Breezeblock, a trendy coffee shop cum office cum bike school headquarters is a place where the community can gather.
Suburb rejuvenation is a familiar story: artists move into a working-class suburb because it’s affordable, and it then becomes dynamic and creative. As the “upwardly mobile” start moving in (and renovating the houses) along with businesses, shops and restaurants, house prices go up.
In the case of Brixton, the suburb may be seeing the beginnings of a shift – where it will lead is not entirely clear yet. “Brixton’s always been a little on the cusp,” says local resident and community cycling enthusiast, Dave Du Preez. He recently opened Breezeblock, a new coffee-breakfast-lunch spot that forms part of the 29 Chiswick mixed-use development. The building was designed by architect (and Dave’s business partner) Thomas Chapman of Local Studio, whose office is above the restaurant, along with two new residential apartments.
As well as being a restaurant and ideal office, with its fast-fibre Wi-Fi, Breezeblock also doubles as a bike school headquarters. Dave rents out bikes and teaches adults how to ride on the tennis courts up the road, as a way of opening up cycling as another transport mode in the city. “Cycling is a big passion for me,” he says, “specifically the concept of using biking as a commuting tool to get from A to B.” Breezeblock is his launching pad to do this, and the recent move of Whippet Cycle Co next door from Maboneng is an added bonus.
Breezeblock’s retro green and ochre interior was designed by Cape Town artist Justin Brett, and its upcycled touches are a stylish nod to its original heritage as a drapery and corner store. Mid-century chairs and tables are spaciously arranged under original pressed ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling aluminium windows and doors lead onto an outdoor patio. The large space holds many possibilities. Dave sees it becoming a place where the community can gather, whether that means using it as an exhibition venue, a makeshift theatre, or screening outdoor films in the evenings.
Breezeblock’s menu is unfussy, made up of dishes Dave has enjoyed on his travels or meals he had while living in London. Breakfast includes dishes like apple cinnamon oats and huevos rancheros, and lunch consists of hearty salads or “Ultimate Sandwiches” with a range of fillings and a choice of different fresh breads.
As a traditionally working-class suburb, Brixton is diverse and affordable. It’s conveniently located close to the city, Wits and the University of Johannesburg, with sweeping ridge views and some beautiful heritage properties. The arrival of places like Breezeblock and others, such as Roving Bantu Kitchen down the road, is changing the neighbourhood for the better.
Experience for yourself:
- Breezeblock | 076 705 3992 | breezeblock.co.za
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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