A brand-new Japanese-inspired café and listening bar has opened in Liverpool city centre, offering visitors a unique space where speciality coffee, vintage hi-fi sound systems and carefully curated music come together.
Kiku Hifi has opened on Gradwell Street in Liverpool’s Ropewalks district, just a short walk from Liverpool ONE and the Baltic Triangle.
The venue has been created by the team behind Tokyo-inspired bar Suono and takes inspiration from Japan’s famous Kissaten and Jazz Kissa cafés.
Open as a coffee shop during the day and a listening bar in the evening, Kiku Hifi promises an analogue experience centred around handcrafted coffee, premium sound and a relaxed atmosphere.
Inspired by Japan’s iconic listening cafés
Located at 40 Gradwell Street, Liverpool, L1 4JH, Kiku Hifi has been designed to feel very different from a modern coffee chain.
Instead, the venue focuses on natural materials, with plenty of wood and greenery creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Vintage hi-fi equipment provides the soundtrack throughout the day, while guests can enjoy handcrafted coffee, attentive service and a slower pace inspired by traditional Japanese cafés.
Fresh pastries are supplied by Liverpool-based, women-owned independent business Little Moments, complementing the venue’s speciality coffee offering.
Coffee by day, cocktails and DJs by night
As the day turns into evening, Kiku Hifi transforms into a listening bar serving cocktails, wines and beers alongside a programme of resident DJs.
DJ Pooky from Bonsai Hi Fi Sound System will play every Friday evening, while DJ PJ Smith will provide the soundtrack to Sunday mornings and early afternoons, pairing laid-back hi-fi sounds with fresh coffee and pastries.
The venue is open from 9am until 11pm Sunday to Thursday, with extended opening hours from 9am until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The opening adds another independent hospitality venue to Liverpool’s growing Ropewalks neighbourhood, combining café culture with an experience designed for people who appreciate both quality coffee and quality music.
