As a New Yorker I’m always on the go, especially as I run my own business and often have meetings in multiple neighborhoods across the city in any given day. This means I’m continually on the hunt for places to meet both friends and clients that offer a stylish, memorable and practical environment in which to work or relax. Earlier this week I found the perfect spot to do both of these things. I was invited to partner with Starbucks to tour their new Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district ahead of the grand opening today. As a lover of both coffee and design I was excited to explore the space. The fact it’s solved one of my day-to-day problems – a shortage of cool spaces in the city that are flexible enough to take a meeting or meet for cocktails with a friend – is a massive added bonus.
The Roastery design was inspired by the history of manufacturing in the neighborhood and it feels akin to what one would expect the Willy Wonka Coffee Factory would look and feel like. It’s a real manufacturing space where Starbucks roasts rare and exclusive Reserve coffee. In a way it’s like the theatre of coffee: grain sack coffee bags are cut open by hand as beans pour down into copper chutes below; overhead coffee beans fly through clear pipes to a series of stylish copper and glass vessels ready to be freshly ground and brewed.
When you walk through the main entrance of the Roastery straight ahead you see a 30-foot tall copper cask. It’s like the beating heart of the whole experience and holds freshly roasted coffee that needs to rest before being used in beverages. The copper cask was fabricated and installed by A. Zahner, an internationally acclaimed engineering and fabrication company best known for the use of metal in the world of art and architecture. I like how the copper details used in small applications elsewhere across the Roastery serve as a red thread that pulls the whole space together. Affectionately referred to as ’The Kettle’ the copper cast can be seen from all parts of the space, allowing the coffee roasting process – and the theatre the comes with it – to take center stage as you explore.
I really admired how the space is designed with immersive and interactive elements to bring you closer to the craft of coffee, from roasting to brewing. You can tell that each aspect of the space was chosen with intention, handcrafted to reflect the journey of coffee. As the Roastery is set over a series of different levels it has a feeling of discovery to it as you wonder the space. This old railway-style sign by Italian firm Solari, who have been making them since the 50’s, was one of my favorite details; you hear the display cycling through to show what’s currently being roasted, and it just adds to the overall sensory experience.
The ceiling was designed to give the effect of an undulating ocean. Each ceiling square is laced with copper lighting and acoustic features to give off a liveliness in the ceiling. I love how the warmth of copper is reflected everywhere, too. Even though there’s a variety of different spaces within the Roastery, from the Arriviamo and main bar to the Milanese boutique bakery, Princi, the thoughtful design details keep it feeling synergized.
The Roastery is staffed by 280 partners and there’s an extensive menu that includes an array of coffee and tea selections, in addition to Italian pastries, pizza al taglio, aperitivo and other specialties by Milan baker Rocco Princi. I tasted many of them during my tour and they were delicious! Pro-tip: try the hazelnut cornetti. I’m excited to go back in the evening with my heartmate and get cozy in the Arriviamo Bar, which is a high-end mixology experience serving coffee-and-tea inspired cocktails. Who wants to join us?!
During the tour I had the opportunity to try several of the exclusive specialty espresso beverages you can order at the Roastery or enjoy as part of a coffee flight. My favorite was the Pantheon coffee, a Starbucks Reserve blend that’s available only at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries. Definitely add this to your list to try – the velvety smooth, subtle chocolatey taste is so good!
Each Roastery features a Starbucks siren; the one at the NYC location is 10 ft tall and made of cast copper. Starbucks worked with local Brooklyn artist, Max Steiner, to create this siren that looks as though it’s emerging from the water. I really liked the geometric, faceted look of it. It makes a great Insta. spot, so go snap a cute photo there when you explore the space!
The passion of Jill Enomoto, VP of Roastery Design and a 10-year partner at the brand, as she proudly toured me around the space was infectious. She explained that their aim was to create “a happy space that offered an immersive, inspirational and unique experience.” Well, Jill and her team certainly achieved that – much of the furniture is exclusive to the store for at least two years and the attention to detail is clear to see. Even the wall covering along one of the staircases was designed in collaboration with Brooklyn-based artist, Callidus Guild. It has an ombre effect from light to dark with flecks of copper and it was designed to represent the roasting of the coffee. The good news is you can experience the space for yourself as the Roastery is now open at 61 9th Ave. And why not high five one of their friendly and knowledgeable partners while you are there!
// Photography by Jean Laurent Gaudy for Bright.Bazaar | This post was brought to you in partnership with Starbucks; thank you for supporting our partners who make our content possible.
117 Comments
As a coffee addicted person appreciate your post 🙂 Coffee is ❤️
@z_taliboff
@Z_taliboff – You and I both! Glad you enjoyed it!
This new Starbucks Reserve is beautiful. A new stop for my next NY visit. You’re always so inspiring and I don’t ever miss a post or story. Keep them coming! @lawrence_jr
@Lawrence – Smart move to add it to your list, it’s such a chic spot and I love how it’s perfect for day or evening. Thanks for all the support, Lawrence! 🙂
Love the shoes
Insta @c.samuel25
@Sam – Thank you!
Love your style and your blog. Thanks for the inspiring men’s fashion posts!
@c.samuel25
@Sam – Appreciate the support, thank you!
Those pants!! @michreed0703
@Michael – Gotta look my best for the tour and I’m glad I did because this place is so chic!!
That fireplace is everrrrrything!
@Alicia – Right? I was obsessed with it from the moment I saw it.
Hey Will! As I mentioned yesterday I love your photography. Your photos are always excellent! I love your blog as well, specifically this one because what’s everyone’s favorite drink? Coffee!! Lol. Love your style and all that you are, cant wait to see what you come up with next! ❤
@michalobe0708
@Michael – That is so kind, thank you. Appreciate you following along with my adventures!
Had no idea they were opening one here. I visited one in Seattle on vacation. Neat space. This one looks even better tbh. Thanks for sharing Will.
@Nathan – I was talking with some of the partners during the tour about the Seattle location and it sounds lovely – another reason for me to book a trip there!
Who knew Starbucks could look so nice?! LOL You aren’t bad either 😉
@Emily – I left feeling SO inspired by all the design details! And stop trying to make me blush *hides face*!
I love coffee shops and NYC (eventho I never been to NYC before, but it's my dream city). So literally I can see all my favorite things in this post. Great content, style and photographs, Mr. Taylor. I hope someday I could meet you at this super comfy and #MakeMeSmile spot!
Best regards.
Fon @fonianggoro 🙂
@Fon – I hope you get to visit one day soon. If you love coffee shops then this place would be perfect for you! Thanks for kind words, too.
I’ve been to the reserve in Seattle. Now I need to check this one out! @nzerlentes
@Nick – Let’s do a swap then because I’m keen to check out the Seattle Roastery and you can visit the new NYC one!
Coffee is my life ♥️
@Joel – For you and I both, Joel!
Coffee is my life ♥️
@joalmerren
@Joal – Ditto!
Love the vibe and your blog! @hipstersean
@Sean – Thanks! It’s great to have a new spot in the city that works for both day and evening.
Is this the most beautiful coffee shop I have ever seen? 😍 I think it is… Wish I could visit some day! Great post, Will. I really appreciate your content, keep it up!
@Alvaro – Isn’t it just gorgeous?! I was so impressed. And thanks for the support!
My ig is @alvaromonterx, btw
Hi, Will! It was very interesting to read this blog post. Love your style. Get well soon (your cold). A hug! @gonzalo.artunduaga
@Gonzalo – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and for the hug! 🙂
Another reason to come back to NYC added to the list. Loved the Meatpacking District when I visited a couple of weeks ago.
Especially loving all the Christmas content this year 😉
@snorman42 Insta
@Simon – Smart move, it’s a great new addition to the neighborhood! And I’m so glad you are enjoying all the content; thanks for following along!
I lived in Savannah, GA for a couple of years and the best part of it was the local coffee shops. The environment they create, service (southern charm), and the options you have.
@Arturo – I bet! Coffee is life, right?!
OMG!! It’s a really good place to enjoy a coffee I’d love visit there and admire it all the best from me to your project, you’re a wonderful person and your ideas are pretty well with lot of innovation I really appreciate you!!
😃😃
@Ruggeri – Awwww thank you!
I do love a good Starbucks Peppermint Mocha! @kemoputz
@Chris – Yum!
I like when places like this take the experience of Coffee to the next level, great style!
IG @grehian
@Adrian – Me too. It’s a destination lifestyle experience and I love having somewhere new to go for both meetings AND cocktails!
Love coffee & your Blog
@punktpunktkommaich
@Daniel – Thank you! Glad you are a fellow coffee fan 🙂
Will definitely add this to my list of places to visit when I finally make it to NYC. The pictures look amazing as usual!
@cesar.hinojosa91
@Cesar – Smart move, it’s such a cool space! And, thank you!
Omg can I live there?? Great post as always! Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season!!
IG: jerbrown
@Jérémie – Right?! I wanted to move in too, it was so cozy and chic! Happy Holidays!
Beautiful as always! Can’t get enough coffee, and this looks amazing. Happy holidays, Will!
IG: @lightboy_
@Sam – Thank you so much! Happy Holidays to you as well!
Vancouver just opened a huge reserve store!! So excited to check it out. Beautiful post! 😍 @stuartjacobsen (IG)
@Stuart – How cool! I’d love to go back to Vancouver one day soon. Thanks for the lovely comment! 🙂
I visited the one in Seattle a few years ago but at the time it was conspicuously missing cocktails 🧐 Very excited to experience this one soon ☕️😀 @bourbonbookclub
@Jeffrey – All the more reason to stop by the new NYC location for a cocktail! 😉
It will be pleasure for me to win in this giveaway and get these presents 🙏🏻
@i_amiz
@Illia – Good luck!
It will a good surprise for my boyfriend @i_amiz , he will be so happy to win this giveaway and to get these presents 🙏🏻
@Polina – Best of luck!
When I take a look and read all your articles I really feels “a happy space that offered an immersive, inspirational and unique experience” from this Star Bucks & when I checked your Instagram I feels the happiness from your smile that you want to deliver all of your fans and client.
@Alexander – That’s such a lovely thing to write, thank you!
I love you and your style. I would love to be able to win your giveaway.
Kisses from Spain
@ALexis – Awww thank you! Good luck!
What an awesome read and a design and space that we can be excited to go to. Definitely feel like it’s an one-of-a-kind especially with a mixologist crafty drinks infused with coffee or tea. It’s really taking the coffee experience to a new level as well as practicality of a coffee house. Multi purpose and an exciting place to be. Thanks for sharing!!!
@justq.lifestyle
@Qiang – Yes, it’s definitely a next-level coffee experience. I love how interactive and immersive it all is!
As a coffee addict, I really really want to experience the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. I’m living in Houston and they don’t have it here. So probably I’ll head there whenever I take a trip to NYC.
@iammhtran
@Mihn – Definitely check it out on your next visit, it doesn’t disappoint!
You’re making me rethink the idea of retrying coffee after reading this post— love it!
@Matthew – Dooooo it! And if coffee isn’t for you, maybe one of their teas instead!
Your posts always brighten my day! Thank you. My insta handle is @matt.p.andrews ❤️
@Matt – Awwww thank you so much! 🙂
I am so glad you post it about Starbucks reserve roastery, I been looking for things to do in New York since I am planning a trip in a few months. I am definitely going to go and try the hazelnut Cornetti.
@Baldomero – How exciting! Smart move to add this spot to your list as it’s the perfect cozy spot to recharge after shopping or sightseeing!
Taking coffee to the next level! @collinrowley
@Collin – Absolutely!
Great photos as always and woah at that Starbucks. As a coffee lover this is some next level coffee experience. ☕️
@_bernie1
@Bernie – Thank you! As a fellow coffee lover, I have no doubt you’d be blown away by this space and experience!
Always love your content and style. It’s inspiring.
@Robert – Thank you so much!
Very cool!
@Alan – Such a cool experience!
Tried some coffee before but it’s never worked out for me.
This post has changed my mind!!!
@fleury.rene
@Rene – Yay, I’m so glad!
These Starbucks Reserves are so classy! This is how I like to drink my coffee.
@Tom – Right? So chic!
Travelling to NYC regularly I’ve always struggled to find a good brew! I can’t wait to give this ago (and of course the espresso martini’s 😍)!
@james_case
@James – Add this to your list for sure!
Can never get enough of nyc and ur posts this holiday season are only adding to the excitement for next trip, keep them coming Will. @theignorantabroad
@Sahil – Awwww thank you so much!
Cool post. Love all of the images.
@Brett – Thank you!
This could potentially be a good hangout spot with friends. Excited to check it out!
@Sagar – Yes, it’s great for that!
Oh wow! Going to NYC for Christmas…Definitely want to experience this place! Thanks for sharing this.
@Shashank – Defo add it to your list for your visit, it’s amazing!
‘Coffee’ in the words of Mr Wendell Holmes.. “The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it, which even the cheering influence of an afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot replace.”
@Uthmaneldharrat
@Uthman – Loce that quote!
Love the copper lights! The whole concept is awesome! It invites me to read a book there.
@Raul – Yes, it’s so cozy!
Great blog post for the holiday season. Would love to visit the place. One of the fee fashion writers whose writing I appreciate too. Happy holidays ! @vamsibulusu
@Vamsi – Definitely check it out!
Def need to see that giant copper Siren!!
@yonnygal
@Jon – It’s so cool!
Keep inspiring buddy ✌. -@iam._.archie
@Archit – I’ll try, thanks!
Great insight Will ! Gotta visit this place soon King! You have a great penchant for style and design. Trust your choice just as much. You recommend and I dont try, can’t happen !
@abeeache
@Abeer – That’s so sweet, thanks! Be sure to check it out!
I love reserve stores! There’s one in my area and I stop by every morning on my way into work. Having used to work for Starbucks, they are certainly next league! @zjseals
@Zach – Right? And the Roasteries are even more beautiful! So glad you love them too.
I love the way and the passion you tell stories like this one, especially if they’re about coffee! 😍✨
@lorenzo_sassano
@Lorenzo – That’s so lovely of you to say – thanks for reading!
Love the blog and your insta account! 👌🏼
@eweibos
@Eric – Thank you!
Loving the trousers! @richardmorganjee
@Richard – Cheers!
Omg, this place is absolutely stunning. It’s so cozy and warm, and perfectly designed. I’m so grateful because I following you and I’m so enjoy in every post U made. Keep going! ❤️ @filip.jungic
@Filip – It’s soooo cozy! Thanks for following along!