In the centre of Cape Town’s CBD, Swan Café is a delightful hub for French culture and cuisine. Owned by the charismatic Jessica Rushmere, the café has earned a reputation as one of the most Instagrammable spots globally and has been listed in the Inside Guide’s best breakfast spots for four consecutive years. 

Jessica’s passion for authenticity and community shines through in every detail, from the décor to the menu. We sat down with Jessica to uncover into the secrets behind Swan Café’s success and her vision for the future.

Swan Café has been recognised as one of the most Instagrammable cafés in the world and listed in Inside Guide’s best breakfast spots for four consecutive years. What do you think contributes to this lasting appeal and popularity among your patrons?

Jessica believes the café’s lasting appeal stems from its strong sense of community and dedication to authenticity. She has always prioritised creating a welcoming atmosphere where people can gather and connect. This people-centric approach, combined with the enchanting aesthetics and the allure of French cuisine, has helped Swan Café remain a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.

Bringing the magic of Paris to Cape Town through your authentic French crêpes and gluten-free, savoury galettes has clearly resonated with your customers. Could you share the inspiration behind your menu and how you maintain its authenticity?

Jessica draws inspiration from her love of French cuisine and her desire to recreate what she missed from home. Having spent many years in South Africa after a career in modelling, she realised there was a gap in the local café and coffee culture. Her menu is a blend of local ingredients and French culinary traditions, with many items named after family members or French words. Authenticity is key for Jessica, and she works hard to ensure every dish reflects her passion and heritage. French customers have even remarked that her food is better than what they find in France.

Your exclusive tea range and artisanal coffee offerings complement your crêpes and galettes beautifully. How do you curate your beverage selections, and what are some of the most popular choices among your guests?

Jessica loves curating her tea blends, such as the caramel and vanilla fusion tea called French Kiss and the sweet berry blend called Royal Rouge. Despite not being a coffee drinker herself, she ensures that her coffee offerings are top-notch by sourcing beans from a small business in Kalk Bay called Damn Fine Coffee. Popular beverages include her artisanal teas and the café’s expertly crafted coffees, which perfectly complement the crêpes and galettes.

Swan Café has grown significantly since its inception. Could you tell us where it all started and what inspired you to bring a piece of Paris to Cape Town?

The journey of Swan Café began with Jessica’s realisation that Cape Town lacked a true café culture. Her first venture, La Petite Torte, a tiny French café selling crêpes and cake, paved the way for Swan Café. Her background in modelling and extensive travels made her yearn for the cosy tea houses of Paris. This longing, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to create Swan Café, a place where she could celebrate her culture and share it with the people of Cape Town.

As Swan Café celebrates its 6th anniversary in 2024, what have been some of the most significant milestones and challenges you’ve encountered along the way? How do you envision the future of Swan Café in the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Cape Town?

Jessica reflects on the past six years as a period of constant evolution and growth. Significant milestones include developing a menu that resonates with customers and hosting community-based events like the upcoming “Christmas in July” celebration. Challenges have included balancing authenticity with local preferences and navigating the competitive culinary scene. Looking ahead, Jessica envisions more community events and possibly even crêpe-making classes, all while staying true to her passion for French cuisine and local ingredients.

Swan Café, with its warm and inviting atmosphere, delectable menu, and dedicated owner, continues to be a cherished spot in Cape Town. Jessica Rushmere’s commitment to authenticity, community, and culinary excellence ensures that Swan Café remains a beloved destination for anyone seeking a taste of Paris in the heart of the city. If you haven’t yet visited, a trip to Swan Café is highly recommended to experience the magic for yourself.