Londons first pay-per-minute cafe: will the idea catch on? Ever felt youve overstayed your welcome in a cafe, by reading, working or surfing the web while hugging the latte you bought two hours ago? Pay-per-minute cafes could be the answer. Ziferblat, the first UK branch of a Russian chain, has just opened in London (388 Old Street), where everything is free inside except the time you spend there. The fee: 3p a minutes. Ziferblat means clock face in Russian and German (Zifferblatt). The idea is guests take an alarm clock from the cupboard on arrival and note the time, then keep it with them, before, quite literally, clocking out at the end. Theres no minimum time. Guests can also get stuck into the complimentary snacks (biscuits, fruit, vegetables), or prepare their own food in the kitchen; they can help themselves to coffee from the professional machine, or have it made for them. Theres even a piano - an idea that could seem brilliant or terrible, depending on who takes the seat. Ziferblat has opened 10 branches in Russia in the past two years and now wants to take the idea worldwide. With hostels, hotels and cafes around the world often filled with people either working remotely or enjoying some downtime online, the market for expansion is certainly there. The coffice, were told is the way of the future. Owner Ivan Mitin says during the first month of the UK opening, they have already drawn in some regulars. Londoners are more prepared for such a concept; they understand the idea instantly. Its funny to see people queuing here to wash their dishes. Its not obligatory, but its appreciated. They even wash each others dishes. Its very social. We think of our guests as micro tenants, all sharing the same space.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:48:57 +0000
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