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Bean There Coffee Company

Café · Fairtrade coffee roaster and café$Milpark, Johannesburg

Bean There, founded in 2005 as South Africa's first roaster of Fairtrade certified coffee, serves single-origin African coffees at its café in the 44 Stanley precinct.

At a glance

Type
Fairtrade coffee roaster and café
Area
Milpark, Johannesburg, South Africa
Price
$ · Budget
Official site
beanthere.co.za

Good to know

  • Single-origin African coffees
  • Beans to buy
  • Cupping mornings
  • Barista courses

Why we recommend it

Bean There Coffee Company was founded in 2005 and describes itself as South Africa's first roaster of Fairtrade certified coffee. Its focus is entirely on African coffee, bought directly from farmers to help keep their businesses sustainable, and its café in the 44 Stanley precinct in Milpark is one of the best places in the city to taste coffees from across the continent.

The range covers beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, plus an Ethiopian decaf. That gives you a chance to compare the floral, fruity character of an Ethiopian coffee with the brighter acidity of a Kenyan or the rounder notes of a Rwandan or Burundian lot. Ask the baristas which origins are brewing that day, and try a filter or pour-over if you want to taste the differences clearly. Espresso drinks are made with the company's own roasts.

Bean There is also a good stop for anyone who wants to learn more about coffee. The company runs cupping mornings, a home barista course in Johannesburg and a longer career barista course, and bags of beans are sold to take home or to give as gifts. Its roastery is in Braamfontein, separate from the café.

The café suits coffee lovers, remote workers looking for a short break and anyone browsing the shops at 44 Stanley. Prices are modest, and it is a relaxed place to sit with a cup before exploring the precinct's design shops, the bookshop and the record store.

Coffee here is a good way to learn about African farming. Staff can explain where each lot was grown and how Fairtrade certification works, and the beans make an easy, light souvenir to pack.

Opening hours are not listed on the company's site, and the café has been closed on some public holidays, so call or email before making a special trip. 44 Stanley is in Milpark, west of Braamfontein and close to Wits University, and most visitors arrive by car or ride-hailing app; the precinct has parking. Salvation Café, also at 44 Stanley, is a good choice for breakfast or lunch to go with your coffee.

Bean There Coffee Company FAQs

When was Bean There founded?

In 2005. It describes itself as South Africa's first roaster of Fairtrade certified coffee.

Where is the café?

At 44 Stanley Avenue in Milpark.

Which coffees does it serve?

African coffees from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC and Uganda, plus an Ethiopian decaf.

Can I buy beans?

Yes, bags of beans are sold at the café and online.

Are there coffee courses?

Yes, including cupping mornings, a home barista course and a career barista course.

Where is the roastery?

At 111 Smit Street in Braamfontein, separate from the café.

How do I check opening hours?

Call +27 87 310 3100 or email [email protected].

Where can I eat nearby?

Salvation Café and other restaurants in the 44 Stanley precinct.

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