New Dongcheng Café The Corner Serves Fantastic Imported Coffee

Though there’s no shortage of chic cafés in Beijing’s hutongs, one of the city’s best new bean destinations lies oddly removed from that hub of quality brews. Instead of opening The Corner (stylized as thecorner) café in those winding alleys, owner Bu Tian instead decided to set up shop a few blocks north of that, next to Ditan park, on an average street that couldn’t be more removed from a typically trendy hutong neighborhoods.

One reason that Bu chose this unique spot is that he already owns a garage in the same building (which is set to open next year). That makes The Corner a highly convenient place to get a cup of joe for the garage employees (mostly office and admin workers) that he has already hired, though it’s a bit surreal for customers, who arrive via the north entrance and have to walk through a small makeshift office where that staff is working before entering the café. It’s a quirky, but far from off-putting feature of The Corner, especially when one finally sits down and tries the coffee on offer.

The best of those options include Yirgacheffe Ethiopia Washed Abol. Priced at a more than reasonable RMB 27 per cup (it would certainly cost much more just a few blocks south in the hutongs), this brew from the Horn of Africa is enthrallingly bitter but never overly so, and is also strong enough to rouse even the drowsiest of drinkers. Other high end coffees on offer include the Costa Rica Black Honey and the Sumatra Mandehling (also both RMB 27), and they are both sure to satisfy any bean fiend’s craving for exotic flavors.

The Corner’s menu is rounded out by more standard fare like espressos (RMB 17 for a single or RMB 19 for a double), Americanos (RMB 21), cappuccinos and lattes (both RMB 23), and mochas and caramel macchiatos (both RMB 27). While these options aren’t overly innovative, they are quite satisfying and reasonably priced, especially the latte, which is pleasantly sweet and perfect for dunking the RMB 5 biscottis (Italian biscuits), which are bedrock hard otherwise but make for a decadent treat when dipped in sweet coffee. Other desserts include almond cookies (also RMB 5 each), tasty blueberry and chocolate muffins (RMB 21 and 17, respectively), and tempestuously rich tiramisu (RMB 31).

All in all it’s a succinct, no frills menu, complimented by the café’s chicly minimalist decor. That look consists of white walls, wooden tables, and a concrete counter with a row of lightbulbs encased in glass orbs dangling over it. These touches give the café a rugged industrial vibe, and that design comes courtesy of award winning designers Neri & Hu (best known for their work at Shanghai’s The Waterhouse at South Bund Hotel). Together, these elements are sure to not merely satisfy Bu’s staff, but also anyone visiting the nearby Ditan Park, not to mention curious coffee lovers looking for an eccentric, unique café that serves impeccable imported beans.

The Corner
Daily 8.30am-8.30pm. 8B Hepingli Nanjie Xikou, Dongcheng District (8421 1366)
东城区和平里南街8B

This article originally appeared in the Nov/Dec 2016 issue of the Beijinger, which you can read here via Issuu, via the PDF here, or in hard copy at all of your favorite venues across town.

Photo: Kyle Mullin