Walmer has a trendy new hangout where you can get your daily loaf, catch up with your besties over breakfast or lunch, bant like the best of them and enjoy some of the finest coffee available locally.
Banneton Bakery & Cafe opened in busy Main Road a few weeks ago and is packed most days. Having overcome initial service niggles, chefs Mark Malan and Brad Paul now offer an authentic and satisfying experience.
Au-natural
Their focus is on all things natural, so everything is done from scratch, even the tomato sauce. If you’re after junk food or fizzy drinks you will be disappointed.
They also use the best stoneground flour and sourdough for baking, and part of the fun is seeing Mark at work in front of the gigantic wood-fired bread oven. Besides a variety of interesting, wholesome breads they also do pastries and confectionary like pasteis de nata, macaroons and madeleines.
The Origin coffees are excellent, whether single origin or blend, and there are some quality loose leaf teas and infusions, as well as cold-pressed juices made on site, to choose from.
Food, glorious food
Food wise the menu continues the healthy living trend, with orders served in Le Creuset plates, bowls and cups in a rainbow of delightful shades. My partner had a hearty home-made lamb stew with toasted sourdough bread off the specials menu; I went for a Banting meal without even realising it. Though not part of the Banting brigade, I did enjoy the chicken and pineapple wrap with colourful side salad. The wrap itself looked unappetising (it was made with cauliflower), but once I got used to the texture it was surprisingly tasty and filling.
On the downside, pastries are expensive (R15 each for a tiny madeleine or macaroon). So too are the coffees, especially the single origin options, though you are paying for quality.
Banneton is open Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30am to 4pm (kitchen closes 3pm), and Sunday 8.30am to 3pm (kitchen closes 2pm).
Banneton Bakery & Cafe
041 450 6737
Follow them on Facebook here.
Words: Louise Liebenberg
Images: Rachel Andrews
