GLEEFUL COFFEE — Restaurant in Kashiwa

Kashiwa is very poorly served by coffee shops. There's nothing really on offer other than the usual bland chains or Showa-era smoke holes.

So when I found this place my hopes were high. Alas, I came away disappointed. First off, it's obviously been put together by branding people who want to appeal to the groovy young things who come to town from the Chiba burbs armed with Daddies money. The fact this joint is adjacent to a trendy vintage clothing store is evidence enough. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the two are under the same ownership. The decor is designed to look aged, there are piles of dusty books in corners of little use since they were all in English, and lots of ornaments screaming 'Americana'. An old cash register and suitably distressed wooden furniture. (My table was wobbly but not in a good way). They give you a little brass tag with a number punched through it so you'll be able to march up and collect your coffee from the counter. This is a bit gimmicky and unnecessary since the café doesn't seat enough people to warrant this system, and for the money I'm paying I see no reason why they can't bring the coffee to me! The coffee (Honduran) was decent enough, though not that warm. Brewed by a couple of part-timers who aren't a day over 18, barristas they ain't. I had an apple flan that was so lacking in taste it could have done a stint in Starbucks. They played vaguely country rock music at a level that suggested they didn't care whether you liked it or not. I was there for around 40 minutes. That was plenty. Nearly all the customers were young 20- somethings who were there for the decor and the clothes next door. Ultimately there was nothing offensive about the place but it was, I have to say, utterly soulless. My search for a good café in...

(English below) 👇

懐かしいささやき 居心地の良い隠れ家 歓喜満ちるコーヒー

In a small street, tucked away with care, Gleeful Coffee awaits, a treasure rare. A retro charm, its atmosphere sublime, Where homemade cakes and gluten-free options chime.

Cup sizes, just perfect, in every pour, And beans for sale, to take home and adore. Bright lighting dances, with lamps diverse, A symphony of styles, each one a universe.

Milk options aplenty, to suit every taste, A sip of perfection, no detail goes to waste. Drip coffee's delight, with beans handpicked, A menu of flavors, that's sure to bewitch.

In summer's embrace, a tonic divine, Refreshing coffee whispers, not too strong, but fine.

Muffins, abundant, bursting with delight, Generous portions, Japanese standards take flight.

Kashiwa's quiet street, a hidden retreat, Gleeful Coffee's embrace, a moment sweet. Seventeen seats nestled inside its embrace, A haven for coffee lovers, a...

There was a reviewer who gave this place a lot of flack but honestly I thought it was actually really great cafe despite walking in a bit sceptical. There are lots of different gluten free (!!!!) cakes on display and the staff are really kind, you could tell that they enjoyed where they worked. I got the carrot cake which was really moist and had a really generous top layer serving. The music was old school Americana and I had a nice throwback moment listening to the Beach Boys great albums. The only thing I wish would improve are the chairs. They are so uncomfy, worse than even McDonald’s. I wish they care more about customer comfort, these chairs are bad for your back...