Peet's Coffee Manages To Set Itself Apart With Guomao Premiere

Yet another international brand has landed in the capital, and much to our relief, it’s not a fast-food joint, but Peet’s Coffee, aka the, “it’s not Starbuck’s but it's something” of the US.

Then again, perhaps that’s being a bit unfair to the chain, who has opened their first location in Guomao's China World Mall and is expected to open a second location at Sanlitun's Taikoo Li. In fact, Peet’s differs from its larger competitor in a few key ways. For one, its locations have a bit more freedom of expression so that each one doesn’t feel exactly the same, no matter where you are in the world. This particular store is well-lit and modern with a leafy green aesthetic. On the counter, bright orange espresso machines catch the eye, among the white lights above and marble counters beneath.

Another contrast with Starbucks: order your hot coffee to drink in and you will be given a non-disposable cup – a white, round mug for most espresso drinks, and a fashionable camping mug for the “coffee of the day,” which as a black coffee drinker I must say beats that of the Mermaid by a mile – it’s not at all burnt and goes down smooth, still quite enjoyable even after cooling down a bit.

A glance at the food selection is certainly reminiscent of the premade microwavable selection at the big SB, though the sweets make their mark as customers gaze upon large, tempting cakes (RMB 46-48 per slice) and a full loaf of British Butter Cake. For breakfast, we tried the ham croissant, which is quite like the same sandwich at Starbucks except that it is absolutely smothered in cheese, making it all the more satisfying (though the addition is reflected in the RMB 39 price tag).

In addition to the main shop, Peet’s also has not one, but two kiosks around the corner for commuters who need a quick cup without waiting in line. But the interior is nice enough to sit in for a sip, and we recommend giving it a try.

If nothing else, Peet’s arrival represents the culmination of a major shift in China’s coffee culture, and the fact that it’s already managed to fill up it’s rather sizable space is a promising sign for those Beijinger’s who are eager for more coffee options in the capital.

Peet’s Coffee
China World Mall south area, B1, SB133
Chaoyang District
朝阳区国贸商城南区B1层SB133号

READ: Capital Caff: Hoper Renovates, River Sludge at Kong Coffee, and Caffeinated Cocktails at Naive Café

Images: Joey Knotts