A night out at the movies with coffee

Shanghai

Coffee and art movies are the order of the day for some of Shanghai's hip youngsters, as Li Xinzhu finds out.

It is Tuesday night and 15 young people are squeezed into Caf Chabrol, a cozy coffee bar located at 93 Jing'an Villa, a minute's walk from Westgate Mall, one of the most dazzling shopping centers in downtown Shanghai.

At first glance, the gathering could be mistaken for a group of hard-working advertising executives gathered for an informal brainstorming session. But in truth, they hardly know one another.

They sit in small groups, chatting softly about the latest street fashion or the most popular dining-out places and they wait for drinks to be served. Soon, a movie starts and the group falls silent.

"It is a serene and quiet place in a bustling business district," says Qian Xiaokun, one of the owners of the Caf Chabrol, who also works full time in the television industry.

"This area has a large business potential but it is not developed yet, which is why we can afford the rent."

Unlike regular cafs that serve a large selection of brews and desserts, Caf Chabrol has a different selling point - movies, and not your regular cinema chart-toppers.

"We love to play New-wave movies, especially those that represent our style and spirit," Qian says. "We also take suggestions from clients and also consider the hottest talking points when we select the movies. And we have the best Blu-ray equipment."

The coffee bar, which opened its doors only few months ago, is owned by four people all in their 20s, and who share common life views and tastes for music and films.

Movie-themed nights are on every Tuesday and Thursday around 7:30 pm. Simple but tasty dishes are served to those who have hurried over after work without getting a bite to eat first. Chicken curry and stir-fried beef with black pepper on rice help to still the hunger pangs.

Film fans gather in an area barely 10 meters wide, hemmed in by shelves of books and CDs as well as large movie posters on the wall.

It is an intimate space where strangers rub shoulders, but perhaps that's the appeal.

"I like that feeling very much," said Xu Yao, a 26-year-old young lady who works in a law firm, "I need a place to talk to people without pressure, and strangers may be the best option."

Apart from the free movies, the coffee is another attraction and Qian says the beans they use are specially roasted by the barista, who was placed third in the East China Division at a World Barista Championship.

An average meal plus a cup of soft drink is about 60 yuan. Reservations are recommended due to the limited space.