To operate a bakery in this time of widespread Banting and low-carb, high-fat eating is no mean feat. And yet baker Fritz Schoon’s artisanal bakery-café is always packed, especially over the weekends when they run a waiting list.
Schoon means “beautiful” in Dutch, and Fritz and his wife, head chef Chanelle, have created a visually interesting space, built on their existing bakery, De Oude Bank Bakkerij in Stellenbosch’s old bank building. The double story café houses re-purposed chairs and relics from the Dutch V.O.C era and their trading days. Metal chains hang from the ceilings, a faded V.O.C flag adorns the wall upstairs, and food is served in modern Delft-inspired crockery, which incidentally is available for sale.
The main menu offers a variety of breads (available by the slice) with a wide range of toppings. Breads are made with utmost care, and some involve a gentle three-day process. Hearty sandwiches and build-your-own options, breakfasts, a small range of desserts, and pizzas are popular choices. Pick a wine from the wine shop upstairs to enjoy with your meal.
Schoon de Companje also offers a bar area that sells a large range of local craft beers, a small ethical butchery run by Fritz’s sister Kathryn (who specializes in animal science), a deli, an excellent wine shop, and an organic coffee roastery.
On Saturdays bands play, and the café is packed with the cool set nibbling on pizzas and sipping craft beer.
Expect both the students who live in the town, families, and executives to vie for a table. Do not forget to try the hot chocolate made with real chocolate chips, and take a loaf or two of the signature sourdough bread home with you.
Expert Review
To operate a bakery in this time of widespread Banting and low-carb, high-fat eating is no mean feat. And yet...
To operate a bakery in this time of widespread Banting and low-carb, high-fat eating is no mean feat. And yet baker Fritz Schoon’s artisanal bakery-café is always packed, especially over the weekends when they run a waiting list.
Schoon means “beautiful” in Dutch, and Fritz and his wife, head chef Chanelle, have created a visually interesting space, built on their existing bakery, De Oude Bank Bakkerij in Stellenbosch’s old bank building. The double story café houses re-purposed chairs and relics from the Dutch V.O.C era and their trading days. Metal chains hang from the ceilings, a faded V.O.C flag adorns the wall upstairs, and food is served in modern Delft-inspired crockery, which incidentally is available for sale.
The main menu offers a variety of breads (available by the slice) with a wide range of toppings. Breads are made with utmost care, and some involve a gentle three-day process. Hearty sandwiches and build-your-own options, breakfasts, a small range of desserts, and pizzas are popular choices. Pick a wine from the wine shop upstairs to enjoy with your meal.
Schoon de Companje also offers a bar area that sells a large range of local craft beers, a small ethical butchery run by Fritz’s sister Kathryn (who specializes in animal science), a deli, an excellent wine shop, and an organic coffee roastery.
On Saturdays bands play, and the café is packed with the cool set nibbling on pizzas and sipping craft beer.
Expect both the students who live in the town, families, and executives to vie for a table. Do not forget to try the hot chocolate made with real chocolate chips, and take a loaf or two of the signature sourdough bread home with you.