Boyd Café in Pietermaritzburg – A review

The Hayfields shopping centre in Pietermaritzburg is home to a number of small businesses, one of which is the well-known and popular coffee shop and eatery Boyd Café. Now owned by father and son combination George and Marco Paulo, Boyd Café sports a new look in this extensively revamped shopping centre.

The décor is brighter and more colourful; creating an uplifting ambience and the menu still contains all those delicious tea-time treats that has made this venue so popular among locals. A mouth- watering selection of scones, muffins and cakes cater for those with a sweet tooth while breakfast offerings (served throughout the day) range from the humble eggs on toast (R18) to the hearty English breakfast (R49).

A selection of Lite bites, which include ‘cheapies’ like a slice of toast with jam, anchovy or Bovril (R7) and pricier options such as the French toast with bacon, tomato and syrup or banana and syrup (R35), cater for the ‘not so hungry’ while a variety of lunch specialities like the homemade quiche (R34), spaghetti bolognaise (R36) and pasta Alfredo (R39) should satisfy bigger appetites.

The humble toasted sandwich is by no means forgotten at Boyd Café with offerings ranging from a plain and simple cheese sandwich (R22) to the more substantial savoury mince (R30). All toasted sandwiches are served with the option of French fries or salad for which an extra charge applies.

In addition to their scrumptious Sunday roasts, which start from R70 and include vegetables, dessert and a free glass of wine or fruit juice, one of the café’s biggest attractions are their open sandwiches. They are huge and apparently rather delicious with options ranging from Hickory Ham and poached eggs (R52) to smoked salmon, cottage cheese and capers (R55).

However, when it comes to lunch-time treats a good tramezzini is always a winner and luckily for me Boyd Café serve up some of the best examples of this Italian speciality to be had anywhere. I selected their chicken mayonnaise option (R43) which was delicious and came in a generous portion. The dish unquestionably represented outstanding value for money, so much so that it would be difficult to find a better deal elsewhere in the city.

I was most impressed with my experience at Boyd Café and really could not fault the establishment in any way. Their service was prompt and efficient, their menu selection superb and both George and Marco are some of the friendliest people you are likely to find anywhere.

Boyd Café is a great venue to unwind, re-charge your batteries and enjoy a meal or snack in a relaxed and friendly environment amid the comparative hustle and bustle of one of the city’s busiest malls. The café is fully licensed and is open Mondays to Fridays from 7am to 5pm and on Saturday’s from 7am to 2pm. Trading hours on a Sunday are from 8am to 2pm.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 386 2508
Physical address: Shop 27, Hayfields Mall, Pietermaritzburg

Useful Links:

• Pietermaritzburg Attractions
• Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
• Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
• KwaZulu Natal Holiday Accommodation

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