Shanghai is China’s biggest city and a global financial hub. In recent years, more cafes have popped up around the city given the increased spending power of professionals as well as the demand for a better lifestyle. Among the interesting theme cafes around the city is Chirps & Mews cafe where characters come alive with the good range of colorful pop-up books! With its wide selection of beverages, cakes and main courses, this cafe has gained increasing popularity with both adults, youngsters and children.
British-theme café with a red shopfront
Located along Xinzha road, this British theme café is hidden away from the bustling city of Shanghai and operates from 10am to 10pm every day. This is not a conventional café that serves food and drinks. The 2-storey Chirps and Mews café offers wide options of pop-up storybooks on its shelf! These colorful books do not only attract children but also adults with its beautiful pop-up characters. The nearest metro station to the café is Jingan Temple but taking a taxi might be easier because the café is located along a small street.
A great selection of colorful pop-up books!
There are classic story books such as Snoopy; Charlie and the chocolate factory; Cinderella, which are popular with young children as well as adults. For toddlers, there are also options for books such as the Hungry Caterpillar with fewer words and big pop-up pictures. For boys and gentlemen, you will also be able to enjoy books on super-heroes! Most of these books are not for sale but there are some wrapped in packaging that are available for purchase. There are signages encouraging parents and children to be gentle with their books but you will still notice that some pop-up characters have unfortunately been torn apart and taped back.
Bring home some cute stationery as souvenirs
The café also offer cute stationery and calendars on its sales counter. There is a small table and two chairs near the entrance, which allow guests to read while waiting for their food and drinks. Next to the bookshelves are the cake display and order counter. A good variety of cakes, pasta and coffee are served in the stylish café, which are also reasonably priced from 20RMB to 65RMB (3.20USD to 10.20USD) as compared to other cafes in the city. The cakes are really tasty with a cup of hot coffee; the pastas are prepared in a simple manner so if you are used to the al-dente pasta in italian restaurants; you may not enjoy that so much here.
Unique pop-up menu for your selection
Customers are not allowed to bring the books over to the dining area as that may stain the books. Besides the beautiful pop-up books, the café menu is also created in a unique pop-up staircase design. Each table is tastefully decorated with some lavender flowers and a lamp with teddy bear in it. In the summer, the café brightens up and customers can relax with a nice piece of cake and a iced coffee! During winter and autumn, the warmly heated café is a good hideout while enjoying a good cup of hot coffee. During the wait, customers can go to the books section next to the entrance to browse the books. In the evening on weekdays where the crowd is fewer, you can expect your beverage and cakes to be served within 10 minutes. For pastas, you may have to wait around 20 minutes though. The service staffs are really efficient and polite too!
Enjoy your cup of coffee in the evenings
During weekends, the café is packed with parents and children where adults are looking to chill while their children enjoy the books. On weekday afternoons, the café will be filled mainly with young local professionals looking for a unique chill-out place or college students after classes. In the evenings, the café get quieter but you will still see group of working adults; or even elderly couples who want to experience the café. If you are seeking a quiet and relaxing moment, you are recommended to go in the evening during weekdays especially for your cup of hot latte.
Bring a smile to your face while you chill
With the colorful books and the adorable pop-up characters, the café will certainly bring a smile to you or your children. The stylish and well-designed Chirps & Mews café is a great place to relax and chill during your next trip in Shanghai!
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