Iams House Offers a Picturesque View of Guijie's Hutong Roofs

It’s all too common for a shop or restaurant to open as a blatant effort to attract influencers and earn likes on the internet. But how many of them put as much effort into creating mixed coffee concoctions as an expensive cocktail bar does with their drinks?

Iams House has certainly put the effort in and based on the coffee-tea concoction we tried, we have to admit that it’s paid off in the form of a complexity of flavors that is not usually associated with your typical latte. A number of other tempting options are on the menu, including a coconut cold brew topped off with a mint leaf and served in a wine glass, or if it’s a particularly cheeky afternoon, a Bailey's Latte. The question is: is any of it actually worth it?

At present, the café strangely does not allow drink-only purchases and only sells in combinations of their drinks and specialty desserts at the price of RMB 108-128. It’s therefore not likely to become a go-to breakfast and coffee for those on a budget, but on a lazy Sunday morning with a nice book? What the hell, treat yourself.

After all, Iams House is certainly furnished for lounging, with comfy couches both downstairs and up. The upstairs balcony is a welcome addition, with a view that makes you feel like you’re floating in a sea of fine hutong roofs.

On the other hand, almost every piece of furniture does seem like it’s trying a bit too hard to be photo-worthy. Tables are either shaped like pieces of abstract art or unfold to reveal a basin of little practical value, while lamps are held somewhat tackily on fake books. Only the balcony, with its wooden bar seating, feels like a normal place to sit and have a cup of tea.

Although it didn’t make our list of top terraces in Beijing, Iams House is a good place to show off to visiting friends who are interested in what’s going on in the Hutongs – as long as you can afford it.

Iams House
Daily 10am-8pm. 62 Xintaicangyixiang, Dongcheng District (183 7301 0400)
东城区新太仓一巷 62号

Read: Classic Baked Goods and Impressive Rooftop Brunching at The Bake Shop

Images: Joey Knotts