Photos provided to China Daily

Outside the private kitchen is a small, but comfortable, open-air yard. Its arrangement of rattan chairs and patio tables, accompanied by a worn-out bike and barbecue, reminds visitors of warm summer evenings, sizzling yangrou chuan (mutton kebabs) and ice-cold Tsingtao beers.

Alfie, Didi's husband, can often be found relaxing by the window overlooking the yard. He was an actor and singer before the couple opened their photography studio, Private Disaster, in the backroom of FOURLAB. Nowadays, he prefers to use photography and graphic design to express himself. He believes those mediums can capture moments more effectively than performing arts. An old guitar behind a huge potted plant once accompanied him to live houses when he sang in the band Demo several years ago. Alfie seldom performs in music venues these days, but from time to time he plays the guitar and sings for friends and lucky guests in the café.

FOURLAB is currently on a trial run, without even a door sign yet to greet visitors. Those lucky enough to happen upon the café will surely enjoy the good company and stimulating atmosphere. Its good word-of-mouth and home-cooked dishes are already bringing back patrons and attracting new guests.

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But it hasn't been all smooth sailing for the three-month old business. For older generations in China, running a café isn't the most popular idea. As Didi explained: "My mom hopes I can work steadily like other actors instead of running this business. She thinks it's too risky and insecure. But this is not a business to me. It's my life. I just want to live my dream. I've seen too may successful actors and businessmen with scarcely enough time to enjoy life. That's why I've turned down work to take care of the shop."

As the afternoon wore on Didi made her special latte-art creations and recounted an interesting story. One day, just after the group had moved into the space, they noticed a crimson Chinese character si, or four, printed on the doorway of a residential building across the alley. The coincidence was surely a sign of good luck for the café. The owners hope FOURLAB can attract more guests and foster new friendships through their shared passions and dreams. It's a philosophy that has come to define their cozy hutong café; those who follow their heart will never be alone in Beijing.

IF YOU GO

37, Qianmachang Tutong, Jiu Gulou Dajie, Xicheng district, Beijing

Tel: 186 10248253

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