SCHOON returns to Stellenbosch
Manufactory (derived from ‘manual factory’) is a term coined by the great Parisian baker, Lionel Poilâne, when he expanded his small, woodfired oven bakery into a larger artisan production space.
“It’s still the same team from the Oude Bank Bakkerij days, but we’ve grown our capacity. I’m at the bread shaping table again full-time and we have space to move around in, which is fantastic!”
Fritz Schoon says.
The Manufactory includes the bakery, as well as the patisserie and kitchen, run by chef, Chanelle Schoon. “We’re bringing all our skills into one amazing, centralised space.
It’s where Frits and his team will brainstorm and create and with a focus on specialities of bread, pastries and café food.
Bird Street isn’t known for its vibrant food scene or enticing retail spaces, but Fritz believes that Stellenbosch isn’t made up of just four streets.
“It’s time to explore the possibilities that the town has to offer. That’s why we’ve decided to put a shop and café in this production space,” he explains.
SCHOON Manufactory Café
On the western side of the Manufactory there’s free parking in Pappegaai Rand Street, making it easy to pick up a fresh loaf of your favourite bread.
In the little café you can savour an excellent cup of coffee and carefully selected, produce-driven dishes created by Chanelle.
It overlooks the production space, where you can see the SCHOON bakery team working according to ancient, artisan methods.
The Schoon Manufactory’s café’s menu changes along with what Mother Nature supplies, but favourite SCHOON classics like the famous scrambled eggs on sourdough toast with slow roasted tomato and smoked bacon, the delicious Croque Madame and the beloved brioche French toast with roasted apple, brie, buchu syrup and clotted cream are still there!
The café is tiny and definitely shouldn’t be thought of as a full-scale restaurant. Instead, its purpose is to create a space where people can physically connect with the heart and philosophy of SCHOON.
As a creative food hub, the SCHOON Manufactory is making it possible for the team to maintain the excellence of their existing Bright Street Café in Somerset West, while being nimble enough to explore new concepts.
And you can look forward to even more from SCHOON in June!
SCHOON Croissant & Coffee Bar
The De Wet Centre’s bustling courtyard, just off Church Street, is becoming home to a new, first-of-its-kind experience in Stellenbosch.
Alfresco Seating Area in De Wet Courtyard Small Hatch type entrance 
Pastry Display at SCHOON
A tiny space became available and Fritz was captivated.
“I’ve always loved that nook and it has so much potential to be special. The craziness of life doesn’t leave much room for slow living and this little corner is going to allow people to savour something handcrafted and thoughtfully made in their busy day.”
At this hatch, a friendly barista serves great coffee and freshly baked croissants on the go. Enticing offerings like pork loin and gruyère croissants with wholegrain mustard or creamy caramel cronuts with salt and sugar spice may even encourage you to rest in the shade of the old oak trees for a moment.
Creative Collaborators in De Wet Square
SCHOON’s fresh approach to the Bird Street space has attracted like-minded creatives who are choosing to make it their Stellenbosch home.
The visionary trio behind Kloof Street hair studio, Scar Hair, is opening their old-school barber shop, Widow Maker, next door to the café.
Perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee and a shave! And they’re joined by Cape Town fashion duo, Mareth.Colleen, with their first official retail store, showcasing their beautiful, edgy designs.
An additional 335 square metres has been reserved for creatives, designers and retailers. Contact info@schoon.co.za for more information.
Fritz sees the potential for change as an important part of the vision for 91 Bird Street. which they’ve named The Bird Precinct or just ‘The Bird’.
“Having such interesting, established brands choose to join us here confirms that our desire to create special experiences in unusual spaces can truly have a positive impact within the community.”
Directions to SCHOON Croissant & Coffee Bar | De Wet Square
