What were you doing before working at One&Only Cape Town?

I moved from Cameroon to South Africa in 2007. I was working with a hospitality agency, and one day, I had a phone call saying there was an opportunity at the resort for runners.

What was life like as a runner?

The restaurant I started at was Maze, owned by Gordon Ramsay. Chef Theo, now a close friend, was in charge. Chef Theo loved a double espresso. He would come out and say, “Terence!” I’d know straight away that he wanted his double espresso!

Tell us about your coffee education?

We have coffee back home, but I had never seen the end product. I was full of questions. When I tasted the coffee I was like, ‘Ohhh, I love it!’ I relayed my passion for coffee to my manager, Natalie, and she enrolled me in Origin Coffee’s training programme.

What did you learn?

We learned about different coffee regions and the roasting process. We learned how the time of day or temperature affects beans. They also taught us how to make all the coffees: cappuccino, latte, Americano, macchiato, espresso, Irish coffees.

How did you become a barista at the hotel?

After my training, Natalie came to me and said, “How was the course?” I said, “I loved it.” And she said, “OK, I’d like to taste for myself what you learned. Can you make me a latte?” I said, “With pleasure.” So I went to the machine, and she observed from start to finish. I gave her the latte and she drank it. She said, “Wow! I tell you what, leave the dishes alone, take over the coffee machine.” She was very happy. That’s how I became a barista.

Did your coffee garner fans within the resort?

Chef Theo started drinking my coffee. English people know their coffee and tea; if there’s an issue, they will tell you, but he never complained. He loved my coffee! Mr Kent loved my coffee station, it was spotless, so he appointed me Head Barista. Later on, I did my tea training.

How did you switch from caffeine to finance?

I was in Vista Bar & Lounge serving as a barista and tea sommelier, when a colleague came to me, and said, “There’s a position in the Cash Office. You’re good at maths, you should try it!” I applied that day, and I got the job.

What was that transition like?

I worked hard. I was a general cashier for two years, then an income auditor. In 2017, there was an opening in Cost Control, so I applied and got the position. I also enrolled in training for financial management. I’m still looking at the future; I won’t stop learning.

THE FACES OF ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN