Alchemist was founded in 2016, beginning with our first coffee bar at International Plaza. The space was intentionally simple — built to focus on one thing, and to do it well: serving quality coffee.

Every element was chosen with clarity in mind. The bar itself was designed as a point of interaction. Positioned at the front of the space, it ensures that the first thing you encounter upon entering is the barista; a greeting, a moment of welcome. The espresso machines face away from the customer, a quiet statement of confidence in our cleanliness and craft, and an intentional move towards openness. The open bar became a way to remove barriers, allowing conversation, trust, and familiarity to shape the experience.

 

 

The Design

The black-and-white letter board menu reflected our desire to keep things simple and legible. Stainless steel counters and clean wooden shelving were selected not for decoration, but for their pragmatism. Materials that were honest, durable, and fit for purpose. These decisions formed the foundation of our brand identity, elements we’ve carried forward and kept consistent across every store since.

 

Our Commitment

When we opened in 2016, third-wave coffee culture was at its peak. Cafés were appearing everywhere — and disappearing just as quickly. Along the same stretch at International Plaza were traditional and commercial cafés, rooted in earlier waves of coffee culture. This landscape pushed us to define ourselves clearly, not through scale or spectacle, but through focus.

We wanted to distil the essence of third-wave coffee, its commitment to quality, and make it accessible. To strip away what felt exclusive or intimidating, and to present good coffee in a way that felt everyday, approachable, and human. 

From that first space, our philosophy took shape: to remain grounded in simplicity, to serve quality coffee with clarity, and to build something that could last by being open to all.