Robert’s Coffee renews its concept on Bulevardi to a bubbly one
For decades, Robert’s Coffee has been the go-to place for coffee and tea lovers. The chain has about a hundred cafés in total, and one of its crown jewels is located in Helsinki on the corner of Bulevardi and Mannerheimintie in a historically valuable building from 1890. The space was renovated this summer to produce new types of bubbly experiences for customers.
The new concept, “Bubbles Corner”, brings fresh and exciting variety to the city’s café scene. Bubbles Corner is a place to enjoy delicious drinks and pastries, but also an experience that combines high-quality service in a historically inspiring environment with a new, bubbly concept.
The new cafe concept opened at the corner of Bulevardi and Mannerheimintie enchants with its atmosphere.
“Our tailored concept has been designed from the ground up to offer customers a holistic experience that combines flavours, visuals and the dignified atmosphere of the building. We also operate a smaller sister concept, Bubbles Lounge, at the Stockmann department store, which has proven to be highly popular. The same group behind this success is now running the new café on Bulevardi,” says café franchisee and managing director of Zeberas Oy Toni Immonen.
Different atmospheres and selections attract customers throughout the day
Immonen, who owns numerous Robert’s Coffee cafés in Finland, has a long history of managing cafés. After a busy summer and the remodelling, he is visibly delighted to open the doors of the stunning new café to customers. Large windows introduce plenty of natural light, lending the café a spacious feeling and highlighting its many beautiful details. The look of the space is elegant: dark green, marble and brass.
“We are planning wonderful terraces on both the Bulevardi and Mannerheimintie sides, which will be in full use next spring,” Immonen says.
“We want the customer to visit us several times over the course of the day without having to come back to the ‘same’ café. We vary the atmosphere and our selection throughout the day for new experiences. The café is open from morning to evening throughout the year. Our customers can start their day with breakfast or come save it with lunch, chat over afternoon coffee, and even spend the evening,” says Immonen.
The wide range of products aims to attract people from “all day brunch” gourmands to families and connoisseurs of fine wines. Healthiness is emphasised in the morning selection: there is a porridge buffet, the atmosphere is calm, and the lighting and music soft. During the day, the café features an ample salad bar and seasonal foods.
In a magnificent space with high ceilings, we bring a little luxury to the everyday life of the city centre.
The atmosphere of the cafe changes throughout the day, which brings with it different experiences. Every moment offers a unique experience that can delight in a new way.
“In the evenings, the atmosphere changes to bubbly festivities. In a magnificent space with high ceilings, we bring a little luxury to the everyday life of the city centre. Luxury and pleasure go hand in hand with a bit of bubbly. We also offer snacks, and live music is also available from time to time.”
The new café also aims to act as a community hub, hosting a variety of events. The café offers its facilities for art exhibitions and small-scale concerts, for example. This creates an opportunity for customers to enjoy culture and art over a cup of coffee.
Great location in the heart of the city
Originally a charming residential building, the property was designed by Theodor Höijer. Completed in 1890, the building has been carefully restored and its staircase’s magnificent ceiling and wall paintings catch the eye. The building is full of history and smack in the middle of everything.
“I’ve had my eye on the building for years. Having lived on Bulevardi for about two decades, I have often thought about ways to remodel the café as I’ve passed it. Location is essential for attractiveness, as is the new concept. In addition, there are many businesses nearby for whom we are happy to organise breakfast and lunch, catering, and even corporate events in the café,” says Immonen.
You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the renewed cafe in the shelter of a magnificent building completed in 1890.
In conjunction with the replacement of the building’s plumbing, the kitchen floor was replaced as well, the ceiling restored, and electrical installations modernised. Cooperation with Sponda has convinced Immonen.
“Our cooperation has gone very well and the whole process has been really easy. We’ve always had a good connection for conversation, and common sense has prevailed from one stage to the next. My thoughts and wishes have been heard.”
Historical building, modern sustainability
The property has been awarded the BREEAM In-Use Excellent/Outstanding environmental certification. BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, an international environmental classification system for buildings aimed at decreasing the environmental impacts of buildings and developing healthier working environments.
A hearty salad table attracts visitors to the new cafe in large numbers. Lunch also includes the soup of the day, baked potatoes and dessert.
“I appreciate Sponda’s significant investments in the sustainability of their buildings. Sustainability is one of our core values as well. Our cafés are powered by hydroelectricity, we contribute to the production of recycled coffee compost, and also donate a certain sum of all double espresso orders to the protection of the Baltic Sea. We have long used biodegradable materials in our take away products, for example,” says Immonen.
