Page 9 - Cornwall Issue 5 2025

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ukes Cornwall Coffee Shop may have the time was part of the Irene farm, owned by the
started as a humble shipping container, Van der Byl family. Today, that same history inspires
but thanks to the vision of local residents Dukes Coffee Shop—turning a place once associated
Dand business owners Simon and Chanti with soldiers and railways into one of neighbours,
Jackson, it’s now a thriving community hub in friends, and coffee.
Cornwall Hill Estate. Officially, Dukes had a “soft
launch” on 21 August—but by Saturday, it was clear Head Barista KG leads the charge with a smile,
they were fully operational. In true neighbourly a steady hand, and a knack for making everyone
spirit, the first two days of trading were free (largely feel special. He whips up Dukes specials like the
because their Yoco POS wasn’t set up yet, but the refreshing Cornwall Cooler and Jane’s Half-and-Half,
community wasn’t complaining!). while baristas-in-training Deone Pretorius and Katja
Zerwick bring energy, tidiness, and a willingness
The name Dukes carries a deeper story rooted in to learn (and to master the art of a perfect freezo).
the very ground the coffee shop sits on. Cornwall Hill Coffee beans are supplied by Frederick Dreyer from
itself was named after a fort built during the Anglo- Gegrond, who shares Dukes’ belief that coffee is
Boer War in the late 19th century by the Duke of more than a drink—it’s an experience.
Cornwall’s Light Infantry. Their mission was to protect
the vital Johannesburg–Pretoria railway line. The hill The shop itself is a transformation story, with Johan
stood on land that was once part of the Irene farm, van Vuuren of Amkor Konstruksie converting a
owned by the Van der Byl family, adding another container into a cozy café, and Mike Carver working
layer of local heritage to the story. By naming their his landscaping magic to create a garden worth
coffee shop Dukes, Simon and Chanti honour this lingering in. Add estate manager Graham Jones’
history, paying tribute to the regiment that left its Wi-Fi support, and Dukes becomes a BYOD-friendly,
mark on the area while giving the name a warm, cashless retreat for work or play—so don’t forget your
modern twist. In many ways, Dukes is both a nod to card or phone!
Cornwall’s past and a new chapter in its present—a
gathering place where history meets hospitality. On the menu: espresso-based classics, iced teas,
And, if we’re being honest, Dukes also satisfies a sodas, freezos, and treats like choc-chip cookies,
slightly more mischievous ambition: ‘the feminine croissants, and mini ice-cream cones. Pup cups (for
urge to open a coffee shop that’s simultaneously a four-legged friends) and babychinos (for two-legged
library, a bakery, and a plant shop’—basically, a little little ones) make sure nobody is left out.
corner of everything you didn’t know you needed.
With a bring-and-borrow book table, upcoming
DID YOU KNOW? nature walks, and even a backgammon-plus-bourbon
During the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), the Duke round robin on the horizon, Dukes is more than a
of Cornwall’s Light Infantry built a fort on what is now coffee shop—it’s Cornwall Hill’s new living room.
Cornwall Hill. Its purpose? To guard the vital railway Open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, Dukes is proof that
between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The land at great coffee tastes even better when shared.

KG’S TOP 2 DUKES SPECIALS
1. Cornwall Cooler
Smooth espresso meets refreshing
chill. Perfect for a sunny day.
2. Jane’s Half-and-Half
Espresso, velvety milk foam, and
a hint of gingerbread syrup. Cozy,
comforting, just the right touch of
sweetness.

Cornwall View • Issue 5 2025 7