Ha Noi – Behind the golden wall, tinged with time, is an ancient, quiet restaurant space.
Ha Pho is hidden in an old house, built in the 30s of the last century, on Phan Boi Chau street, Nguyen Trai ward, Ha Dong district. Just by passing, visitors can hardly recognize this is a cafe, because there are no large signs and wide doors. All inside, behind the small wings tinged with time.
Mr. Hoang Anh Quan, the owner of the shop who is also an architect, said: Opening the shop is an improvisation. During a search to rent an office, he happened to see the old house closed, hanging sign for rent. Fascinated by the ancient facade, he came up with the intention to rent, open a coffee shop. When inside, seeing that there was a yard in the back, he decided to do the project.
The house has deteriorated a lot, he is very dedicated to renovating and retaining the ancient “soul”. The most important and difficult is that the structural system must ensure safety but not affect the original structure of the house.
In order to keep the peaceful, warm and nostalgic features such as the inherent house, the system of walls, pillars, doors, backyard space is preserved. Some other parts must be replaced or upgraded because of old damage. The original yellow lime color of the wall is also preserved.
The first floor space of the restaurant opens up to a backyard, separated by a large glass panel (photo). Inside, the interior of the restaurant is very diverse and flexible, the seating angles are not repeated, the tables and chairs are not the same. Lights with spokes are also hung spontaneously.
Most of the photos and paintings hanging in the shop are composed by Mr. Quan.
The backyard is naturally decorated with trees. Behind the wall is designed as a small stage to hold live music.
From the backyard there is an outdoor staircase going up to the second floor. This courtyard has a large mobile roof, covered in unfavorable weather.
The second floor of the shop retains the sloping roof structure of the old house. Behind there is a large doorway overlooking the courtyard. The 2nd floor furniture is arranged in diversity, each corner is a theme. Cement floors, old lime walls and nostalgic furniture create a very unique look.
On the second floor, there are old doorways in the front, used to catch enough light, creating a calm, quiet look.
A corner hangs paintings of the owner. Most of them are pictures of flowers and street corners.
The cafe is open from 7am to 10:30 pm daily. Coffee at the bar is priced from 25,000 VND / glass, there are also juices and snacks. Every Saturday evening, the bar has live music performances with lyrical works.
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