Cool Spaces: Toasted

WORDS Cheri Morris

Toasted is a women-led community and collaboration space designed by Not Ordinary Interiors in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg that boasts casual dining, co-working, eventing and collaboration between like-minded, small businesses – and apparently the best toasted sandwiches in the city too!

Born on the eve of South Africa’s level five lockdown, it’s almost as if founder Marea Lewis knew Toasted would be supported by the newly evolving culture of remote working and open spaces that still feel intimate. Toasted looks beyond the conventions of eateries that fulfil one primary function and reimagines the typical dining-retail space to serve a greater purpose for both the business and its community.

More than just a high-end yet affordable place to co-work, Toasted lends itself to other small businesses in need of a space to bring their ideas to life. An initiative that has allowed for collaborations with other women-led initiatives such as Beijing Opera, International Hub for Entrepreneurial Programmes at the Goethe Instituut and local, women-led movie screening evenings, to name a few. 

Despite its location on one of Joburg’s busiest streets, Toasted’s hidden courtyard steals tranquillity from the rumble of the city to offer guests a private haven with super cute design and functionality fit for digital nomads of twenty-first-century calibre.

The initial ideation for the outside area sought a modular feel that allowed for multiple functions, but budget and Joburg’s rainy summer proved a challenge. The solution? A concrete structure with different seating options, four power outlets and greenery. Not modular, but still multi-functional, durable and aesthetic. Inside, co-working spaces abound and a private boardroom area invites big business to talk shop.

Love this space? Follow Toasted on Instagram (@toasted_jhb) for more.

Looking for more on local design or decor? Take a look at adidas’ new flagship store in Johannesburg.