Opened in April, the cosy cafe combines owner Nathawan “Poo” Wongyai’s three true loves – shopping, coffee and cakes.
In case the location seems familiar, the space used to be the Phuket Camera shop, which is now on Dibuk Road.
Redecorating the shop has been a labour of love for Poo and her friends, as they repainted and kitted out the shop to resemble an old-style English cafe.
“For one month, my friends and I were working every day.”
The work was worth it. It’s a delightful little hangout, decorated in vintage English style with antique furniture and even its own little “garden” area out the back.
Word seems to be spreading, as it is quickly becoming a popular hangout and on the particular rainy day we visited was full of people seeking refuge and enjoying a warming coffee.
The cakes and other sweet treats on the menu are made by Poo’s friend Paa, and include the famous strawberry crepe – a sweet vanilla flavoured cake created in layers – and the banana ganache, filled with cream and fresh banana slices.
Cakes are priced from B79 to B95, while drinks, including coffee, tea and smoothies start at B50.
As well as serving as a cafe, the other half of the space is a clothes shop. Most are second hand, high quality vintage items from Malaysia, ranging in price from B390 to around B900.
It’s surprising Poo has time to run everything, as she’s studying for an MBA at Ramkhamhaeng University, and also owns the Miss Korea House cosmetics shop in Phuket Town.
Not surprisingly, she’s a passionate antiques collector, with a range of furniture and other items available for sale. Though mostly sourced in Bangkok, the pieces are predominately European in origin, including a 150-year-old book cabinet from Denmark, priced at B36,000.
If you’re interested in buying anything, it’s best to move quick. “I like antiques because they have a story, and everything is for sale in my shop. That’s why we have to redesign the shop every month as items are sold. It’s good for the customers because the shop always looks different.”
“I want to make this shop like a small community. The antiques are a real talking point, customers are always asking me about them and where they come from.”
“A lot of the customers are Scandinavian and they visit regularly. They say the shop looks like something they would find in their own country, and they love to take photos.”
Since 1892, 136 Thalang Road, Phuket Town. (Near Thepkrassattri Road/Thalang Rd intersection). 081 537 5861. Free Wi-Fi.