I had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with a friend and colleague, Winston Coltart, for a conversation that was rich and layered as the cappuccinos he serves daily at Middy’s Coffee Shop.

Nestled in a leafy corner of the city, Middy’s has quietly become a go-to spot for creatives, thinkers, business folk, and believers alike. Every Wednesday, for example, a growing group gathers here with
one bold goal-to read the entire Bible in one year. And that’s just one layer of what makes Middy’s more than just a coffee shop.

The name “Middy’s” has roots in legacy. Originally founded in 2009 by Clive and Monica Midlaine, the café’s name pays homage to its founders. Though ownership has changed hands several times, the
name and the vision have endured. When Winston and his team took over in August 2021, they dreamt of something deeper than
coffee.

“We wanted a place where community could come together, where church meetings could happen, and creatives could showcase their giftings,” he shared.

Running any business in Zimbabwe’s turbulent economic climate is not for the faint-hearted. Winston reflects candidly: “It’s been very challenging. From navigating the ever-changing Statutory instruments to surviving dips in disposable income-it’s a lot. And yet, there’s resilience in his tone. “By God’s grace, the business has kept going.

Dealing with institutions like ZIMRA, NSSA, and ZIMURA-and believe it or not-getting reliable internet. Starlink has been a game-changer in that regard, turning a pain point into a selling point. And when the main coffee machine broke recently? They simply got scrappy.

“We brought in a little home espresso machine. It wasn’t ideal, but it kept the show going.” Flavour & Fellowship Middy’s isn’t just serving coffee-they’re serving experience. Popular items include the Breakfast Bowl, Breakfast Burrito, and the Chicken cuesadilla-not to mention the legendary cappuccino.

Its location hits the sweet spot: central enough for business meetings, tucked away
enough to offer peace and quiet. They keep things fresh by introducing a new menu item every month and thinking outside the box. “We ask ourselves, what’s not being done elsewhere in the city-and how can we do it well?”

For Winston, Middy’s is a front-row seat to connection. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing all the different connections happening over coffee-be it prayer, planning, business or birthdays.”

Middy’s regularly hosts are musicians, poets, comedians, and dancers. It’s also a hub for faith-based gatherings, with two weekly Bible studies already taking place- and there is room for more.

Winston has big dreams for the future: expanding the bakery offerings, rolling out new menu items, and popping up at more markets and sports events around town. And yes-there’s a “surprise investment” on the way that will unlock new, exciting treats for loyal customers.

There are also themed nights on the horizon-two music gigs and a comedy night coming up. Winston’s motivation? Creating spaces that bless and uplift the community. “We love thinking about new ways to help people connect and be spurred on in their purpose.”

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs “Think deeply about your gifts and how they meet the needs of your community. If there’s a match-go for it. Take calculated risks, work hard, and trust God with the rest.”

Whether you’re grabbing a bite, sipping on a cappuccino, or diving deep into scripture on a Wednesday, Middy’s Coffee Shop offers more than a caffeine fix-it offers sense of purpose. And in today’s Zimbabwe, that’s something truly special.