Baristas are part and parcel of the vibe at Lineage. You order from them and they bring the coffee to you. What is really nice is that they have great people skills, too.

The coffee skills were good but if there are any lacks they are more than made up by the friendly interaction.

Their cappuccino was virtually flawless – served at the correct temperature with a creamy texture and with the perfect balance of nutty aromatics, slight acidity and slight bitterness to give it body. Their flat whites were also exceptional with a very appealing look and vibe.

Lineage is housed in a spacious barn-like space with a wood panelled ceiling, open brick walls and industrial-like cement flooring. The mix effectively combines rustic and contemporary elements. Seating is flexible and offers both the opportunity to drink and eat or work on your laptop on bar-like seating along the walls.

The limited menu includes toasted sandwiches, wraps, and a salad/soup of the day as well as pastries like croissants and muffins and the odd cake.

Outdoor seating space is available, but there’s no kids play area. Wi-Fi is available.

Lineage is definitely worth a visit.

Bart Goldman

** Lineage was judged to be one of the top three coffee shops in the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands areas in the Battle of the Beans Coffee competition