To the baristas who keep us fueled
In memory of Asanda Cele
Coffee is no longer just a hot beverage that keeps us caffeinated, it’s our daily ritual of being. The pause before our day unfolds and the aroma of what lies ahead. It’s the rich and muddy taste of routine, familiarity and joy and served to us by our favourite W17 Barista’s.
In honour of Asanda, this month’s blog shines light on our very own barista’s, the mind-readers, therapists and comedians, the ones who keep us equally entertained, loved and drip-fueled throughout the day.
We’ve percolated some of their best of’s, a blend of the milk reigns truly supreme?... Our favourite caffeine-rockstars share their froth.
The best blends, straight from our baristas
If you’re heading into a task-heavy day, Simba recommends a large flat white, it is as reliable and strong (as our network) and enough to carry you through the next 10 hours of your day. Sixolele and Nolo start their mornings the same way, with a no-nonsense cortado, while Sixolele is team oat, Nolo keeps it classic with the real deal, cow’s milk. Same caffeine mission, very different
milk loyalties.
Vuyo skips the milk and goes straight for a double black Americano, it gives you the kind of jolt that wakes you up before your brain even knows it’s morning. Malwande keeps it sweet with a mocha (the chocolate-flavoured latte variant). Sinesipho keeps it mellow with rooibos, while David stirs things up with a splash of milk in his red cappuccino (which we just learnt is rooibos tea with milk).
Members’ typical go to?
According to Malwande, it’s a piping hot flat white. Finally, the caffeine question of the decade: alternative milk or good old-fashioned cow’s milk? For Simba, it’s without a doubt cow’s milk.
Stirring smiles, one cup at a time
Being a barista isn’t just about making a good cup of joe, it’s a mental and emotional craft in every pour. For Sinesipho, mindset matters most, if you enjoy what you do, you’ll always make a good cup. And it shows, his cups are amazing. Nolo adds that knowing a regular’s order before they even reach the counter makes people feel welcome, like they’re coming home rather than just grabbing a coffee. Nolo couldn’t be more correct. There’s nothing better than having your blend waiting for you before you’ve even said a word, and Vuyo is a master at making that happen.
Latte love - The art of the bean
Our baristas aren’t just coffee makers, they’re artists. Nolo brings the magic with his latte craft, just ask him about the tulip art in your cup. David loves iced coffees for the layers, espresso swirling into milk like a slow-motion magic trick, satisfying and beautiful to watch.
Another amazing thing about coffee art is seeing your name carefully drawn in your cup. Austin nails it, suddenly, you feel extra special on a random Tuesday at 10am.
Our barista-artists are up for anything.
Let’s raise our cups to the baristas who turn every cup of coffee or tea into a moment of joy.
POV: Your good mood is sponsored by Workshop17’s Baristas
In Memory of Asanda
Asanda had a way of leaving a mark that went beyond coffee. He wasn’t just a barista, but a father, a husband, and a friend to everyone. His team shared some of their favourite memories. Tamryn loved his end of day hugs, moments that earned him the title of “father of the café.” Jameson, who started as a barista at Workshop17, shared that Asanada set the gold star barista standard.
“Calm, collected, and amazing,” says Jacqueline.
Austin, Asanda’s barista-in-crime and close teammate, recalls Asanda’s love of life and the everyday advice he shared:
"Life is short, cherish the ones you love.”
Tiffany remembers his personal touch and insights, he would call her by her second name (something very few people know) and write it in her coffee. A small, but powerful touch. He was kind, ambitious, and always talked about the future and his dreams for himself and his children, shares Jules.
Rifqah, misses seeing him writing her initials in her morning coffee. “From the moment I arrived, he made me feel so welcome. He knew I didn't drink coffee, but made sure I had a hot cup of chocolate every morning,” remembers Essie.
“His sense of humour and generosity,” reflects Yanga.
“He shared a little of everything with you, whether it was food or money, he always made sure everyone received a part of it.”
Thank you to all the baristas who make each of our days a little brighter and a little easier. Your consistency and presence never go unnoticed.
Rest in peace, Asanda. You are deeply missed.
Grab your Workshop17 Travel Mug at reception
for only R99.00
We are proud to have made a small change with a significant impact. Every time you use a single-use coffee cup at any of our W17 cafes, you pay an additional R6.00.
If you bring a reusable mug or cup, you pay R2 less for your drink.
The choice is obvious.
If you are a Workshop17 Member and want to share your story, we’d love to hear it!
marketing@workshop17.com
