*Disclaimer: I didn’t explore the entire Garden Route; in fact, I barely scratched the surface, but I want to share my experiences so that every time I read this I remember one of the most restful holidays I’ve ever had.*

For early morning informal meetings, or a cuppa joe after your morning surf, Mosselbay locals know the place to go is Blue Shed Coffee Roastery on Bland Street.

As the name suggests, this coffee shop is housed in a blue shed and tempts with freshly roasted aromas from bright and early every morning. With plenty of seating both inside and out, I shivered through my first enormous cappuccino before moving closer to the fireplace with cup number two.

While I was there I watched beans being roasted, ground and packaged. They offer a large variety of coffee – not just in terms of what form you prefer it, also by origin.

The service is friendly and fast, and I think you’ll have to go far to find a fresher brew. There are some savouries and cakes on offer, but if it’s a good old fry-up you’re after you’ll have to look somewhere else.

And if like my you got a bit carried away with the large cups, the outhouse is just a few steps away and impeccably clean.

Whether you’re getting cosy by the fire with a book or watching the harbour below, a cup at Blue Shed is a must.