It all began with hunger on a beach in Madagascar. A man on an old bicycle answered our craving for great bread; his bike stacked high with fresh baguettes. The taste and experience was something to cherish and it was something we wanted everyone back home to enjoy. And so the name Vovo Telo was born, taken from a place and a moment in time where the inspiration first took hold.

Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth, soon became our home. Artisan baking masters came to share their skills and experiences with us. Fresh aromas would drift down the street through the morning air, and people would come to investigate and watch us at work. Over time, our customers began to realise what artisan baking is all about. They would bring their own fillings for the freshly baked bread and sit on our stoep. So we thought it was only hospitable to put down some tables and chairs, and perhaps offer a coffee to go with that morning croissant. From there, options expanded into a range of sandwiches, pastries, light breakfasts and lunches that you can enjoy at any of our stores.

It's 4 am, and while the world is asleep, our hard work is done. Many questions and thoughts circle our minds as 80 baguettes go into the oven. Was the dough at its peak? Were they slashed correctly? As the hot air and caramelised aroma from the oven steams over our faces 15 minutes later, our questions are answered. We are content. The baguettes have generously sprung from the heat and doubled in size causing the carefully placed slashes in the bread to burst open. Pure delight.

Soon the racks are full with crackling loaves. The bread is now singing. We often stand and marvel at all the types and shapes of breads stacked and ready for selling and realise that they are more than a food source, they are a metaphor for abundance, good health and an honest days work.

From creamy scrambled eggs on toasted ciabatta, to ricotta hotcakes with honey butter and banana or pain perdu (brioche French toast) with honey mascarpone cream and berry compote, our breakfasts will liven up any morning…oh, and don't forget a shot of espresso for the morning kick.

There is plenty to choose from our lunch menu, like our popular pissaladière (thin crust pizzas) with many delicious toppings or our deeply filled sandwiches and healthy salads that will make your lunch break really feel like a break.

So whether you are after a quick bite or a lazy day with a newspaper, a pastry and a cappuccino, we will make sure you are never disappointed.

In true Vovo Telo tradition, we believe every ingredient needs to be of the highest quality and that is why all our pastries are made with real ingredients. There is nothing better than biting into a buttery croissant while enjoying your flat white in the morning or any part of the day. Layer upon layer of pastry creates the perfect delicacy; we make everything from pain au chocolate, pain au raisins, berry pinwheels and apricotinis. So whatever your taste, we know that having one won't be enough.