If you cycle regularly in Cape Town – or you’re visiting and want to go for a ride in the city – the probability is high that your route will take you over Chapman’s Peak and down towards Noordhoek. At this point, you either keep going around the peninsula, or you turn back. 

But before you do either, you stop for coffee. And the only place you stop is at The Roost, just inside Noordhoek Farm Village. 

You’ll find it easily. Because when you stop, you’ll also see every other cyclist you know in the whole world! And maybe even a few horse riders, too. Indeed, since rebranding from the Village Roast to The Roost in mid-2021, the coffee shop has become a magnet for Cape Town’s outdoorsy folk. 

“The reason his coffee is such a hit with the cycling community is down to a lot of love, incredible staff, and good vibes.”

Well-positioned at the entrance to the Village, the coffee shop is the shared brainchild of Guy Chaston (aka The Coffee Guy) and the late Pete de Bruin (of the Foodbarn). Paul le Roux – previously the owner of the wildly popular Cafe Roux – is now a partner in The Roost, and the hangout’s unofficial spokesman. 

Like all Capetonians, he’s done at least one Cape Town Cycle Tour (“With a girlfriend, a long time ago, on a tandem”), but that’s where his physical participation in the world of cycling ends. Instead, he contributes to the city’s cycling addiction by aiding and abetting its coffee addiction. 

“Noordhoek Farm Village has always been a hit with cyclists, especially with Chapman’s Peak literally on our doorstep,” he says. “We always knew we had a captive market, and saw the opportunity. However, we never anticipated that cycling would become as popular as it is now.” 

Le Roux adds that the reason his coffee is such a hit with the cycling community is down to “a lot of love, incredible staff, and good vibes. The secret to good coffee is good baristas!” 

I take my coffee decaffeinated. I have enough energy as it is!

I’d love to go for a coffee with David Beckham.

The secret to happiness is wanting what you have.

My greatest exhilaration is cold-water immersion. 

My biggest fear is Arsenal winning the treble!

A moment of pure clarity is sitting in the Glencairn tidal pool, in the middle of winter, immersed in nature and surrounded by the elements.

When I wake up I let the dogs out, make tea for my wife, and remind myself how lucky I am to live in Noordhoek.

I rage when people are negative about our country.

I wish for the simple life.

READ MORE ON: coffee stop interview People