“I wanted to blend my experiences from Korea and New Zealand to craft a spot where tradition and creativity meet — a place where everyone feels welcome,” Daniel Kim tells me as we discuss his new coffee shop in the heart of Grey Lynn — Café Richmond. After spending around a decade in the industry, Kim wanted to draw on his experience to create something of his own — “a spot where anyone can relax and enjoy great coffee, warm vibes, and beautiful music.”
As such, the undeniably cool, ultra-contemporary café is inspired by Kim’s love for coffee culture and spaces that bring people together. Outside of the coffee itself (which is a cut above), music is a fundamental part of the experience, “We have turntable vinyl records spinning throughout the day, setting the perfect tone for a relaxed coffee experience,” says Kim. The space is tactile and pared-back, with a somewhat industrial vibe — the sweeping curved counter is a particularly striking feature.
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After a slew of enticing-looking drinks piqued my interest, Kim tells me that his love for experimentation shines through on the menu, “Our drink menu ranges from classic favourites to more playful creations like Strawberry Matcha and London Fog. I love experimenting with new ideas, and my goal is for Café Richmond to be a space where traditional coffee culture meets exciting trends in a way that feels harmonious.”
On the food front, delicious cabinet food takes centre stage, with freshly-made sandwiches on offer alongside a delicious selection of pastries and sweet treats. In Kim’s words: “It’s simple, but everything is made with care to complement our coffee.”
Ultimately, Kim’s hope is that Café Richmond becomes a place where people can slow down, enjoy good food and great coffee, and connect — with friends, family, or to simply take a moment for themselves, “Whether it’s the music, the atmosphere, or the drinks, I hope everyone leaves feeling refreshed and inspired.” And, given the time of year, I think we could all do with scheduling a visit.
Opening hours:
Monday — Friday, 7am until 2pm
Saturday — Sunday, 7:30am until 2:30pm
Café Richmond
Unit 3
483 Richmond Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland
