Boston cat enthusiasts now have a new spot to enjoy a dose of caffeine and feline companionship. A Sanctuary Cafe, located in Beacon Hill at 80 Charles St., has officially opened its doors. This new establishment combines a cat lounge with a cafe and a curated micro-bookstore, setting a cozy scene for bookworms and cat lovers alike. As reported by Boston.com, the cafe-bookstore operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plans to expand its hours.
The opening of A Sanctuary Cafe fills a void left by the former Purr Cafe in Brighton, which closed down amidst controversies. The new cafe promises a space where patrons can sip espresso drinks, enjoy loose leaf teas, pastries, and desserts—all sourced from local businesses. But it's not just about culinary treats; visitors can also linger among the bookshelves or watch the cafe's seven permanent resident cats frolic. Despite being new, the cafe's friendly vibe already seems to be a hit amongst residents. According to the cafe's official website, their ethos includes welcoming everyone, hiring local, providing living wages, and prioritizing community partnerships.
The space is consciously designed to accommodate both humans and cats. As per Boston.com, a "window wall" separates the cafe from the cat lounge, and special self-closing doors keep the cats safely inside their area. The venue is equipped with a split HVAC system, a measure to keep the cafe-bookstore free of cat hair and dander. Visitors will soon be able to unwind with the cats in the lounge once they've settled in, a decision that, as owner Brittany Baker mentioned, is "being dictated by the cats themselves."
Every inch of A Sanctuary Cafe seems thoughtfully curated to reflect inclusivity and community focus, from the wheelchair lift to the choice of books displayed. Bake declared in a Tuesday newsletter that the cafe aims to create an environment where "all identities (and abilities) feel accepted and embraced," as mentioned in their official website. Meanwhile, the cats have a spiral staircase and a real maple tree to climb in their cozy abode, according to Boston.com. With the cafe currently attracting the early crowd, the tentative plan is to extend the hours to accommodate more visitors who wish to indulge in a unique blend of literature, coffee, and cat companionship.
