Lutian Cafe: More Than Just a Coffee Shop

If you've ever struggled to find a coffee place that truly caters to your refined coffee taste without the frills and high costs, you're not alone. Many coffee enthusiasts are on the hunt for a spot that combines expertise with affordability. This is exactly the challenge that Lutian Cafe set out to address.

Lutian Cafe, run by Japanese roaster and barista Nakashima Hideo and his wife Gao Xia, focuses on enhancing professionalism and controlling costs in its store design. It targets mature coffee customers with a deep understanding and love for specialty coffee, and is located in a hidden old Shanghai community.

Hidden Gem in an Old Community

Lutian Cafe is tucked away in an old Shanghai community on Jiangyin Road. Even if you follow the navigation correctly, you'll likely need guidance from residents to find it. The shop operates by appointment and usually has its doors closed, with no signboard, making it easy to miss.

Design Centered on Goals

When the couple started the business, their limited budget determined their choices. "I opened the store with a set budget, which left me with no other options. And I'd rather serve friends who truly understand coffee," Gao Xia told Interface reporters. They initially aimed at experienced coffee drinkers who already had a strong affinity for specialty coffee.

Evolution of the Space

At first, due to budget constraints, the couple only rented a long rectangular room on the left - hand side as you enter. Half of it was used for roasting, and the other half for pour - over coffee and entertaining guests. A year later, with good business performance and online coffee bean sales, they took over the entire courtyard.

Now, the left - most room is dedicated to the roasting studio, allowing Nakashima to focus on coffee roasting. The courtyard and the right - most room serve as customer seating areas, furnished with wooden tables and chairs. The middle room has become a tableware exhibition area, with various cups and plates neatly arranged on wooden tables.

Resourceful Decor

Gao Xia admitted, "I can't do elaborate decorations, nor do I have the money to buy furniture." Fortunately, she had the support of her friends. She reached a friendly cooperation with the furniture brand Mumu, using the condition of turning Lutian into its product showroom in exchange for free use of furniture. Many of the 'decorations' in the rooms, such as backpacks and clothes, are also displayed by friends. The bunches of flowers in the corner of the courtyard are gifts from regular customers and friends. While the red wooden door gives the place a somewhat aloof feel, once you step into the courtyard, you'll sense a warm and human touch.

Faithful to the Roasting Craft

The roaster at work, as shown in the picture, reflects the shop's commitment to the roasting process. Nakashima, as the roaster, is dedicated to making coffee, and the separate roasting studio helps him focus better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lutian Cafe located?

Lutian Cafe is located in an old Shanghai community on Jiangyin Road. It's a bit hidden, and even with the right navigation, you may need help from local residents to find it.

What kind of customers does Lutian Cafe target?

Lutian Cafe targets mature coffee customers who have a full understanding and love for specialty coffee. They aim to serve those who are really into coffee.

How did the cafe's space evolve over time?

Initially, due to budget limitations, only a long rectangular room was rented, with half for roasting and half for pour - over and guest service. After a year of good business and online sales, the whole courtyard was taken over. Now it has separate areas for roasting, customer seating, and tableware exhibition.

Why is the cafe designed in this way?

The design is centered around the goals of enhancing professionalism and controlling costs. The limited budget at the start influenced the initial space rental, and the subsequent expansion was based on business performance.

Who helped with the cafe's decor?

Gao Xia got help from her friends. She had a cooperation with the furniture brand Mumu to use furniture for free in exchange for it being a showroom, and many 'decorations' are items friends are displaying there. The flowers are gifts from regulars.

What is the role of the roaster in the cafe?

The roaster, Nakashima, is dedicated to coffee roasting. The separate roasting studio allows him to focus better on the roasting process, which is crucial for the quality of the coffee.

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