This adorable little spot in Craighall is positively bucolic, not a word that’s normally associated with big, bad Johannesburg. Nestled in the rustic REEA complex on Marlborough Avenue, which backs up to wild Delta park and Braamfontein spruit, being there sort of feels like you’re on a picnic in a country meadow.

Quaint hand-painted wood signs guide you from the unpaved parking lot to the café, which comprises a small wooden hut with space for just two or three inside tables, plus a much larger number of seats and picnic tables spread across the patio and lawn. Completing the idyllic picture is an adjacent horse stable, plus a small playground area for kids.

The tiny menu consists mainly of coffees, cakes, breakfast items, and a few burgers, sandwiches and salads. There’s no liquor license, but you are allowed to bring your own. The breakfast items are better than the lunch selections, but food is not really the point here. It’s more about the drinks, the atmosphere and the chance to chill and relax under the trees. When I was there two families with toddlers spread blankets out across the lawn and sipped coffees while their kids played in the summer sun. Cyclists, dog walkers and runners like this place too, as it’s conveniently located right at the entrance to Delta park’s trails.

Delta Café is never going to be a hip, happening hot spot, but that’s not its intent – it aims to be a sweet, somewhat sleepy haven from the hustle and bustle of Joburg. Although it gets quite busy on weekend mornings, so get there early if you want to be assured of a seat, because they don’t take reservations!