Not to be confused with the (now-defunct) molecular bar concept in the Sinan Mansions, The Alchemist Cafe Bistro got its start in Hong Kong, where there are now three branches. This newest rendition near People’s Square marks the company’s first foray onto Mainland soil.
Opened by a backpacker, the theme of the space is travel and the fun interior will be one of Alchemist’s major draws. Inside, you’ll find a warm room full of wooden tables and shelves, some covered in wildly-patterned tablecloths, others decorated with old fashioned curios. The wall is marked by a huge world map. One part of the ceiling is covered in postcards and notes. It all makes for a very engaging, welcoming room that encourages us to sit and stay awhile.
The menu, perhaps to stick with the travel theme, is mind-boggling in its breadth. The bar whips up more than 200 different drinks, ranging from frothy banana milkshakes (RMB45) to mojitos (RMB60) to a particularly popular (and incredibly neon) Blue Danube lychee sorbet (RMB60). We stuck with a simple Americano (RMB25) and café latte (RMB30), made with the house-specialty blend of beans, and were not dissapointed.
The food options are equally as far reaching, with snacks that include overly sweet chicken wings (RMB40), cheesy lasagna (RMB40), laksa (RMB60), salmon quiche tarts (RMB30) and more. This is one of those cafes that tries to function as a jack of all trades, to some detriment. However, the space itself harbors a lot of charm and we would gladly return for another coffee.
// 98 Liuhe Lu, by Ningbo Lu 六合路98号, 近宁波路（6312 9917）
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