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Two years ago, “Florence” Specialty Coffee opened its doors. In 2023, the café began a new chapter by relocating… just across the street from its original location. Intrigued, we met Kelsey, the founder, to chat about this new adventure.
Drawn from her experiences in Uganda, Kelsey made her way to Luxembourg with a dream of opening a coffee shop. She was determined to promote the artistry of African coffee roasters she had met, ensuring they were adequately compensated. In 2021, this dream took shape as “Florence”, situated in Rue Adolphe Fischer in the Gare district, emphasising the unique skills of African coffee experts.
Kelsey quickly envisioned her café as a hub for community gatherings and interactions. With events like pizza nights courtesy of the Hyde Pizza food truck and open mic sessions, she cultivated a local and welcoming vibe. “Building personal connections with my customers, knowing their names and preferences, is at the heart of a true café experience,” Kelsey points out. However, as the community swelled, the initial venue started feeling a bit tight.
August 2023 saw the café transitioning to a new beginning. The regular clientele barely felt the shift, given the new premises were directly opposite the old. The expanded space boasts an artsy Berlin flair. Walls, left in their authentic state, are enhanced by the hand of the Luxembourgish artist Spike. The ambience is distinctly retro, marked by vintage furniture and lush green plants.
Another exciting change is that “Florence” will soon be more than just a coffee shop. Indeed, it plans to shift into a wine bar during the evenings. “The idea of blending the worlds of coffee and natural wine has always captivated me,” the founder reveals. The menu has been refreshed with the addition of seasonal dishes and tapas by a new chef. This transformation into a wine bar in the later hours is imminent, promising to elevate the café’s atmosphere.
Nevertheless, coffee remains the very essence of the coffee shop. The beans, meticulously selected by Kelsey, reflect this devotion. Directly purchased from African producers, they are roasted in Brussels by Parlor Coffee Roasters, offering a unique coffee experience in Luxembourg.
The new “Florence” venue is already buzzing with events, from “Tacos Nights” to cocktail evenings in partnership with BAC and lively open-mics. The focus is on local tie-ups, enhancing collaborations with entities like Thalus for a unique Kaffi Cold Brew and Raphael Betti for spirited evenings. Kelsey enthusiastically states, “We’re not hitting the brakes anytime soon. We’re in this for the fun and the passion. Without that, this venture wouldn’t make sense.”
The previous location is also set to reopen soon. Kelsey hints, “We’re brimming with ideas, but food will definitely be at the heart of it.” Keep an eye out!
Fancy a coffee or looking forward to an event? Make your way to Florence. Their doors are open from 8 am to 4 pm on weekdays and extend to 5 pm on weekends, situated at 74 Rue d’Anvers, 1130 Gare Luxembourg.
More information: www.florence.lu
Pictures: KACHEN