A heavenly coffee interlude that takes you back in time.
Your sense of time resets as you arrive at La Cotte’s charming new Mill House coffee shop and bakery on the fringes of Franschhoek. Water cascades onto the slow-turning wooden water wheel, and aromas of freshly ground artisanal coffee and newly baked bread entice you into what feels like a still life of an old Dutch kitchen. Bright copper kettles, blue willow-pattern platters, reed ceiling and stone-flagged floor decorate the intimate space, where shelves are stacked with crusty loaves and the coffee counter displays an exquisite array of patisserie.
The oldest mill in Africa
There is nothing recreated or set up here. This is officially the oldest water mill in Africa (earliest written records date back to 1731 when the mill was bequeathed by owner Sarah Delport to her son Jacobus Marais). Over the past two years, expert molinologist Andy Selfe has restored the mill to working order. He and his team, who were responsible for twice restoring Cape Town’s famous Mostert Mill, are dedicated artisans with a focus on authenticity, repairing the original wooden working parts, carefully reassembling them and coaxing them back to turning smoothly with liberal applications of beeswax.
Patisserie heaven
Sit cosily indoors at one of the kitchen tables, with the low background hum of the mill machinery in the background, or head out onto the stone stoep to enjoy the sounds of cascading water and bird song. Pastry chef Keshia Louw pours creativity and expertise into an array of enticingly beautiful confections… millefeuille, macarons, Basque cheesecake, strawberry tartlets, madeleines and more, each one as delicious as it is a feast for the eyes. It’s a tortuous dilemma choosing just one to accompany your coffee.
Artisanal bakery
The bread offering is just as irresistible and we couldn’t help taking a loaf of each home. Baked on the farm by La Cotte’s bakers, the crusty sourdough loaves, puffy ciabatta, croissants and 100% rye sourdough are made from stoneground flour using their bubbling mother culture, for gloriously chewy crusts and deep flavour.
A blissful space to soak up the ambience of a bygone era, and indulge every one of your senses in a sublime and timeless coffee interlude.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 021 207 3907, millhouse@lacottefarm.com
Where to find it La Cotte Farm, Franschhoek
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