A walk, together with new insights and creamy cappuccinos - some of my favourite things - were recently combined in one great experience organised by BESETdurban

(BESET meaning in Afrikaans to occupy and in English surround or hem in.)

Visual story teller, Dane Forman and architects Cameron Finnie and Mark Bellingan, are the brains behind BESETdurban. Jonas Barauss, a passionate Durbanite, has recently joined the team. Their goal is to promote the idea that Durban's culture and built environment is worth exploring. Every six to eight weeks they intend to host free walks with expert speakers who will talk about various aspects of the built environment of Durban, with the view to break misconceptions.

The last walk saw approximately 40 people meeting at The Prep Room in Bath Road, Durban, for the Glenwood Coffee Walk 2.0 (A previous walk with different stops was held in this area).

The first stop was The Bean Green Coffee Company, a roastery and coffee shop, in Helen Joseph Road. Peter Winter and his co owner, daughter Mel Winter, import green coffee beans from Ethiopia, which they roast, blend, as well as package. Bluff Bru is their signature brand. Mel, twice barista of the year in KwaZulu-Natal, provided an insight into the story behind The Bean Green Coffee Company. She also shared some background to coffee making, including details such as the correct number of grams of coffee required to make that perfect cup (you will have to pay a visit to taste the coffee).

One cappuchino each, the troop walked back up Bath Road to re-assemble in Bulwer Park. Here we met The Prep Room owner and restaurant expert, Judd Campbell, who introduced us to his newest venture. The Prep Room, which is situated in the grounds of Glenwood Preparatory School, overlooks the playing fields. Of note is that the restaurant has been constructed from five containers. Architect Brandon Robertson provided an entertaining description of the challenges of building with these containers - by no means an inexpensive exercise in upcycling.

Following another cappuchino, a slower walk was taken up Alan Paton Road to the corner of Cato Road, to reassemble at The Coffee Tree, which is also run by Judd Campbell. Another opportunity to continue to enjoy the caffeine fix for the morning, along with the relaxing vibes of the quaint venue. A range of delicious eats is also available here, including vegetarian and gluten free options.

One more bout of walking - back down the hill - had now worked up an appetite and we finished our morning testing The Prep Room menu which caters for a range of foodlovers' tastes. This included one salubrious breakfast; free-range poached eggs, streaky bacon, chargrilled brinjal slices topped with hollandaise and chives and one hedonistic breakfast; mushroom, tomatoes, refried beans, bacon, pork banger, fried eggs and bread - along with more coffee. A good morning was had by all! 

www.besetdurban.com