Founded by trained chef Rory Lambson, Black Sheep Coffee Company has grown from a small-batch speciality coffee roastery into an established hospitality business with a strong reputation for quality, craftsmanship and customer experience. 

The Black Sheep Coffee Company sources beans from renowned coffee-growing regions around the world and has earned recognition in South Africa's only national coffee-roasting competition, A Shot In The Dark, including Number 3 overall and Top of Class in Single-Origin Roast at A Shot in the Dark 2021. In 2021, the company was also nominated as one of only eight coffee roasteries in South Africa for Roastery of the Year. The Black Sheep Coffee Company again placed first in the single-origin round of A Shot In The Dark 2025.

Since launching their business together in 2024, Bruce and Rory have combined their culinary expertise with a passion for speciality coffee, building a respected brand centred on expertly roasted, single-origin coffees and welcoming café environments. The pair expanded their presence on the Stellenbosch University campus by opening the Genesis Café in the Theology Building. The café has become a popular gathering space for students, staff and visitors, reflecting their commitment to delivering excellent coffee and warm hospitality. 

Black Sheep Coffee Company is also the official roaster of the Maties Coffee brand, supplying the beans served at Maties Coffee Hub. Maties Coffee beans are available for purchase at the coffee shop in fully recyclable packaging designed to maintain freshness while supporting more sustainable consumer choices. They also use the only home compostable, fully biodegradable cup on the market, printed using soy and water-based inks made with sustainably sourced paper. As a result, every cup of coffee served at Maties Coffee Hub is good not only for the consumer but also for the environment.

"Stellenbosch University has become an important part of our journey as a business," said Bruce von Pressentin and Rory Lambson. "From launching Genesis Café to partnering on the Maties Coffee brand, we have enjoyed building relationships with the campus community. We are excited to continue that journey through Maties Coffee Hub and to create a space where students, staff, alumni and visitors can connect over great coffee and genuine hospitality." 

While the operating partner has changed, Maties Coffee Hub remains a vibrant and welcoming space at the heart of campus life. Factory 209 looks forward to working with Bruce, Rory and the Black Sheep Coffee Company team as they build on the success of Maties Coffee Hub and contribute to the vibrant campus experience that has made the coffee shop a valued part of the Stellenbosch University community.

About Maties Coffee Hub

Maties Coffee Hub is located in the Neelsie Student Centre on Stellenbosch University's Stellenbosch campus. The coffee shop serves as a vibrant gathering space for students, staff, alumni and visitors, offering quality coffee, light meals and refreshments in the heart of campus. For regular updates, follow Maties Coffee Hub on Facebook and Instagram.

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 16:30 (Winter)

General Enquiries
Email: [email protected]

Media Enquiries
Rentia Smal - [email protected]

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