How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Moonstruck Cafe came into existence through a love of coffee and café culture, which I define as the beautiful feeling of a café space and the experiences you can have there.
My partner and I spent over a decade exploring and enjoying the evolving café scene in London. It was our hobby. Whenever we had a chance to check out a new place or visit an old favourite, we were there.
I think this is what has made us a little different. Coming from the customer side of the scene, combined with the fact that we have our own interior design studio, means it’s a very customer- and design-centric café.
What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
For me and the other staff in the café, we all really love the interactions with our loyal customers.
We’re based in a residential location, so a lot of our customers live nearby and are regulars. We get to know everyone and feel like we’re building a community.
Also, a lot of care was taken with the ergonomics of the bar during the design process, so the baristas very much enjoy the ease of flow when working in the café.
If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
For first-time visitors, we actually advise: “Order your usual drink.”
The idea is that they will hopefully get to experience something they’re used to, but even more delicious.
Otherwise, we have an excellent reputation for our filter coffee, which comes highly recommended, especially for customers who are used to ordering espresso-based black coffee, such as Americanos or long blacks, from their regular spot.
What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
We found very quickly that our seats were filling up and that we needed more space.
A room at the back, which was initially imagined as a cloakroom, was transformed into an informal seating area with low benches, stools, a rug and paper lanterns to soften the mood.
It also became the place for my long-gathered sticker collection to live and is therefore now known as the sticker room.
It’s fun, and we invite customers to add their own stickers, so it’s become an interactive, ever-changing part of the café, perfect for groups and loved by kids.
What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
I think, for me, it’s the concept of café culture and how important that has always been as a visitor to other cafés.
The importance of how a space feels in terms of atmosphere, such as lighting, music, design, but also the smaller touchpoints like chairs, tables, the water station, and even having nice toilets with hand soap that gives you a little joyful moment of fragrance.
I want it to be a space that feels good and welcoming.
With all that in place, it’s then a case of making sure the coffee is on point as well.
What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
I recently went to Madrid for its coffee festival, which had a very international feel.
It was inspiring to see what everyone was doing and useful to gain a different perspective on the London scene.
I also had the opportunity to explore local cafés in Madrid, which were excellent. It was inspiring to see their approach, from cool interiors and delicious coffee to their brewing methods.
If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
Music is such an important part of the atmosphere at Moonstruck. We have a very carefully curated playlist based on instrumental electronic music. One of my favourite artists is Burial. It would be amazing to have one of his beautifully haunting sets performed live in the café.
Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
We have an art gallery in the basement called Under the Spell, which a lot of visitors never realise exists despite the signage we have.
The art space is run by my friend Jéssica Varrichio, an art curator from Brazil now living in London.
She brings in artists who inspire her. The programme is very contemporary and ranges from video installations to sculpture and everything in between.
If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
I would say Moonstruck would be my favourite album of all time, Melody A.M. by Röyksopp.
The calm energy it has and the golden hues of the album cover match the warmth you feel in the café.
The interior has a distinct Scandinavian design influence, so the fact that the duo is from Norway fits perfectly, as does the style of the album. It blends seamlessly with the soundscape we create on a daily basis.
Answers by Liam Clifford, owner of Moonstruck Cafe. Photos by David Wilman.
