Americans are absolute blithering suckers when it comes to the British. There’s something about the accent, but that’s not all—it’s the sense of style, the clothes, the manners. The American conception of Britishness is deeply ingrained, from the rock n rollers of yesteryear to today’s pop stars and YouTube personalities. Most Americans never visit London but they’re impressed by it just the same.
New to New York City this year is the first US cafe location of WatchHouse, a quickly-expanding London-based specialty coffee company with locations from Bishopsgate to Cabot Place, Spitalfields to Hampstead Heath, plus an outpost in Bath. Manhattan was chosen for the company’s international expansion, and the cafe makes a terrific visual impression. In a city so profoundly spoilt for choice when it comes to specialty coffee, a splash of London does wonders in grey old New York.
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia and Ghirardelli.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
WatchHouse, established in 2014, is a renowned specialty coffee company based in London. Through their holistic “Modern Coffee” approach, WatchHouse aims to elevate the local cafe experience, serving rare and single-origin coffee and high-quality food in thoughtfully designed spaces.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The space perfectly embodies WatchHouse’s definition of Modern Coffee: serving excellent coffee and high-quality food in beautifully designed spaces with great service and people.
Warm wood tones and textured ceilings create an inviting atmosphere, accented by sleek furniture and Scandinavian-inspired seating. Uniquely colored for the Big Apple, a vibrant red (inspired by the color of coffee cherries before they are processed and the beans are ready for roasting) pops on the banquettes and a statement wall.
However, this WatchHouse is more than just a coffee shop. Enjoy coffee alongside fresh, on-site baked pastries and grab-and-go treats throughout the day. The espresso bar is a marvel of functionality and beauty, ensuring a smooth coffee experience whether dining in or taking away.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
The cafe has opened as of April 2024.
Thank you!
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia and Ghirardelli.
Photos by Darren Rowlands
