'The New Black' in London is a new high-tech cafe concept that got its start in Singapore in 2012, as Malaysian-born designer and entrepreneur Phoa Kia Boon realized that there must be a better way to serve coffee specifically for businesspeople and corporate environments.
The New Black is situated in the heart of London, where it is easily able to attract office workers who need a quick pick-me-up. Phoa Kia Boon describes the shop as "a coffee theater, an exhibition that people can come and explore."
One of the most prominent features of the space is a large tasting wheel that's projected onto a wall, with this information repeated on display iPad tablets along the coffee counter. Baristas are trained to make the world of coffee inclusive and exciting, especially to those who have little to no knowledge on the nuances of coffee.
High-Tech Concept Cafes
'The New Black' in London is a High-Tech Cafe Oriented at Businesspeople
Trend Themes
1. High-tech Concept Cafes - Opportunity to create high-tech cafes that cater specifically to the needs of businesspeople and corporate environments.
2. Coffee Education - Opportunity to educate and engage customers by showcasing the nuances of coffee through interactive displays and trained baristas.
3. Coffee as Experience - Opportunity to transform coffee shops into experiential spaces that offer more than just a beverage.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Opportunity for cafes and coffee shops in the hospitality industry to incorporate high-tech concepts and focus on the needs of business professionals.
2. Technology - Opportunity for technology companies to develop innovative solutions for coffee education and interactive displays in coffee shops.
3. Retail - Opportunity for retail brands to create coffee-centric experiences within their stores, attracting new customers and providing an added value to their products.