This post first appeared in the Sunday Times SA on 12 August 2018
The stand-up coffee bar is here, SA’s first. Pauline’s has opened in Sea Point, introduced to the vibrant seaboard neighborhood by one Jon-Paul (JP) Bolus of Loading Bay fame. Fairly commonplace in cities like Rome, Melbourne and Manhattan, the concept now finds itself in the Mother City where, by all accounts, the coffee renaissance continues unabated.
Superb product is the point of difference and JP has always had an eye for fine style and excellence. At Pauline’s the coffee is supplied by Woodstock based speciality roasters, Rosetta, rated by many an aficionado as one of the best in the caffeine business. Select a latte, long black or flat white and the baristas can advise combinations favourably suited to each of the three single origin varieties on offer. Sample the Kenyan Ndaro-ini, full and sweet, red grape acidity and notes of black tea; Ethiopian Beloya OCR, crisp and sweet with citrus, jasmine and stone fruit notes, or the Javanese Frinsa Collective, aromatic herbal elements with spice and brown sugar sweetness. A small food offering is on display with ready-to-go cold pressed juices and health jars, plus a tempting array of pastries like ginger and seed muffins, vegan millionaire’s shortbread, Swedish cinnamon buns, traditional Babkes made with Honest’s dark organic chocolate, and a selection of gluten and sugar-free options for banters and calorie conscious snackers.
Swedish cinnamon buns
The interior by is minimalistic, pulling focus away from the décor and towards the drink. JP explains that Pauline’s, named after his grandmother, is a continuation of the journey with SANS, his newly launched ethical grocer and home goods store, found two doors away in the plush ARTEM Caleria. “Our objective is to prepare and share a wide offering of coffee and connect people to the source. We want to add value to the community that surrounds us.”
Next time you’re on the commute, slip inside, order your brew and stand a little. It’s time for some counter culture, literally.
Pauline’s / 277 Main Road, Sea Point / paulinescoffee.com