Located in still-grungy Asagaya, Coffee & Bake achoo is a collaboration between two friends, each highly dedicated to their respective expertise. Sekiya learnt his craft at Saza Coffee, whose 15 stores are located mainly in Ibaraki Prefecture, while his business partner Sato is well-schooled in the art of baking.
This café, somewhat hidden in a third floor premises, is more spacious than the typical urban coffee shop: sink into a cosy leather sofa, or perch yourself on an antique wooden chair, without fear of your conversation being overheard. Chandeliers suspended from the high ceiling lend further charm to the stripped-back, warehouse-like space.
Sekiya’s commitment to quality coffee is evident in his on-site roasting of beans in a rare, Turkish-made machine, and his use of a wine cellar to store roasted beans at a constant temperature. Hand-drip, latte and espresso are all on the menu, brewed from beans including single-origin and decaf.
Over at the pastry counter you’ll find around ten varieties of bread, all baked fresh daily by Sato, as well as scones and sweets. Some of these treats are highly Instagram-worthy as well as tasty: the financier (¥220) takes the form of a cat’s paw, while achoo’s morning set (¥800; served till 10am) consists of coffee paired with a brioche in the shape of a feline head.
Text by Darren Gore