Hollywood’s favourite coffee shop finds its second home in Karachi and 13th overall in Pakistan
The coffee revolution is taking over Pakistan, and what better way to move over towards coffee than with Hollywood’s favorite brand, that too near the Karachi sea side. Born and brewed in Southern California since 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is particularly loved in Hollywood, and their stores are frequented by everyone from David Beckham to Madonna, and from Miley Cyrus to Eddie Murphy among others.
So will their arrival in Karachi improve the brand’s image and change the coffee culture in the country, that remains to be seen. However, what is certain is that the people of Karachi will have a new outlet at Marine Drive, Clifton where they can hang out with friends and discuss everything under the sun over a cup of coffee. The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting, as was the calm interior, which is exactly what many want while having their tea, or enjoying their coffee.
Located behind the famous E street that houses high-end restaurants, the second branch of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf opened on 30th December 2022 in the presence of influencers as well as media people who came over for a change in taste and left after changing their favorite coffee destination. Not only did they serve coffee but they also provided the attendees with various options for a one-bite meal that ranged from various chicken delicacies to pizza, whereas the tea served was ‘fantastic’. The visitors were greeted by traditional music that entertained those inside as well, and sort of transported those in the vicinity to a happening place till the clock struck 1.
The launching ceremony started with drums and music played by a famous local drum band which was enjoyed by the celebrities and famous bloggers/vloggers present at the event. The fun wasn’t just limited to the music, but they all participated in the different games that were available at hand. Between the Lucky spin wheel and the wall reserved for photographs, they ended up winning vouchers, prizes, and rewards while appreciating the hosts for their generosity. A large number of Guests also observed the cake-cutting ceremony as the day was also marked by Coffee Bean’s 5-year anniversary in Pakistan.
In five years they have crossed over a dozen branches all over the country which is nothing short of an achievement. After all, no one else offers the ultimate coffee experience, like Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf does. They provide customers with a large range of specialty coffees including estate, origins and delicious flavored coffees, under one roof. Their complete menu of espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, smoothie chillers, cocoas and gourmet teas etc. makes it easier for the customers to go and enjoy the same brand of coffee, Hollywood folks do.
Not many in Pakistan know that the oldest and largest privately-held specialty coffee and tea retailer in the world has slowly made its impact in Pakistan, where it first arrived in 2017 and since then has been increasing the number of its branches across the country. While they have over 1200 stores around the globe in 31 countries, their presence in Pakistan has now crossed a dozen stores. After establishing 5 branches in Lahore, 4 branches in Islamabad, and 1 each in Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Karachi, the inauguration of the second branch in Karachi shows that people of the city are slowly leaning towards coffee from abroad.
They might not have a Starbucks in town but they have the next best thing, where the beans are roasted in LA, ground in best-in-class Swiss hardware, pulled in Italian espresso machines, prepared in water that originates from a world-class filtration system, and served in mugs from Korea, and if that isn’t international, I don’t know what is. Add to that, the chocolate, cocoa, and cheese originate, and spreads from different countries in Europe, while the Pakistani Baristas are trained by those who have mastered the art of serving coffee in Singapore & Malaysia.
The menu isn’t just limited to coffee and tea but also to other stuff that compliments the aroma, and aura of the restaurant. From Hot Vanilla to Hot Double Chocolate, Tea to Go to traditional Chai, and different varieties of Tea Lattes, followed by blended drinks, this place has it all. While the French Fries and Nuggets will be the meal for the children, the elders can choose LA Club Sandwich, Mexican BBQ Chicken Steak, Texan BBQ Chicken Burger, and Mexican Omelet from morning till after midnight.
