This quirky 1970s retro-styled café brings added old-school charm to the historic suburb of Brixton. Founded by a former resident, David du Preez, he created a dream corner café, and built it with his then business partner, architect Thomas Chapman of Local Studio. The name Breezeblock comes from the neatly painted 1970s breeze blocks lining its sunny courtyard

Breezeblock is inspired by the landscape and architecture of the suburb of Brixton, which sits atop one of Joburg's many rocky hills, as well as by the indigenous flora found in Brixton's Kingston Frost Park. The café is flooded with light, and potted succulents abound. Elements of local architecture, such as breeze blocks and pressed steel ceilings, have been re-purposed and given a fresh lease with a new coat of paint, while other items have found new functions, such as the Oregon pine wood floor that du Preez restored to use as wooden wall tiles. The interior makes use of recycled materials and beautifully restored furniture found in dumps and at yard sales.

The overall impression is of a warm and inviting space that is a meeting spot for Brixton denizens. It's the kind of friendly, easy-going neighbourhood hangout that you would expect to find in a much smaller town than Joburg. The friendly chef at the helm of Breezeblock is Mantis Shabane, who joined early in 2023 and is always cooking up new dishes, cocktails, and ideas in the kitchen. Breezeblock also offers catering options for events. 

The menu is filled with unpretentious home-style cooking, and comfort food. Breezeblock also excels at baked goods. 

Local Studio's offices, started by architect Thomas Chapman, are above the restaurant — a firm well known for its approach to sustainable urban transformation and preservation and their work on new landmark spaces.

Read about our roaming office day spent at Breezeblock.