.

The Bill: Tim has tried to make items as affordable as possible, but customers should bear in mind that the fresh, organic focus does have an impact on prices. A 350mL juice costs between R20 and R30 and a 450mL smoothie will set you back between R30 and R38. A few slightly cheaper, off-the-menu options can also be found on the daily-changing specials board.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday: 9am – 3pm

211 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 3781

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Keen to keep things wholesome? Have a gander at our guide to healthy eateries in Cape Town.

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