Just Darling opens in Mall of the South

ASPEN HILLS –  Founded by Abigail and Gareth Dow and Marianne and Colin Leeson, Just Darling in Mall of the South is, as their name suggests, “Just Darling”. “We never even dreamed we’d be able to open up in a shopping centre such as this calibre,” said Abigail (28) and Gareth (30), “but our dream became a reality after we approached Zenprop Properties and introduced them to our coffee shop out in The Field. They were quite taken with what we had to offer and so we have become the only independent café in the centre, which of course wouldn’t have been possible without our investors, who loved the idea, and are behind us every step of our journey. We don’t want to lose what we first achieved and our investors leave the operational running of Just Darling totally in our hands, which is absolutely great.”

The perfect size café which retains a feel of The Field branch, the décor is soothing for the soul with restful colours and wood used throughout. There’s nothing garish to distract you from the company you are with or the food you choose to enjoy.  Well, maybe the beautiful dressers filled with quaint buys. Yes, everything you see, you can buy, from Biggie Best goods, slate coasters to cream ceramic jugs, tin watering cans and gorgeous serviettes, herb pots and chalk boards, which totally bring together the feel of the café. They also stock Annie Sloane Chalk Paints.

The food is exceptional and you can enjoy breakfasts, salads, wraps, toasties, artisan sandwiches, burgers, quiches, savour cheesecakes and sweet bakes. All the cakes are freshly baked on the premises and I promise, you won’t be able to resist! For banters, a burger option is available.

Gareth’s dream, apart from opening the café, has always been to roast his own coffee and Just Darling is the first coffee roaster in Joburg South. “I’m passionate about coffee and our first blend was The Barista Blend, where I chose coffee beans from Rwanda, Uganda and El Salvador. We’ll be roasting a special Christmas blend which will be available in the café throughout December or to purchase in a jar with a Christmas tag as a gift.

We visited for lunch and I enjoyed quiche of the day, choosing the chicken and mushroom quiche. The pastry was crispy and the filling creamy and it was served with a fresh green salad. My colleague chose one of the Artisan Sandwiches, Brie and Basil, toasted ciabatta, brie, fresh basil pesto, tomato and lettuce, bringing amazing flavours together. A slice of Fresh Berry Cheesecake and a Chocolate Lava Cake , with cups of aromatic coffee, finished our lunch off perfectly.

The staff are friendly and professional . “We hired them on their personality and they are definitely a big part of our business,” said Abigail and Gareth.

Look out soon for Cupping Coffee Tasting, “Another of my dreams,” laughed Gareth.

Open from 08:00 to 17:00 every day apart from Saturday 08:00 to 19:00. Phone 074 135 6572 or email abigail@justdarling.co.za for more information.