Paul Sullivan & Fiona Laughton round-up five of their favourite cafes for reading, writing, chatting and daydreaming…

As much as we’re fans of the Third Wave coffee movement, there’s something reassuringly timeless and welcoming about certain of the city’s older-school cafes.

Whether favouring a cluttered and homely “flea market” vibe like Wohnzimmer or Cafe Dritter Raum, or a more upscale Viennese coffee-house ambience like Einstein Stammhaus or Cafe am Literaturhaus, these are places that exude character and a certain degree of comfort.

Sure their menus might not extend to immaculately constructed flat-whites or boutique bagels; but then again that means less chance of beard-hair in your food, plus the clientele is likely to more accurately reflect the city’s social demographic.

Most importantly, these are places you can relax in. Many serve up elaborate brunches and have newspapers hanging on the walls. Others offer cosy, lamp-lit nooks that are perfect for reading, chatting, writing—or even some good old-fashioned canoodling and daydreaming.

Die Koppe (Kohlenquelle)

The Kohlenquelle, or Die Koppe, as it’s affectionately known – is a low-key yet legendary cafe/bar located on Prenzlauer Berg’s atmospheric Kopenhagener Strasse. Taking its name from its former role as a local coal cellar, the upstairs is a simple but comfortable two-room space, with vintage couches to lounge on and a bar that serves draft beer, long drinks and pretzels, as well as cheap, hearty lunches and weekend buffet brunches. Downstairs, the former cellar (which once hosted to the famous Mittwoch Club) is now a vast, c…