A Cyclist’s Wonderland at &Bikes Cafe and Bicycle Boutique in Cape Town

Buy cycling gear, sip on a hot cuppa and munch on light eats at this new one-of-a-kind Loop Street store

“Every cyclist needs a good cup of coffee,” says Quintin Smith, the founder of &Bikes, a new cycle boutique and café in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD that not only assists those keen on doing a two-wheeled tour but also makes it possible for biking enthusiasts to soak up a relaxed atmosphere while munching on light eats, drinking great java and purchasing bicycle-themed apparel – all in one place.

The one-of-a-kind coffee shop, which officially opened its doors in July 2015, is the latest project of Quintin’s Stellenbosch-based company Bikes ‘n Wines, which has been treating avid riders to cycle trips around lesser-known parts of the Cape Winelands town since 2007. The tour operator has grown from offering one standard guided ride through the Town of Oaks to providing multiple expeditions, and now, the reputable business has taken things up a notch with &Bikes, a café that seeks to share a passion for cycling with the rest of the world.

“The store is basically about living the brand,” explains Quintin, and when you take a look inside the café, you can see exactly what he means. Amidst the wooden tables and chairs lies a neat display of beautiful custom-made bikes for sale (each one has a unique story behind it) and in another section, a shelf sits dedicated to hosting helmets, saddles, bells, local cycle-themed clothing, jewellery and more. The walls are decorated with related art and even the lighting has a cycling spin to it (you simply have to see this for yourself). All of this comes together to make riders and curious passers-by feel as if they have just walked into a two-wheeler wonderland.

Of course, the last thing anyone would want when stepping into such a wonderland is bad coffee, so Quintin and General Manager Tarryn Povey have gone all out in sourcing the best beans (from equally passionate people) and the most delicious eats for customers. Accordingly, visitors can enjoy a cup of premium Baseline Coffee alongside light bites, like an avocado and feta wrap or chicken mayo sandwich, and sweet treats, such as peanut butter cookies, croissants and other pastries.

It is also at this store that locals and travellers alike can choose from and book Bikes ‘n Wines’ wide range of tours, – these are half-day, full-day and overnight excursions that vary in distance and difficulty and take place in many parts of the Western Cape, including Wellington, Franschhoek, Hermanus and Grabouw. What’s more, those that are keen on cycling about within the city on their own can do so with the help of &Bikes as the café also offers a bike hire service.

Ultimately, the launch of this boutique and coffee shop has opened up a cosy spot in the city where biking enthusiasts and even those who have never sat on a saddle before can immerse themselves in something that has, for many, evolved from a pastime into a way of life.

Tip: In honour of the new store’s location in the city, Bikes ‘n Wines has launched three new Cape Town city tours: the Bikes ‘n Beer tour, the Bikes ‘n Bites trip and the Bikes ‘n Art excursion. For more information or to book any of these tours, email bookings@bikesnwines.com.

The Bill: Prices at &Bikes are reasonable. Hot beverages like cappuccinos, espressos and lattes range from R12 to R22, sandwiches and wraps ring in at R35 each and pastries, like croissants and almond pralines, cost between R12 and R15. Bikes ‘n Wines cycle tours start at R500p/p, half-day bike hire costs R150p/p and full-day bike hire is priced at R250p/p. Bike bells ring in at R250, t-shirts cost from R250 upwards and custom-made bikes are priced according to customer specifications.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 5pm; Saturday: 8:30am – 1:30pm (tours run from Monday to Sunday).

32 Loop Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 823 8790

by Dudu Luthuli 

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Looking for more daytime excursions to do in and around the Mother City? Here’s a round-up of 10 Top Day Tours in Cape Town.

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