On the heels of their latest venture in our studio home's neighbouring Mitte district, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Fede, the visionary behind ACID Café. Founded first in Madrid in 2017, ACID has quickly grown from a small coffee shop into an icon of the area, known for its commitment to specialty coffee and artisanal sourdough bread.
We conversationally delved into the origins of the café, the philosophy behind its minimalist yet warm design, and how community lies at the heart of everything they do. Enjoy.
What's the story behind ACID Cafe, I asked as an opening question.
"I founded ACID in 2017 in Madrid with a vision to introduce specialty coffee to a city steeped in tradition. It began as a small coffee shop dedicated to unique coffee experiences and high-quality products. My goal was to create a space where people could not only enjoy great coffee but also connect with one another."
"Although my background was in photography and cinematography, with over 10 years of experience, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to create a welcoming hangout spot. Over time, we expanded into a larger location, which allowed us to open a sourdough bakery that has since become a core part of our identity"
It was fascinating to hear about the Spanish roots of ACID, since we first learned about the cafe with the opening of their Mitte bakery. We were curious about Fede's relationship to wider Berlin.
"Berlin has always been a city that resonates with our ethos. When I lived here back in 2010, I started going to coffee shops to meet clients and learn about different coffee origins and processes. Berlin is a place that values creativity, diversity, and authenticity, much like what later inspired the founding of ACID. We love the city's vibrant culture and its appreciation for new ideas, which mirrors our own dedication to our craft."
Your stores have a very unique interior aesthetic. What's the thought behind their design?
"The design of our stores reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity. We wanted to create spaces that are not only functional but also visually inspiring. Our aesthetic is minimalist yet warm, with a focus on natural materials like wood and stone, which echo the artisanal nature of our products."
"We believe that the environment in which you enjoy your coffee or bread is just as important as the food and drink itself. I was lucky enough to meet Plantea Studio in Madrid and since then all the projects have been designed with them (also GOTA in Madrid, our wine bar and restaurant)."
I wanted to know what Fede feels sets ACID apart from other café's.
"Our dedication to quality and the experience we provide. From our specialty coffee to our sourdough bread, every product is crafted with care and attention to detail. We are not just a café; we are a community hub where people come together to enjoy good food, great company, music, architecture, design and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our approach is holistic, focusing not only on the food and drink but also on the experience and the community around us."
Speaking of community—I was interested to hear what this concept means to ACID.
"[It's] at the heart of everything we do. Since day one I've been in charge of doing different types of collaborations with people around us in Madrid, from pop-ups, to merch, inviting djs... I believe that a café or a brand should be more than just a place to get a coffee or a bite to eat; it should be a gathering place where people feel connected to each other and to the neighborhood."
"We love supporting local businesses and now in Berlin some of our favorite spots nearby include Merz b. Schwamen (with who we will have a collab launching soon), Rocket Wine, the guys at Apartamento, Bertie, FRIEDA…"
As a final question, I asked Fede to look to the future of ACID, and tell us what he sees.
"We see ACID continuing to grow with one or two small shops in different areas of Berlin to deliver our fresh bakery and bread and brew different coffees. Also growing our community hub and expanding our reach to new cities. We want to maintain our commitment to quality and community while exploring new ways to bring our philosophy of thoughtful food to more people."
"We’re excited about the possibility of collaborating with more local producers and artisans, and we’re always looking for new ways to innovate and improve. Our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what a bakery can be, while staying true to our roots and values."
Thank you to Fede! You can find the relevant links below, and pickup a fresh sourdough loaf from Rosenthaler Str. 9, seven days a week :-)
Interview by Ewan Waddell.
Photography by Marina Denisova.
