The House of Machines (THoM) is the passion project of craft beverage innovator Brad Armitage, fashion designer Paul van der Spuy, and custom bike builder/ entrepreneur Drew Madacsi, who came together to create a purpose- built space to share and show off their mutual passions. The result of this fusion is an edgy and unique urban space that marries a coffee- shop and bar with a glass-enclosed bike workshop and men’s apparel and accessories outlet. THoM is a testimonial of the sort of innovative genius that comes out of eclectic collaborations.
FOOD
By now it’s common knowledge that Cape Town takes its coffee fairly seriously. And THoM is considered
the rock house of coffee. For the
riders: they get to enjoy a free cup
of the stellar Evil Twin coffee (made from organic arabica beans sourced from Honduras) on Saturdays on presentation of their helmet. What’s more, THoM is also one of the
handful of places in the city bowl
that serve breakfast on a Saturday
and Sunday morning. Our favourites: avocado and cherry tomato on 80%
rye with coriander and lots of salt and pepper (or with a fried egg on top)
and their uffy sticky mapple bacon apjacks! Great news, the House’s breakfasts are served daily until 14:30 to satisfy all your weekend brunch needs! Lunch consists of vegan pizzas, homemade spicy soups and fresh sandwiches. Nothing fussy or fancy, you’re here to receive your caffeine (or alcohol) injection while talking about bespoke bikes, after all. When the sun goes down, the House turns into a ‘Prohibition-style’ bar where Cape Town’s hipsters and motorbikes a cionados gather to indulge on old-school cocktails, relaxed artisan ales or some special bourbon, gin, whisky or rum.
SERVICE
The staff are remarkably chatty for a hipster locale and if you’re lucky, you might even get some good dose of free jokes with your morning brew.
VIBE & CROWD
For the vibe, think a contemporary, biking-inspired décor combined with
a yesteryear look and feel – weathered ceiling beams and raw, exposed brick walls revealing the building’s age.
If you don’t mind working in the dusk (it’s fairly dark inside), it’s a good place to settle down and work for a few hours. The playlists are excellent, too. And you might just get some expert advice to x your bike from one of the friendly regulars.
Concerning the crowd, have I mentioned the word “hipster” enough? I think you get it. Every Tuesday night, the hip spot hosts one of the foremost open mic nights in the city bowl. Fresh, young talent or some of the local scene are invited to perform on the THoM stage. The crowd favourite of the night will be booked to play at The House the following Wednesday. Great vibes.
THE BILL
Quality is the House ultimate trademark, so customers can expect to pay a little more for such high standards. Coffee ranges from R18to R22, breakfast and lunch dishes sit between R30 and R70, and items of clothing go for between R200 and R1000 a piece. Bike enthusiasts are welcome contact the shop for a quote.
LOCATION
Customers sit on quiet Shortmarket street at the foot of a century-old building. Although this is a pedestrian paved way, parking is available nearby on Bree Street. It’s an awesome spot for a laid-back daytime date or a quick coffee and catch-up with your hipster mates. We will de nitely be back.
Location
84 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Hours opening
Monday – Saturday: 07h00 – 01h00
Contact – 021 426 1400
