Please, Don't Spill Coffee On The Laundry

Munich has the first ‘style laundromat’. Wash & Coffee is a laundromat and a coffee bar at the same time. This place, which PSFK describes as “probably the coolest laundromat you’ll see”, has opened its doors earlier this year. The bar, that obviously smells good, serves coffee, tea and snacks such as fresh bagels and salads. While the washing machine is doing the work, customers can relax in the lounge and order drinks. Laundromats already have a function as social places, but that role did never really evolve. In the past we tried to understand the laundromat as a social community place, pinpointing it as the rest room of the ‘global village’ and a celebration of metropolitan lifestyle.

Wash & Coffee could be the first step towards a new generation of laundromats, simply because the formula is perfect. The annoying process of waiting is being transformed into a pleasant stay. Together with a strong online performance (presence on social media) and activities being organized such as stand-up comedy nights and Halloween parties, this concept is definitely well taken care of. Also the core business (washing the clothes) is pretty intelligent — the laundromat is outfitted with energy efficient programmable washers and dryers from Bosch. Furthermore, Wash & Coffee stocks sustainably produced detergent products from Persil. The staff is dedicated to answering laundry questions and providing tips regarding proper care of clothing.

Wash & Coffee is not a stand-alone concept when it comes to serving coffee in combination with other urban services. Here on Pop-Up City we already featured a bike repair shop slash coffee bar and a print shop slash coffee bar. What’s next? The car wash coffee bar, the fitness coffee bar and the kindergarten coffee bar?