Baked Goods and Impressive Rooftop Brunching at The Bake Shop
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We can think of few better ways to start the day than sitting on a rooftop with a cup of coffee and a scone baked to golden perfection. In the past, to recreate that scene you'd have to have your own rooftop and have ordered baked goods in advance from The Bake Shop, but now these formerly delivery-only oven artisans have opened their own brick-and-mortar space in premises connected to The Orchid Hotel, and they are already attracting plenty of carb hunters.
The large mirror at the end of this train car-shaped room makes it seem even longer than it is
While the delicious breads and baked goods are certainly the main attraction, a major part of what is drawing in the visitors is what they have done with the rooftop space. After climbing a spiral staircase up to the brick-floored roof, there are three choices of seating area: the open-air courtyard (perfect for the blue sky days we're sure to enjoy during the October holiday), a square room with a large arched window and wooden interior that is reminiscent of the cabin of an old-timey ship, or most luxurious of all, a long room that feels like the a train car on the Orient Express (but don't worry, Johnny Depp won't be there).
Exquisite views, inside and out
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Naturally, the Shop will still satisfy all your grocery needs, including bakes like rye pita and sourdough bread or snacks like granola, hummus, and The Bake Shop's famous cookies. You could even make your own bagels and lox with their bagels, cream cheese, and cured salmon to go.
Crispy toast with artichoke and pesto (RMB 36)
However, one of the benefits of the new location is meals that you don't have to make yourself. If you've come for the bread, you can't go wrong with their toast options, served with artichoke, poached egg or avocado (RMB 36-48). And at those prices, you won't feel like a millennial squandering all of your money on avocado toast.
Black truffle sandwich on grilled rye bread
Carb-conscious individuals, on the other hand, can find respite in the strata, a sort of American quiche, made with either sausage or kale and truffle (both RMB 68).
It's all too common for restaurateurs to open their doors before they are quite ready, but it's safe to say that The Bake Shop left its business model in the waimai oven for just the right amount of time, and managed to top it off nicely with the help of one hell of an interior designer (Jenny from Atlas Studios, who also designed Fu Rong Ji and the renovations to Toast).
The Bake Shop
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
63 Baochao Hutong (follow the signs from The Orchid), Dongcheng District
东城区宝钞胡同63号
READ: Pizza May Help You Live Longer... But There's a Catch
Images: Joey Knotts
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