— HILTON, PIETERMARITZBURG · KZN MIDLANDS —
★★★★★
4.8 · 100+ Google reviews · Closed Sundays & Mondays
REAL COFFEE.
REAL BREAD.
SOME SERIOUS SOUL.
An independent artisan bakery and espresso bar in Hilton. Everything baked fresh every morning. Get here early on the good days. It sells out.
★★★★★
"Said it before and I'll say it again, love this place and their coffee and baked goodies. Perfect place to stop after your run or cycle or even to just chill." — Bibi Khan · Google Review
"Said it before and I'll say it again, love this place and their coffee and baked goodies. Perfect place to stop after your run or cycle or even to just chill." — Bibi Khan · Google Review
There’s a reason the queue forms before the doors open.
Not the biggest coffee shop in Hilton. Just the best one, if you ask the regulars. Runners after their morning jog, remote workers who’ve claimed their corner table, parents straight after the school run.
Not a chain. Not a franchise. Just people who care about what comes out of the oven.
01
The Coffee Is the Real Thing
Proper specialty coffee. Trained baristas, good beans, every morning. The full menu is further down the page. Come in and work through it.
02
The Bread Sells Out. That Tells You Everything.
True artisan sourdough, baked on-site every morning. Get here early. On a good morning it's gone by mid-morning. That's all you need to know.
03
There's Something in the Air
Facebrick walls, solid wood beams, a wall covered in guitars. It feels like somewhere. Come in and you'll get it.
04
It Feels Like It's Yours
Regulars have their orders known. Names get remembered. You'll bump into someone you know. One customer put it as "where everybody knows your name" — and they weren't being poetic.
WHAT WE DO HERE
A few things worth making the drive to Hilton for.
Specialty Espresso Bar
Flat whites, cappuccinos, Americanos, alternative brews and a Vietnamese iced coffee people come back for specifically. The full menu is in the section below.
DRINK IN · TAKE AWAY
Small-Batch Croissants & Pastries
Flaky, buttery, baked that morning. Almond croissants people turn their car around on Hilton Avenue for. Pain au chocolat, cheese croissants, custard Danish, cinnamon buns. Arrive before they’re gone.
BAKED FRESH DAILY
Artisan Sourdough Bread
True artisan sourdough. Country Bread, roasted onion and potato loaves, seasonal varieties. Baked here every morning. Take a loaf home and you’ll be back for another.
MADE ON-SITE · WORTH THE TRIP
The Stormy Monday
Named after the blues standard, because some things just fit. Toasted egg and bacon. One regular called it the best in the world. Order it before noon. Some mornings it doesn’t make it that far.
HOUSE FAVOURITE · BREAKFAST
Facebrick, Wood & a Wall of Guitars
Facebrick walls, solid timber, a wall of guitars that sets the tone before you’ve ordered a thing. Blues plays in the morning. Come in and feel it.
REAL ATMOSPHERE · NO PRETENCE
Work-Friendly · Community-Driven
Free WiFi, indoor and veranda seating. Popular with remote workers, freelancers, and anyone who needs a good coffee and a bit of quiet. Stay as long as you need.
FREE WIFI · INSIDE & OUTSIDE
THE SPACE
What’s waiting for you.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Don’t take our word for it.
The croissants literally melt in your mouth, and the cappuccino is absolutely divine. There are a number of coffee shops in Hilton — but you’ll miss out if you don’t visit this one.
I used to live in Europe — I’ve been to some amazing bakeries and coffee shops. The Upper Millstone is my favourite place in South Africa for both. Absolutely passionate about what they do.
Excellent morning music — usually something bluesy with guitar chops. Lovely decor, staff, and baked goods. A great reason to stop after school drop-off.
The Upper Millstone is sublime. EVERYTHING is delicious — particularly the almond croissants, which I will genuinely turn around on Hilton Avenue just to buy.
My go-to spot in Hilton. You cannot go wrong. Everything is delicious — and you can even order over WhatsApp for delivery. Howard is always great to deal with.
A place where each customer becomes family. Their bakes and coffees are made by people who seek perfection in every experience. Where everybody knows your name.
BE FIRST TO KNOW
Some things at The Upper Millstone don’t wait around.
Music nights fill quietly. Seasonal specials run short. The almond croissants can be gone by 9am. Join the list and we reach you first — before we post publicly, before things are sold out.
- First notice of live music nights and sessions
- Limited seasonal specials and coffee releases
- Small local events and community happenings
- Nothing you didn't ask for. No spam. Ever.
Get on the inside.
One email when something is actually worth knowing about.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time. Your details are safe.
MUSIC, SOUL & COMMUNITY
Where the blues feels at home.
There’s a wall of guitars next to the counter. Blues plays most mornings. Occasional live sessions happen — nothing formal, just music in a room that was built for it.
Want first notice of live music sessions?
We don't advertise widely. Join the email list. That's where the real announcements land first.
We don't advertise widely. Join the email list. That's where the real announcements land first.
"A true artisan experience. Unlike others who claim it, the Upper Millstone honours the tradition of artisan sourdough truly. The feel of the space is authentic — it's the real deal."
— Jaco D. · Google Review · Local GuideFIND US
We’re in Hilton. Come on in.
Just off the main road into Hilton village, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Ample parking. Indoor and veranda seating. If you’re driving through the KZN Midlands, this is the stop.
Opening Hours
Sun – MonClosed
Tue – Fri6:30 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Baked goods sell out early. Arrive by mid-morning for the full selection.
Address & Contact
Address36 Hilton Ave, Leonard
Hilton, 3201
KwaZulu-Natal
Hilton, 3201
KwaZulu-Natal
Phone033 343 1344
Instagram@theuppermillstone
ParkingAmple on-site
Get Directions
Open in Google Maps ↗QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
A few things people ask before their first visit.
Where is The Upper Millstone located?
In Hilton village, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal — just off the main road. A landmark morning stop for locals and a popular pull-over for anyone passing through the KZN Midlands. Address: 36 Hilton Ave, Leonard, Hilton, 3201.
What kind of coffee shop is The Upper Millstone?
An independent artisan bakery and espresso bar — not a chain, not a franchise. Everything is baked fresh on-site daily, the coffee is specialty grade, and the atmosphere has a genuine blues and jazz soul: facebrick walls, solid timber, a wall of guitars, and bluesy music playing in the mornings.
Do you serve breakfast or food?
Yes. Breakfast and light meals are served daily — fresh croissants, sourdough sandwiches, pastries, Danish, and hot breakfast plates. The Stormy Monday (toasted egg and bacon) is a house favourite. Arrive early: baked goods sell out on busy mornings.
Can I work from the coffee shop?
Absolutely. The Upper Millstone has free WiFi and is popular with remote workers, freelancers, and anyone who works better with excellent coffee and good music. Indoor and veranda seating available.
How do I get in touch?
Call us on 033 343 1344 or find us at 36 Hilton Ave, Hilton. Follow on Instagram @theuppermillstone for daily updates.
Do you host live music?
Occasional live music sessions happen at The Upper Millstone — blues and jazz are part of the DNA here. Sessions are intimate and not widely advertised. Join the email list to be first to know when one is happening.
Is there blues or jazz music playing?
Yes. Blues and jazz are woven into the identity of the shop. The Upper Millstone regularly plays bluesy, guitar-driven music in-house — and occasional live performances happen in the same spirit.
Are you open on weekends?
Yes, open on Saturdays 7:30am to 12:30pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Call us on 033 343 1344 to confirm over public holidays.
Do you take table bookings?
Walk-ins only for tables. For large group orders, give us a call in advance on 033 343 1344.
How do I hear about specials, music nights, and events?
Join the email list — that’s where first notice of live music nights, limited specials, and small local events goes before anything is posted publicly. Follow on Instagram @theuppermillstone for day-to-day updates.
HILTON, PIETERMARITZBURG · KZN MIDLANDS
COME IN.
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.
COME BACK.
36 Hilton Avenue. Fresh bread, real coffee, every morning. Come in once. You’ll understand.
An independent coffee shop and artisan bakery in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg. Real coffee. Real bread. A little bit of soul. Serving the KZN Midlands since 2016.
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LOCATION
36 Hilton Ave, Leonard<br>Hilton, 3201<br>KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa<br><a href=”tel:+27333431344″ style=”color:#2F788A;”>033 343 1344</a>