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Something's brewing on quiet street's coffee scene
By Xu Wenwen and Wu Huixin |
January 14, 2013, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ADJACENT to the bustling and commercial Hefang Street and Yongjin Square, Laodong Road in Hangzhou is somewhat inconspicuous, compared to its busier neighbors.
But that's the feeling its cafe owners like: the surroundings are not noisy; the number of passersby just about right; and also it is an old street with its own heritage, giving cafes there a historic touch.
There are three cafes on or near Laodong Road. Though very near each other, each boasts its own distinct style, and all merit exploring. Shanghai Daily takes a stroll and a cuppa.
Hanyan Coffee House
It's difficult to miss this cafe, because the gate of Hanyan Coffee House is very distinctive and showy: Plants are clustered on wooden chairs and benches; on one bench is a vintage TV, beside which stand two Thai-style golden Buddha figures. And providing a backdrop to this display are distinctive French windows.
It's all too much for some customers, with some web users describing the decor as "garish," with "too much details" and complaining that "wherever you look, there's a decorative item."
While the style is eclectic, the main decor can be defined as old-style. Solid wood tables are covered with plaid tablecloths, on which are quirky items such as metal tissue holders, vintage European style lamps and dried flowers.
Above comfy sofas - complete with blankets - are shelves of knickknacks for sales.
These include matches, cups, hair bands, badges, cellphone accessories and notebooks. Exotic, creative and quirky, some were purchased by the cafe boss from knickknack stalls in foreign countries.
The price of coffee is a bit higher than average, but the unique decor and the view through the French windows to Hefang Street make it a place where customers can happily idle away the hours.
Address: 128 Laodong Road
Tel: (0571) 8160-6978
L'amour Cafe
This cafe's name promises customers a French romantic style, and it doesn't disappoint. Owner Xia Zhiqing is a Francophile who has not only established a Gallic-themed cafe but also owns a French language studying website.
L'amour is a rendezvous for people interested of French culture and also a venue for French salons.
Dim light, old French and English books, paintings and old typewriters give the cafe a vintage touch. This is offset by simple gray fabric covered sofas and wooden tables.
On the walls are displays of photographs of France, taken by the owner when he studied there, plus postcards sent by customers.
Also adorning the walls are posters of classic French films, such as "Amelie and La Folie des Grandeurs" (Delusions of Grandeur), reinforcing the cafe's arty credentials.
L'amour Cafe does not have a wide menu, and its specialty is coffees and cocktails.
There are four branches in the city.
Address: No. 30, Jiahe Lane
Tel: (0571) 8698-7806
Mirror Café
Mirror Cafe's decor showcases photography; whether color or black-and-white, large or small, figures or objects, photographs are hung everywhere - from the gate to the bathroom.
Not surprisingly, Mirror Cafe's owner Gen Gen is a photographer, who uses the cafe to display his work, mostly about life and scenery in Hangzhou. It has also become a gathering place for other shutterbugs.
Keeping with the theme, old cameras are on display, photography books and magazines are stacked beside sofas and photography classes are given by professionals on a regular basis.
Also, customers can watch art films for free in the basement to accompany their coffee.
The decor is warm cozy, and board games are available. The menu is a little expensive.
Address: No. 16, Jiahe Lane
Tel: (0571) 8765-1663
But that's the feeling its cafe owners like: the surroundings are not noisy; the number of passersby just about right; and also it is an old street with its own heritage, giving cafes there a historic touch.
There are three cafes on or near Laodong Road. Though very near each other, each boasts its own distinct style, and all merit exploring. Shanghai Daily takes a stroll and a cuppa.
Hanyan Coffee House
It's difficult to miss this cafe, because the gate of Hanyan Coffee House is very distinctive and showy: Plants are clustered on wooden chairs and benches; on one bench is a vintage TV, beside which stand two Thai-style golden Buddha figures. And providing a backdrop to this display are distinctive French windows.
It's all too much for some customers, with some web users describing the decor as "garish," with "too much details" and complaining that "wherever you look, there's a decorative item."
While the style is eclectic, the main decor can be defined as old-style. Solid wood tables are covered with plaid tablecloths, on which are quirky items such as metal tissue holders, vintage European style lamps and dried flowers.
Above comfy sofas - complete with blankets - are shelves of knickknacks for sales.
These include matches, cups, hair bands, badges, cellphone accessories and notebooks. Exotic, creative and quirky, some were purchased by the cafe boss from knickknack stalls in foreign countries.
The price of coffee is a bit higher than average, but the unique decor and the view through the French windows to Hefang Street make it a place where customers can happily idle away the hours.
Address: 128 Laodong Road
Tel: (0571) 8160-6978
L'amour Cafe
This cafe's name promises customers a French romantic style, and it doesn't disappoint. Owner Xia Zhiqing is a Francophile who has not only established a Gallic-themed cafe but also owns a French language studying website.
L'amour is a rendezvous for people interested of French culture and also a venue for French salons.
Dim light, old French and English books, paintings and old typewriters give the cafe a vintage touch. This is offset by simple gray fabric covered sofas and wooden tables.
On the walls are displays of photographs of France, taken by the owner when he studied there, plus postcards sent by customers.
Also adorning the walls are posters of classic French films, such as "Amelie and La Folie des Grandeurs" (Delusions of Grandeur), reinforcing the cafe's arty credentials.
L'amour Cafe does not have a wide menu, and its specialty is coffees and cocktails.
There are four branches in the city.
Address: No. 30, Jiahe Lane
Tel: (0571) 8698-7806
Mirror Café
Mirror Cafe's decor showcases photography; whether color or black-and-white, large or small, figures or objects, photographs are hung everywhere - from the gate to the bathroom.
Not surprisingly, Mirror Cafe's owner Gen Gen is a photographer, who uses the cafe to display his work, mostly about life and scenery in Hangzhou. It has also become a gathering place for other shutterbugs.
Keeping with the theme, old cameras are on display, photography books and magazines are stacked beside sofas and photography classes are given by professionals on a regular basis.
Also, customers can watch art films for free in the basement to accompany their coffee.
The decor is warm cozy, and board games are available. The menu is a little expensive.
Address: No. 16, Jiahe Lane
Tel: (0571) 8765-1663
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