Name: Shift Espresso Bar review : a breakfast brewing
Item: SHIFT Espresso Bar
Author: Feroz Shaik

SHIFT Espresso Bar is a haven for coffee aficionados and food connoisseurs alike, offering an experience that goes beyond a mere caffeine fix. Located in the leafy suburb of Newlands, this café has carved a niche for itself with its commitment to quality, community and a unique ambiance that invites patrons to linger.

SABEELA HENDRICKS and SAAQUIB MODACK visited Shift Espresso Bar in Newlands and share their experience:

Upon entering Shift Espresso, one is immediately struck by the contemporary yet cosy interior. The décor seamlessly blends industrial elements with warm wooden accents and a lush foliage ceiling, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and comfortable. Large multi-slide doors allow natural light to flood the space, giving it an airy, open feel that is perfect for leisurely afternoons or quick coffee runs. Whether you’re looking for a spot to work, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude, the seating arrangement is thoughtfully designed to cater for these different needs.

The heart of Shift Espresso, of course, is their coffee. The café takes pride in sourcing high-quality beans from reputable suppliers, ensuring that each cup is a testament to the art of coffee making. The baristas at Shift are not only skilled but also passionate about their craft, following meticulous brewing techniques to bring out the best in each bean. The result is a cup of coffee that is rich, aromatic, and full of nuanced flavours.

In addition to their stellar coffee, they also offer a selection of teas, smoothies, milkshakes, and fresh juices, ensuring that non-coffee drinkers have plenty of options. The café’s food menu, is thoughtfully curated to complement its beverage offerings. Patrons can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, burgers, food bowls, and many other light meals. The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite, making it a great spot for a wholesome breakfast or lunch. Our choice of meal included the delectable French toast and the hearty Club Bagel. The Brioche-style toast featured two thick slices of bread cooked to golden-brown perfection. The toast was sprinkled with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar and served with a drizzle of honey and fresh fruit. The Club Bagel was a favourite. The torus-shaped bread was loaded with tender chicken strips and juicy cuts of macon, served on a bed of fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a spread of creamy mayo.

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The service is another highlight. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, the staff ensure that all their customers feel welcome and comfortable. This level of hospitality, combined with the excellent coffee and inviting ambiance, makes Shift Espresso a standout in the Newlands café scene. Importantly, the café’s Newlands branch is a halaal-certified establishment, ensuring that all food and beverages comply with halaal dietary guidelines. This commitment makes the café an inclusive space where everyone can enjoy the menu with confidence and peace of mind. This dietary consideration further underscores their dedication to serving its community.

The café’s combination of expertly crafted coffee, inviting ambiance, and welcoming service makes it a standout choice for lovers of good coffee and food. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal with your loved ones, drink coffee whilst meeting work deadlines, or simply soak in the relaxed atmosphere, Shift Espresso Bar delivers on all fronts and is a certainly a must-visit spot!

Our reviews are written independently and all meals are paid for. The establishments reviewed are all halaal certified, unless stated otherwise.

The Review