Just across the street from the Karatocho Fish Market, one of Shimonoseki’s main attractions, there’s a small, red-brick European building casually hanging around. It’s the former British Consulate, which is now open as a small museum with rotating exhibitions.

Once you’re done looking around, head to the cafe on the second floor. It’s a restaurant and tea room by day, and pub by night. It’s brightly lit by the French windows, which offer a glimpse of the harbour outside. Even with a full room, the conversation remains hushed, more like a cozy sitting room than a busy cafe.

While the restaurant offers lunch, we came here for the afternoon coffee. They have dessert sets, coffee, and of course, various teas on offer. The French toast is light and fluffy. They dessert sample set will have 3-4 daily small samples. The cheesecake could be more flavourful.

This cafe is mentioned largely for its ambience rather than for it’s coffee (which is decent). The chinaware the food is served in and the spacious seating are the real highlight. On a summer day, it is the perfect place to escape the afternoon heat and spend 2-3 hours with friends or with a book. In theory, you could work, but with all the tableware, I would not recommend bringing a laptop.

Good For:

• Coffee: Pour-over coffee (would recommend the pour over or a macchiato)
• Lunch, afternoon tea, cakes
• Space: Various tables in tea lounge and bar seats
• Friends: Hangouts & catching up
• Work: Maybe. No WiFi