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Business districts nurture local cafe, dining scene
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HANGZHOU’S central business district, or CBD, has grown rapidly over recent years as some of the world’s largest companies have flocked to the lively, prosperous city.
The benefits of this expansion have spilled over into other parts of the local economy. Cafe owners, for instance, have thrived on the booming trade from white-collar workers. Office staff need places to drink coffee, eat lunch, hold casual meetings and unwind after work, and there are now numerous establishments ready to serve their needs.
Shanghai Daily recently visited several Hangzhou’s business districts to find some of its best cafes.
Traditionally the city center, Wulin Square is home to a cluster of shopping malls and fashionable cafes. Two of the most popular cafes along Wulin Road are Maan Coffee and Metoo Cafe.
Maan’s glass, steel and red brick design is guaranteed to catch the eye of passers-by. Outside, customers can sip their drinks under sunshades, while inside there’s plenty of space for each customer on the first and second floors.
A highlight of Maan’s interior design are its crystal chandeliers. Spectacularly large examples hang from the ceilings, while smaller crystal shades separate different areas of the cafe, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Next door, Metoo Cafe, is also defined by its distinctive design and decor.
The cafe’s designers, who are also its owners, have retained the space’s original coarse brick walls and concrete stairway. They also added abstract paintings and reclaimed wooden doors for a quirky touch.
• Maan Coffee
Address: Queen’s Park, 277 Wulin Rd
• Metoo Cafe
Address: Queen’s Park, 277 Wulin Rd (beside Maan)
Much like Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, Binjiang District was mostly farmland just a couple of decades ago. Now, the district is home to hundreds of high-tech enterprises and gleaming office buildings.
The area is also a haven for Hanghzou’s fashionable set, thanks to its numerous cafes and Western restaurants,
At the newly-opened Cozy Coffee, it’s not uncommon to see models, designers and artists sipping coffee and chatting with the cafe’s owners — who are also designers.
Cozy Coffee’s signature drink is coffee with cotton candy. There’s also a food menu that includes salad, paella and pasta.
Also in Binjiang is Marais Bistro. A favorite among expats, the bistro serves breakfast as early as 8am. It also stays open as late as 2am for late-night revellers.
The restaurant serves up a wide range of early morning staples, including crispy croissants, oven-fresh sandwiches, omelettes, cereal porridge and Eggs Benedict.
During lunch and dinner, paella is the signature dish of chef Maki Han, who studied with a Michelin starred chef for eight years.
Other recommended dishes include codfish and Angus beef.
• Cozy Coffee
Address: 1/F, Hanshi Mansion, 1786 Binsheng Rd
• Marais Bistro
Address: Rm 103, No. 4 Building, Gemini International, 1785 Jianghan Rd
Located near the northern section of West Lake, Huanglong area is the oldest parts of Hangzhou’s central business district. Its core is the European and American Center (EAC), one of the most high-end buildings in the city. The area is also a magnet for expats, many of whom work at nearby tech companies, including Alibaba.
Catering to the area’s white-color crowd is the newly-opened Reading Tree Coffee. Part coffee shop, part bookstore and part Internet cafe, Reading Tree features an abundance of long tables, computer stations and private reading spaces.
With its many French windows and simple decor, the cafe is bright and spacious. Its longest tables can hold up to 12 people. There are also computer stations and hundreds of books to choose from. And best of all, Reading Tree is open 24 hours a day.
In the EAC’s residential area is C.C. Cafe, a homey establishment that stands out with its warm lighting and soft sofas. This cafe is a popular spot among foreigners who live nearby. In addition to the expected coffee and snacks, C.C. also serves steak.
On Baochu Road, between C.C. and Reading Tree, is Jingle Coffee. This comfortable, spacious establishment features plenty of comfortable sofas, a beer menu, snooker tables and, of course, coffee. It also organizes periodic French lessons and language-exchange activities.
• Reading Tree Coffee
Address: 1/F, Huanglong International Center, the crossing of Wensan and Xueyuan roads
• C.C. Coffee
Address: 1/F, EAC residential area, 18 Jiaogong Rd
• Jingle Coffee
Address: 150 Baochu Rd
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