Coffee, quirky murals and art in Langa

Drink an Oreoccino at MSquared EspressoLab, a cool + colourful coffee shop

Last updated: 2 August 2022

Just off King Langalibalele Drive, a few minutes walk from Guga S’thebe Arts and Culture Centre, is a little coffee shop. Its hatches overlook a quiet side street lined with a couple of churches, a school and the homes of Cape Town’s oldest township. This is MSquared EspressoLab, a colourful and popular hangout spot in Langa. 

The coffee shop is located on Lerotholi Avenue. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

EXPLORE LANGA THROUGH COFFEE + ART

Langa, meaning sun in Xhosa, is known for its rich history and cultural offerings, and you’ll find numerous tour groups walking through the neighbourhood on a daily basis. MSquared EspressoLab is a popular stop thanks to its central location, quirky trademark murals and the art gallery just next door.

Many tour groups stop by EspressoLab. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

You’ll find all kinds of people here, besides the tourists: Gogos and grandkids, drive-by cyclists, style icons and best friends. It’s the kind of place that knows regular customers by name and collaborates with other black-owned businesses.  

Visitors can grab a coffee and sit outside the store or lounge by the window. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

PICK UP A QUICK COFFEE OR SIT IN THE WINDOW

The Lab, as the locals call it, sells all kinds of drinks, from coffees and teas to smoothies in summer. Its best-kept secret, according to its Instagram, is the Oreoccino – an oreo frappuccino. If you’re feeling snackish, you can also order fresh bagels, muffins or croissants.

The Lab also sells a Smartiescinno. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

STAY FOR THE ART

16 on Lerotholi, the art gallery next to The Lab, is a space that uses art as a tool to foster solidarity within the Langa community and on the African continent. It runs a number of exhibitions each year and an artist-in-residence programme. 

The coffee shop and art gallery are situated next to each other. Image: MSquared EspressoLab

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

MSquared EspressoLab is open: Monday to Sundays, 8am - 6pm
Find it: 16 + 17 Lerotholi Avenue | Langa | Cape Town

Contact it on: 068 030 4631 or 081 316 9966, Instagram: @msquared_espressolab and @16onlerotholi

By Lara van Zyl

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