While many cafés tend to get frustrated over customers who order one cup of coffee and stay for over 3 hours, one Russian café in London is welcoming everyone with 'free everything' except one's time.
Ziferblat, which literally means, "clock face" in Russian and German opened its first branch in 388 Old Street, London. The café has been such a hit in Russia, where 9 outlets are currently open for business and have attracted over 30,000 customers in just two years since they opened.
The idea is that upon arrival, customers take a clock in the cupboard, clock in what time they entered and can stay there for hours on end. A flat rate of three pence per minute is charged but there is no minimum time of stay. This means that an hour of stay in Ziferblat will only set guests back for a mere 1.80 pounds. Automatically, once customers clocking in are charged three pence but other than that, it is up to them as to how long they intend to stay.
To top it all off, the café doesn't charge for anything. There's a free vending machine of coffee available for one's consumption, a record player with vinyl's ready to be plugged and played, free Wi-Fi connection and even complimentary snacks like fruits and vegetables, which customers can prepare for themselves in a kitchen where everything else is free for all to use as well.
Ivan Mitin, the café's owner says, "Londoners are more prepared for such a concept; they understand the idea instantly. It's funny to see people queueing here to wash their dishes. It's not obligatory, but it's appreciated. They even wash each other's dishes. It's very social. We think of our guests as micro tenants, all sharing the same space."
"Coffice", the term being widely connoted nowadays is believed to be the way of the future. While many think that it might be more of a pressure to have a clock on top of the table, being constantly reminded of the time, it's an idea that's been attracting many Londoners and it seems like it's bound to get more popular.
Just 12 days into the New Year, Ziferblat is already a contender for "best opening of the year" award.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
