Make Some 'RoOM' for the Best New Café in the Hutongs

The Place 

The two hospitality veterans behind the popular hutong restaurant Puzzles have branched out to open a coffee shop, RoOM, just a 10 minute walk from their scrumptious Baochao spot.

After the success of their first venture, Munich-born Max Besler (previously of French Michelin-starred restaurants Jing and TRB Hutong) and Dongbei-native Ann Zhang (former Beverage Manager of the Peninsula Beijing) – who met while working at the hotel – decided to open a café that offers quality coffee, desserts, and cocktails on Beilouguxiang. 

Map showing route from RoOM to Puzzles

RoOM is located right at the southern entrance of the hutong just across the street from Nanlouguxiang – the popular tourist and shopping destination – making it the perfect spot to take a break from the hordes of people down the alley.

The Food & Drinks

RoOM has a fairly standard menu for a café, but there is nothing basic about the quality that is on offer; each item is thoughtfully selected, carefully prepared, and – best of all – reasonably priced.

You can find an aromatic Americano (RMB28), Mocha (RMB32), Espresso Macchiato (RMB32), or Coffee Latte (RMB32) on the coffee menu.

Mocha (RMB32), Tomato Spritz (RMB48) & Aperol Spritz (RMB58). Image courtesy of RoOM

The cocktails and mocktails are wonderfully presented – making them the perfect partner for a quick Instagram post.

Pose with a Grape Mojito (RMB58), Elderflower Spritz (RMB58), Matcha Colada (RMB48), or something more classic like a Gin & Tonic (RMB48).

Waffles (RMB38). Image by Yinmai O'Connor/That's

RoOM has delicious desserts, including the perfectly topped Waffles (RMB38), funkily presented Ice Cream (RMB48) from Swiss brand Moevenpick, and hilariously named Sometimes It’s Cake (RMB48) – which literally is “sometimes cake,” because they alternate the baked goods they sell day by day.

Ice Cream (RMB38). Image by Yinmai O'Connor/That's

They also offer some savory treats including a Ricotta Ham Panini (RMB42) and Eggplant Zucchini Panini (RMB38).

RoOM’s slim set of choices is actually rather refreshing (compared with many menus in the city that look like they were a tome written by Tolstoy).

The Vibe

Besler and Zhang have kept the décor of their new café consistent with the chic beige tones and thoughtfully placed plants that give Puzzles its calming, unobtrusive atmosphere. 

RoOM has already become a popular spot for people to read or work on their laptops while slowly enjoying a well-made libation. 

Image courtesy of RoOM

However, it is also already a hotspot for the social media obsessed masses; the adorably framed window by the entrance has a seemingly never-ending line of girls in cute hats waiting their turn to pose for 30 nearly identical shots.

Image courtesy of RoOM

Spring and summer have definitely increased the popularity of this particular window – the bougainvillea that surrounds it has bloomed beautifully.

Image by Yinmai O'Connor/That's

The winter months will likely bring a slightly quieter and cozier atmosphere to RoOM – for those looking to focus on work with their warm beverages.

That being said, RoOM is unlikely to ever be too loud for a relaxing afternoon, and its gimmick-free aesthetic provides a soothing atmosphere for solo coffee-sippers and cocktail-consuming friends. 

Open daily, 11.30am-7.30pm

RoOM, No.84 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng

[All other imaged are courtesy of RoOM]