Art with your coffee?

Owner Nick du Plooy said he needed something that would lend itself to events and eventually realised the best environment would be a “cafe of sorts”.

”Velo is French for ‘bicycle’, and the spokes of the wheel represent this network of artists and collectors,” he said.

The cafe cum gallery space has hosted numerous exhibitions since it opened its doors, and Du Plooy recalled with excitement some of the highlights.

“We sold our first piece of art by Tanya Zack to William Kentridge, which was very exciting. Sarah Britten had an exceptionally successful show, selling almost every piece of work. The youngsters of Alphabet Zoo sold about 25 works in 30 days, and recently an artist from Holland, Yetiland, has done very well,” he said.

More than 300 pieces of art have been sold, and Velo now exhibits artists from all over the world.

“The reality exceeded my expectations, and I’m excited about further developments,” said Du Plooy, who prefers to showcase art not generally seen elsewhere and has a fun, lively feel.

Braamfontein was a natural location for his establishment, which Du Plooy described as meeting the “traditional Eurocentric qualities with a Joburg inner city feel.”

“I chose Braamfontein two years ago because I felt it was about to become something special. I believe the area has all the ingredients necessary for businesses like Velo to thrive. It also feeds a desire to return to the city and really integrate as a South African,” he said.

Regular patron Malcolm Lennox said Velo was “one of those unique places in Johannesburg where everything comes together.”

“It serves hipsters, advocates, judges, office workers and students, and keeps them all happy, and their staff as as much a key to their success as their coffees,” he said.

Velo will host an exhibition of traditional handmade prints by Alphabet Zoo in August, and an exhibition of illustrations made by two artists travelling through South Africa, in September.

Details: 073-675-9964; www.lovevelo.co.za