Cape Town coffee journey

back to where it began

There’s something quietly magical about returning to the roots of where your love for coffee began. For Cupper’s Journey, South Africa—and in particular Cape Town—was that place. It was here, surrounded by a vibrant and evolving coffee culture, that African beans first captured our imagination with their depth and complexity. Now, revisiting some of our favourite coffee journey haunts, that spark feels very much alive.

One space that captures that feeling effortlessly is Rosetta Roastery—a sophisticated yet deeply relaxed coffee house that seems to understand the art of slowing down. From the moment we step in, it’s clear this isn’t just about coffee; it is about experience. Green marble-topped tables, a smoked wooden bar with gentle jazz playing in the background creates a truly luxurious atmosphere that sets the tone for something special.

At the heart of it all are the baristas—Mpumelelo, Moses, Promise, James, and Aron—each bringing a calm confidence and genuine passion to their craft. Their expertise in pour-over V60 brewing is immediately evident, but what stands out is their willingness to share. They speak about the beans and methods with clarity and care, guiding us through a process designed to unlock every nuance.

We select an Heirloom Ethiopian Anaerobic Natural V60 from their exceptional range. The cup opens with a sweet, floral fragrance—delicate yet expressive. On tasting, notes of ripe papaya are carried by a smooth, clean texture. As the coffee cools, it evolves; the sweetness shifting into berry tones growing brighter and more complex with each sip.

This lot comes from the Negele Gorbitu cooperative in Yirgacheffe, a region synonymous with some of the world’s most expressive coffees. Gently roasted to preserve clarity, vibrancy and aromatic intensity, it’s a perfect example of how thoughtful sourcing and careful roasting can honour a coffee’s origin.

Moments like this remind us why we fell in love with African coffee in the first place. There’s a sense of place in every cup—a story that unfolds slowly, inviting you to pay attention. And in a setting like this, where everything from the space to the people is aligned with that philosophy, the experience becomes something more than just a drink.

Safe to say, we’re already looking forward to our next visit. There are more beans to explore, more stories to uncover, and more reasons to linger a little longer!