Two complexes, both alike in creativity. In fair Fangcun, where we take our scene, sit 1850 and Xinyi. Located just south of the Pearl River, these one- time factory buildings have been renovated into attractive red-brick edifices, housing a mixture of art spaces, photo studios and creative companies. Many of the facades are entirely made from glass, so that passersby can stop and gawk at the worker bees buzzing about their business.
Right on the riverside, Trail Furniture and Coffee has nabbed itself a prime spot amidst this artistic enclave. A combination of store and cafe, it is the epitome of modern minimalism mixed with hipster cool; the kind of place where fashionistas kick back with a cup of organic lemongrass tea (RMB28).
Beds, desks and coffee tables by eco-conscious brand Karpenter are casually displayed around the bright, open room. Only a selection of the beautiful items sold by Trail are arrayed here, with more available online via Taobao.com and Trail’s own site. The space also functions as a cafe selling all the usual coffee suspects, from plain old Americanos (RMB25/ small, RMB28/large) and frothy cappuccinos (RMB28/small, RMB32/large) to refreshing teas (RMB28).
For something a bit sweeter, the menu also has lightly flavored lattes, including hazelnut and vanilla (both RMB30/small, RMB34/large). Like all the drinks prepared, these can be ordered hot or iced – the latter likely to be a popular option as the humidity ratchets up.
Complementing the beverages, a changing selection of pastries is freshly baked daily. Buttery little cookies, cream puffs made with vanilla custard and a splash of rum, cheesecake, semolina, creme brulee – depending on the day you could be treated to any one of these delicious mouthfuls, priced at RMB18-34.
Trail feels homey – probably be- cause of all the house furniture – but not in the messy-casual way. It is shiny and polished, yet also laidback and mellow.
// Unit 102, G/F, Block 10, Xinyi Place, 1 Xiashi Zhi Jie (entrance on Changdi Jie), Fangcun, Liwan 荔湾区芳村下市直 街1号(从长堤进)信义会馆10号楼102单 元 (8119 2412)
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