Over the past year, we have learnt to work remotely, from almost anywhere with a reasonable data connection and a steady supply of good coffee. Here is a range of places that offer remote working opportunities across the capital city. This is not an exhaustive list, but merely an introduction to some hidden gems or places you may have forgotten about.

Matador Café

The heart of the city of Pretoria needed a boost of colour and a shot of good espresso to revive it. This has now come in the shape of the Matador Café. The small, Spanish themed coffee shop, evokes the Spain of Hemmingway with bold colours on the walls and beautiful murals and bullfight posters. The owners Jan Rhoodie and Lourens Potgieter are friends who saw the need for an establishment like this. They based their model on excellent coffee (TriBeCa Coffee), expert baristas, delicious light meals and convenient space to work and meet with associates in the city centre. There is ample, safe parking across the road at the State Theatre or in the Louis Pasteur Building. Close to many government departments, courts and many businesses. Matador Café makes it worthwhile to venture into the city again. Viva El Matador!

Grounded at Echo (Villieria)

Imagine a space specifically conceived as a shared work environment. The folks at Grounded have thought of everything. There are meeting spaces for rent and all your catering needs can be supplied on site. This is a winning combination. A community of like-minded individuals to motivate each other and to create networking opportunities. The coffee is good. The space is innovative. The people are simply amazing! Grounded in the future of remote working.

 

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Here’s where to go in Groenkloof and Monument Park:

Cafe 41

The atmosphere is calm, with just enough movement and ambient noise to fuel your creativity. Order the delicious, skordalia garlic dip and pita bread and try the excellent selection of teas available. Café 41 has a brilliant meze selection and authentic Mediterranean dishes to fuel the most energetic meetings and brainstorming sessions. A great place to work from, either together or alone.

 

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Corner Café

This owner-run establishment with tastefully designed interiors is a hidden gem. Old world charm and sophistication meet at the Corner Café. You can be sure to work in peace here. Staff are friendly and efficient and the coffee is good. Little quirky details in the design will keep you bemused and entertained. The restaurant offers wholesome, freshly prepared dishes on its menu. Enjoy light fare like toasted sandwiches, melts, pancakes or seasonal salads.

Here’s where to go in Arcadia and Colbyn:

Nush Cafe

This sunny space has been reinvented. Nush is now all about delicious food, baking and catering. Find your perfect spot during the week from 7am. Nothing says perfect workspace like good coffee and the smell of baked goods. Nush offers an interesting menu too, but regulars return for the service. The staff make the establishment; a friendly smile with your smoothy makes the experience even more memorable and being greeted as a welcome guest and friend of the establishment goes a long way. Try this café/bakery/catering venue with the sunny disposition to brighten up your remote working experience.

 

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Café 41 (Eastwood)

The back courtyard offers a level of privacy that is rare. The smoking lounge feels both plush and airy. The main restaurant, front terrace and sunken lounge offer three other spaces to choose from. This has become a favourite meeting and eating place for the movers and shakers in Pretoria society. Everyone from Diplomats, government workers, academics and business people like to spend their working lunches here. You can be sure to find a discrete spot here to work from. The attention to detail in the surface finishes is exquisite. The woodwork, lighting and other finishes have stood the test of time. The cake selection is excellent. Try the Belgian Chocolate Cake next time you visit. The Mediterranean menu remains good value for money and it is as delicious as always. The staff are accustomed to delivering a high level of professional service. There are new items on the menu to explore. Working in this meticulously designed space gives you an always exciting perspective with a refined elegance that is not overbearing. Dress up or dress down for this remote working haven.

Brooklyn Mall has something traditional and something innovative to offer. Here are some more special places to work from. The entire mall has free Wi-Fi to keep you connected.

Moomoo’s

Open and breezy with friendly staff. Music may be a little distracting at times. Finish the day with the “Wine Hour Special”.

Starbucks

This is the quintessential American remote working experience. Write your novel, make your millions while you wonder how they managed to mangle your name so badly on your takeaway order.

Lucky Bread Company

Light meals, baked goods and coffee. Sneak in a decadent affogato from time to time and watch the passing trade or retract into your own world. The staff are used to the remote working crowd. You can feel at home here, slightly out of the hustle and bustle.

 

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Mugg and Bean

Tried and trusted. This large, traditional restaurant is a long-standing favourite. There is enough space to not feel under pressure. Linger and work to your heart’s content. Plugs, coffee, action!

Here’s where to go in Waterkloof:

Garden Bleu

Sit in perfect solitude in this gardener’s paradise. Coffee, good service and wonderful food.

Here’s where to go in Hazelwood and Menlo Park:

Aroma Coffee Roastery (The Village)

This brand is spreading like wildfire across Pretoria. An exciting space, each one with its own quirky character. Choose a sunny spot or somewhere indoors to work from. Watch the passing trade and you might bump into someone that you know.

 

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Café 41

Same reliable service. Recently revised Mediterranean menu. Good value for money.

Here’s where to go in Pretoria East:

Aroma Coffee Roastery (Shere Silver Lakes)

Quirky interiors. Eye-catching signage and lighting designs. Great coffee. Perfect for those that enjoy a buzzing work environment.

Trinity Coffee Café (Lynnwood Ridge)

Do you want a place where you can get some Vitamin D with your morning coffee? Trinity is a pop-up coffee shop at the entrance to LynnRidge mall. Sit down for a quick meeting or grab a quick brew. This is a no-fuss, no-frills operation that takes pride in the quality of its coffee. This is a nice place for a rapid change of scenery without going deep into the mall. Quick in, quick out.