Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur or remote worker looking for a break from the four walls of your own home, having a reliable spot to grab a good coffee with Wi-Fi is a necessity. A place that understands the culture and won’t have a waitress give you dirty looks for all three hours you’ve sat there, and have only ordered one flat white, and perhaps a still water.

As a writer, I often look for coffee shops to work from when I need a change of scenery, some fresh air and of course to wash the eyes now and again. I’ve created a list for Durbanites and visitors alike of my top five coffee shops we recommend you check out.

1. Starbucks Florida Road, Durban

1. Address: 233 Florida Rd, Windermere, Berea, 4001

   Definitely one of my favourite spots, headed by a great team under the management of Siyanda Nondwayi. The staff are extremely friendly, the quality of their coffee and Wi-Fi is reliable and the place attracts a diverse crowd from film makers to forex traders. Starbucks lures a fairly mixed crowd of working professionals during the week, however on the weekend you’re sure to see a larger influx of families and church-goers who stop by after a service on a Sunday. Their trading hours are 6:30am-9pm Monday to Sunday. One of my favourite things - They also have two-pin plug points and play light background music - setting a beautiful aesthetic for an office away from home.

2. Seattle Coffee Company Florida Road, Durban

Address: 198 Florida Rd, Windermere, Berea, 4001

Although somewhat smaller in room size, Seattle Coffee Company on Florida Road is a cozy space. The coffee and Wi-Fi are also great. The only set back here is their walls don’t offer two-pin plugs, so if your device requires it, make sure you bring along your own extension or two-pin plug. Trading hours are from 6am-5pm Monday to Sunday.

3. Humble Coffee - Churchill, Durban

Address: 21a Churchill Rd, Greyville, Berea, 4001

Beautifully artisanal in appearance and decor, Humble Coffee is really it’s own thing. It offers an extremely unique space (unlike the Franchise feel), with a huge amount of natural light coming in through the glass wall/window creating a sense of lightness. They also make their own food on site, unlike the pre-packed items at some of the other coffee shops. Humble attracts the hipster and the creative mostly. I haven’t sat down here before, but have gotten coffee to go. Their coffee was really good, and I was told their Wi-Fi is reliable too. Not sure what the plug point situation is, however just to be safe I suggest you keep a two-pin plug in your bag. Their trading hours are 7am-3pm most days, except for Saturday’s (7am-2pm) and Sundays (8am-2pm).

4. Mugg & Bean Musgrave Centre, Durban

Address: Shop 316 Level 3, Musgrave Shopping Centre, 115 Musgrave Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001

I won’t lie. The best thing about Mugg and Bean is that you can get food food. Not just a sandwhich. Also for the smoker, who likes to think while pulling on some tobacco - there’s a veranda section for smokers equipped with plug points that are on offer from the inside to the exterior too. The only snag is that their Wi-Fi isn’t uncapped. You’re given a certain amount of data to use while you’re there. Most times it lasts me the two hours I may spend working from this comfy coffee shop and restaurant. Trading Hours at Mugg and Bean are 6:30am-7pm Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-7pm Friday and Saturday and 7:30am-6pm on a Sunday. Also for convenience sake, because it’s situated in a mall - you could also get some shopping done while you’re there.

5. Boston Brew Coffee Shop Morningside (Durban)

Address: 187 Montpelier Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001

Boston Coffee as a stand alone coffee shop, offers a beautifully unique experience. One could sit in the yard - which would be great for a meeting, or up on the veranda where the plug points are. Their coffee’s really good and their staff are friendly. I personally enjoyed the intimate feeling of the space while working from there. Boston is within walking distance from Florida Road, yet isn’t as “in the eye” as some of the coffee shops on the main road. Their trading hours are 6am-5pm Monday to Friday and 7am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you’re a visitor to our beautiful city, I hope you enjoy every moment. And if you’re a Durbanite just looking to get to know your city more - I hope you fall in love with our coastal paradise once again. PS: if you’ve gone to any of these Coffee Shops please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below - I’m sure other readers will appreciate it.

Written By Lex LaFoy