Discovering The Haas Collective: Art, Coffee, and Culture in Cape Town
Where Cape Town’s vibrant art, bold design, and world-class coffee blend in an urban masterpiece.
Haas Collective: Cape Town’s Creative Soul on Buitenkant Street
In the heart of Cape Town, the Haas Collective has firmly established itself as far more than just a coffee shop. It is a dynamic nexus where art, design, and caffeine culture converge within the city’s historic core. Housed in a meticulously restored colonial building on Buitenkant Street, Haas has become a beacon for locals and visitors seeking creative inspiration, cultural connection, and a truly memorable cup of coffee.
Haas—named after the Afrikaans word for “rabbit”—is a multifaceted venue seamlessly blending a café, gallery, and boutique shop, with an advertising agency nested above. Since its founding, Haas has cultivated a rich legacy of artistic expression, bold design, and a passion for South African heritage.
From Neglected Shell to Urban Masterpiece
The story of Haas begins with vision and dedication. When Francois Irvine, Francois de Villiers, and Glynn Venter first acquired the address at 19 Buitenkant Street, they inherited a space that dated back to 1902 but had long stood neglected. What was once a faded gem—directly across from Cape Town Central Police Station—was painstakingly gutted and transformed over nine months into the vibrant collective that thrives today.
The renovation journey revealed the building’s true character. Layers of history were stripped back: worn tiles uncovered hidden Novilon, beneath crumbling concrete lay bedrock entangled with relics of old pipes and electrical wiring. The process required both reverence for the building’s past and an imaginative vision for its future.
The result is a space that radiates authentic glamour without ostentation. Velvet and steel, wood and crystal, glass and porcelain blend with eclectic artwork and taxidermy—an homage to South Africa’s layered cultural legacy.
As Francois Irvine reflects, “What I tried to create, literally using what we had, was something that was true to the building, true to ourselves.”
Inside Haas: Atmosphere, Art, and Iconic Decor
Within Haas, form and function coexist beautifully. Visitors are immediately enveloped by plush textures and an ambiance that is at once sophisticated and welcoming. Standout features include:
- Eclectic décor: Velvet armchairs, handpicked artworks, and gilded African bowls complement wooden floors and steel fixtures.
- Heritage elements: Taxidermy pieces—such as a sentinel hare—hearken back to South African domestic traditions, while original building details are lovingly restored.
- Curated art: Pieces by celebrated local artists, including Michou, are on display and for sale, giving the space the vibrancy of a working gallery.
This deliberate blend of old-world elegance and contemporary energy appeals to artists, designers, and coffee aficionados alike. Amidst the lush interiors, the line between café, gallery, and shop dissolves, encouraging curiosity and creative exchange.
The Creative Minds Behind Haas
The vision for Haas emerged from a collaboration between three creative entrepreneurs:
- Francois Irvine
- Francois de Villiers
- Glynn Venter
The trio’s harmony is a foundational strength: mutual respect, a shared aesthetic sensibility, and a willingness to compromise have fostered a uniquely cohesive space. As Irvine notes, “We constantly marvelled at how the three of us, all creative minds, could work together so harmoniously. We respect one another, and I suppose that’s the basis for any working relationship or friendship: mutual respect.”
More Than Coffee: Haas as a Collective Experience
Haas thrives on its multifaceted identity. Its core offerings include:
- Coffee Shop: Revered for excellent brews, Haas imports beans from Brazil, Indonesia, and specialty varieties including the world-renowned kopi luwak—one of the rarest and most expensive coffees globally. Skilled baristas serve up espresso classics and inventive specials, catering to true connoisseurs.
- Art Gallery: Rotating exhibitions feature works by South African artists, inviting guests to view and purchase original pieces that reflect local culture and global influences.
- Boutique Shop: The retail section showcases one-of-a-kind collectibles—ranging from baboon skulls and ceramic cars to handmade crafts—curated by the founders’ discerning tastes.
- Advertising Agency: A full-service creative studio occupies the upper floor, producing design and advertising work in a space that reflects the brand’s boundary-pushing ethos.
A Neighborhood Institution: Community and Culture
For years, Haas stood at the crossroads of tradition and trend within Cape Town. Its first home was in Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood known for its rich Cape Malay culture. When the collective relocated to Buitenkant Street, it embraced broader audiences while remaining rooted in community values.
Monthly, the gallery opens its doors to the local Cape Malay community, inviting them to share homemade wares and food in a spirited market atmosphere—fostering economic opportunity and cultural exchange. This inclusivity is central to Haas’s enduring appeal.
The Gourmet Experience: Coffee, Food, and Ambiance
Consistently ranked among Cape Town’s top coffee spots, Haas offers much more than a caffeine fix:
- Signature coffees: In addition to specialty beans, the café features classic drinks—cappuccinos, flat whites, and more—alongside the rare kopi luwak experience, prized for its rich yet mellow flavor profile.
- Gourmet breakfasts & lunches: Patrons enjoy creative dishes such as croque monsieurs with smoked gypsy ham, bunny chow reimagined in Portuguese rolls, and a daily selection of pastries and cakes—each lovingly plated and paired with top-tier brews.
- Stylish service: Waitstaff are renowned for their dapper uniforms—crisp white shirts and black top hats—adding a touch of theater to every visit.
Design Philosophy: Glamour, Heritage, and Local Identity
Unlike design spaces that aspire to international trends, Haas roots its aesthetic in its South African milieu. While some visitors compare its look to New York’s Meatpacking District, the founders emphasize authenticity. The décor echoes “something that was true to the building, true to ourselves,” favoring local flair and lived history over imitation.
The blend of flamboyant touches—velvet, taxidermy, art, and collectables—pays homage to the traditional homes of many South Africans, where hunting trophies and heirlooms tell stories across generations. It’s a celebration of provenance, memory, and imagination. As Irvine shares, “Designers often try to replicate other worlds… I never once thought to recreate something other than what we know.”
Location, Hours, and Practical Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 19 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town Central, 8001, South Africa |
| Former Location | Bo-Kaap, Cape Town |
| Opening Hours | Monday–Friday: 7 am–5 pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8 am–3 pm |
| Menu Highlights | Coffee, gourmet breakfasts, lunch, pastries, cakes |
| Specialty | Kopi luwak coffee, curated art & collectibles |
| Atmosphere | Eclectic, artistic, relaxed yet sophisticated |
| Facilities | Free Wifi, reservations, seating, table service, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options |
Why Visit the Haas Collective?
- Experience Cape Town’s creative heartbeat in a single venue blending café, art gallery, and design studio.
- Discover unique South African art and collectibles unavailable anywhere else.
- Savor world-class coffee and imaginative cuisine in stylish, welcoming surroundings.
- Immerse yourself in a space that honors local heritage while nurturing present-day innovation.
- Engage with a warm community of artists, designers, and coffee lovers who treat every guest as a valued participant in the Haas story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes the Haas Collective unique compared to other Cape Town coffee shops?
A: Haas is more than a café—it’s a hybrid of coffee shop, curated gallery, retail boutique, and design agency, all housed in a beautifully restored heritage building. Its authenticity, eclectic style, and community engagement set it apart from standard coffee shops.
Q: Is the art at Haas available for purchase?
A: Yes, many of the contemporary artworks and collectibles on display throughout the gallery and shop are available for sale. Purchases support local artists and artisans, offering visitors a chance to take home a piece of Cape Town’s vibrant culture.
Q: What kind of coffee does Haas serve?
A: Haas offers expertly sourced blends from regions including Brazil and Indonesia, as well as the rare, luxurious kopi luwak—regarded as one of the world’s most exclusive coffees. Standard favorites like cappuccinos and flat whites are also available, alongside creative seasonal specials.
Q: Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menu options?
A: Yes. The menu is designed to accommodate a range of dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices for both breakfast and lunch.
Q: Who are the founders of the Haas Collective?
A: The Haas Collective was founded by Francois Irvine, Francois de Villiers, and Glynn Venter—three visionaries with backgrounds in art, design, and advertising whose collaborative spirit defines the space.
Q: What are the main attractions near the Haas Collective?
A: Situated on Buitenkant Street, Haas is close to cultural landmarks, the Cape Town Central Police Station, and trendy neighborhoods such as the Bo-Kaap and the City Bowl. Its central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Cape Town’s historical and artistic hotspots.
Visit and Connect
Discover the Haas Collective’s ever-changing blend of art, design, and coffee culture the next time you’re in Cape Town. Whether you’re seeking creative inspiration, a gourmet meal, or just someplace to sip espresso and soak in local color, Haas invites you to join its ongoing story.
For more information, follow Haas on social media or visit in person at 19 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town.
