Le Café BENOIT NIHANT

Le Cafe Benoit Niant, which opened at Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, is the first cafe in Japan. Benoit Niant is a chocolate brand created by Benoit Niant, a leading Belgian chocolatier.
Benoit Niant, who worked as an engineer for a steel manufacturer, was attracted to the profound appeal of chocolate, and after extensive research on his own, began his journey as a chocolatier.

For a store located on a floor housing international boutiques, the requirement was to create a store with a sophisticated concept design and the ability to provide highly satisfying service.
Another challenge was ensuring sufficient space for both the kitchen and seating area within the small 18-tsubo (approximately 60 square meters) total area.

Based on the concept of "farm and workshop," the cafe aims to create a cacao farm and chocolate-making workshop atmosphere, and uses blue-gray and brown colors extracted from the Belgian workshop to convey the worldview of the workshop.
 

The facade features glass art that depicts the transformation of colorful cocoa beans into chocolate bonbons. In addition, the prominent structural columns, along with the tenant sign, are now decorated as the face of the store.
Inside the store, customers are guided through a "Cacao Gate" modeled after a cacao bean. Along the wall, a folding screen-shaped, specially painted iron plate, inspired by the machines in the workshop, is folded over in soft curves and illuminated with indirect lighting, showcasing Benoît Niant's craftsmanship. There are sofa seats, counter seats, and bench seats, offering a variety of seating options to suit each customer's situation.
It is a space where you can spend a rich time while feeling the passion of Benoît Niant.