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| Workshop cafés provide an engaging space, where young people can enjoy coffee while connecting and sharing their passion for handicrafts. Photo: LE KHANG |
Engaging
One weekend, Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh (An Cuu Ward) joined her friends in a flower-arranging workshop at BY..cafe (Ton That Thiep Street, Phu Xuan Ward). Surrounded by the vibrant colors of fresh flowers and the aroma of coffee, Nhu Quynh carefully selected each flower and leaf to complete her arrangement under the workshop theme. With guidance from a professional florist, the group created beautiful floral baskets in just two hours.
“This was my first time joining a flower-arranging workshop. Being able to trim stems, coordinate colors, and create a floral basket with my own hands was truly delightful. The activity not only helped me practice patience, but also gave me a sense of relaxation after a stressful work week,” shared Nhu Quynh.
No longer limited to simple coffee outings, workshop cafés are gradually becoming a familiar trend among young people in the Ancient Capital. The emergence and rapid growth of this model have created a variety of attractive spaces, where young people can connect and share their passion for handicrafts.
Le Khang, manager of BY..cafe, said: “The appeal of workshop cafés stems from a shift in the entertainment preferences of today’s youth. They are no longer looking solely for a beautiful setting or quality drinks; they also seek meaningful experiences. That is why we combine a café model with workshops by collaborating with different partners to organize activities such as painting, pottery making, flower arranging, baking, and candle making, etc.”.
One of key requirements of the workshop café model is a well-planned and carefully designed space. In addition to requiring a spacious venue and good lighting, the layout and interior arrangement also require careful attention to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
“To optimize customer experiences, we have invested significantly in a space spanning around approximately 200 square meters, complemented by abundant greenery. Notably, the different zones are separated while still maintaining a cohesive design, ensuring the privacy for workshops without disrupting customers who simply come to enjoy coffee,” added Khang.
Partnership
Beyond serving beverages, many workshop cafés in Hue have also become “launching pads” for young entrepreneurs passionate about handmade products.
Through various support policies, café owners are willing not only to share their venues, but also to assist with promotional activities, helping small craft groups and studios gain greater visibility and secure spaces to host workshops. This collaboration not only enables cafés to offer more engaging activities and experiences, but also provides emerging creative ventures with opportunities to reach potential customers without the burden of venue costs.
Thanh Thuy, manager of Hoa Nhi Workshop, shared: “With the support of workshop cafés, instead of bearing all the costs ourselves, we have been given every opportunity to focus on creativity and improving product quality. As a result, our craft studio has been able to introduce activities such as creative painting on glass cups, decorative mirror crafting, and artistic mirror embellishing to a wider audience.”
BY..cafe is not the only venue embracing this model. The list of workshop cafés in Hue continues to expand and diversify. Venues such as LAPH Cafe, Drone Coworking Space, and G23 Workshop & Coffee, etc., have become popular destinations among many young people. While each venue has its own unique identity, they all share a commitment to providing a civilized and connection-oriented recreational space for their guests. With professional and systematic investment, this model is expected to continue growing, enriching the spiritual life of people in the Ancient Capital.