Cool Spaces: The Whippet

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES Chene Steyn Studio

Designed by Kassa Studio, The Whippet is a must-visit brunch and coffee spot situated in the heart of Joburg’s Melville.

Housed in Melville Mansions, an old Art Deco building, The Whippet uses farm-to-table principles across its menu and decor. Above the restaurant, a rooftop farm provides the chefs downstairs with baby gem lettuce, crunchy wild rocket, plump cherry tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, while inside, accents of peach, green and wood complement hanging tapestries and root-and-bulb-vegetable wallpaper by Cara Saven Wall Design.

The design of the space was guided by a vision to use materials that are hand-made, authentic, raw and honest, explains The Whippet’s Brand and Experience Manager, Donald Chauke. “We aimed to convey the humble concept of a harvest store: a space to experience honest, raw, fresh food in a store that reflects the same ‘goodness’.”

The space is divided by a wall of pressed flowers mounted in a screen, foraged with permission from the surrounding Melville Koppies. These beautifully preserved indigenous plants and flowers highlight The Whippet’s focus on using local, seasonal produce.

Whether you visit for good food, great Instagram shots or to revel in the dreamy decor, it’s definitely worth a visit.

For more information, visit thewhippetcoffee.com or follow The Whippet on Instagram.