Fresh brews and a talented barista

LAUNCHED more than a year ago by four pals in different professions but with similar interests, lifestyle shop Storia is spreading its wings with the opening of a cosy coffee shop.

Located adjacent to Storia in the Eight Thonglor Building, Bar Storia Del Caffe is decorated in calming black and grey and draws shoppers with its rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

You can relax at vintage-style wooden tables that are similar to those offered in the lifestyle shop or perch on one of the 12 bar stools and watch as the barista brews your preferred java juice. Couples can bill and coo over sweet treats at a high table while a gang of friends can chat and chill in the comfy chairs.

While you’re waiting for the food to arrive, browse in the adjoining Storia, which despite its compact size, offers lots of vintage-style gear guaranteed to brighten up your home, office and wardrobe. You’ll find clothes and accessories, trendy streetwear, stationery that is classic but still functional, as well as crystal ware, porcelain and fragrant products. The vintage-style porcelain ware used at Bar Storia also come from the shop. 

Coffee lovers can be sure of full-flavoured cup as one of the Bar Storia co-owners is the man behind popular haunt Casa Lapin. which has branches in Soi Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 49 and Soi Aree.

“I used to have a men’s accessories shop in Soi Thonglor next to Casa Lapin. I learned how to bring out the distinct flavour and aroma of the bean at Casa Lapin and that’s how I met the owners of Storia shop. We became friends and eventually business partners,” says co-owner and barista Tanantoch Kitiwanwanich.

Bar Storia offers blends from the P&F brand, a Thailand-based roaster of Italian-style coffee that is modern yet traditional. Two options are offered: an espresso blend and the splendid blend, which has a slightly acid aftertaste.

“The traditional Italian blend is probably too strong for the Thai palate so we’ve chosen to tone it down though the aroma is still delicious,” says Tanatoch.

The coffee shop has yet to come with its signature drink but offers a range of hot and iced coffee choices including espresso, latte, cappuccino, mocha and Americano costing from Bt80 to Bt120 a cup. 

If coffee is not your thing, you can also enjoy a selection of teas that include Kusmi’s English breakfast blend, Earl Grey as well Clipper organic tea with lemon and ginger or white tea with orange. France’s Pukka tea boasts rose and lavender flowers as well as refreshing peppermint, liquorice and fennel.

Bar Storia sources its savoury and sweet treats from various places. The WWA – a fashion boutique-cum-coffee shop at Siam Square – presents delectable home-made tamarind and mascarpone cream with sweet crisp (Bt180), warm rum chocolate brownie with cream shot (also Bt180) and apple tart slices.

Great with coffee are Daily France bakery’s butter and chocolate croissants, Danish with custard cream, blueberry or raspberry as well as chocolate and coffee eclairs.

For something more filling, opt for home-made toasted welsh rarebit (Bt200) served with pickled peppers, peach and fresh rocket, brioche with garlic and herb cheese served with plum and prosecco chutney (Bt180) or a spinach puff (Bt80).

 

 

Sweet treats

>>> Bar Storia Del Caffe is on the ground floor of Eight Thonglor Building on Soi Thonglor 8, off Sukhumvit 55.

>>> It’s open daily from 8.30am to 9pm. Call (02) 714 9301