St. Petersburg is a city of tourists, of course, very popular. Our compatriots and citizens of other countries come here in order to see numerous sights, on business trips, for treatment, etc. The tourist infrastructure in St. Petersburg is developed, according to many visitors, very good. Convenient hotels have been built in this city, restaurants, clubs are working, vacation parks are waiting for vacationers. And of course, there are numerous cafes. Some of these establishments have recently opened and offer visitors cheap food and drinks. Others, more expensive, are located in the historical part of the city and are almost cult places. The Zinger cafe, popular among guests and residents of St. Petersburg, also belongs to the latter category.
Where it is: history of the place
The premises of this institution are located in one of the most famous historical buildings of St. Petersburg - in the "Book House". This famous sixteen-story shopping center is located on Nevsky Prospekt. Petersburgers often call it also the home of the Singer. Directly opposite the building is another attraction that is very popular with tourists - Kazan Cathedral. This iconic old building, like Nevsky Prospekt itself, is clearly visible, including from the windows to the Singer AFP (St. Petersburg).
The first building on the site of the Book House building was erected in the Northern capital in 1737. It was an arena designed by engineer Herman van Boles. The building had a stone foundation and wooden walls. For a long time the city theater was located in this building. However, in 1749 the building burned down.
In 1777, a three-story house was built on this site, in which Archpriest I.I. Panfilov subsequently lived. Also, in different years, the owners of the building were Borozdin's officials and pharmacist Karl Imzen. In even later times, this building was the offices of firms, a banking house, music and bookstores.
In 1902, the site on which the house is located was acquired by the American company Singer, which manufactures sewing machines. Initially, the new land owners planned to build an 11-storey skyscraper (in those days) on the site of the old building. However, the authorities of St. Petersburg were not allowed to erect such a large structure opposite the cathedral. In their opinion, such a huge building could "eclipse the temple." Ultimately, the company erected a "just" six-story building. 23.5 m - the Singer house in St. Petersburg has such a height . A cafe with the same name is located on the second floor of the building.
After the revolution, the “Singer House”, like many other buildings belonging to the “bourgeoisie”, went to the state. But he retained his name so far. This building fell in love (this applies to the cafe located here) to many guests and residents of the city, primarily for the special “Petersburg” mood reigning in its walls.
Appearance
Outside, the Book House, including that part of it where the cafe is located, looks just great. This building was built in a spectacular Art Nouveau style. Its walls are finished with granite, and the corners are crowned with turrets.
The interior of the cafe "Singer" is made in the European style. Visitors to the institution can appreciate the efforts of designers who used mainly Viennese motifs when decorating the room. Trees are arranged in tubs throughout the cafe, and the floor is covered with colorful, spectacular tiles. Visitors have the opportunity to have breakfast, sitting on comfortable soft chairs with high backs at round tables.
The interior of the cafe is quite simple, but at the same time, according to many visitors, pleasant and quite original. But the main decoration of this establishment is, of course, simply huge (from the floor almost to the ceiling) arched windows. Through them, breakfast guests can enjoy the Kazan Cathedral.
Drinks at the institution
Basically, the Singer cafe offers its visitors soft drinks, snacks and light meals. Coffee is brewed by a professional barista. The same employees prepare hot chocolate and various cocktails.
Most often, visitors go to the cafe “Singer” (St. Petersburg) , of course, in order to relax from sightseeing and have a cup of coffee while admiring the Kazan Cathedral. This drink is the most popular among customers of the institution. For coffee in the cafe “Singer” you can order such, for example, food as homemade pies, strudel. It also serves delicious muffins (muffins). Of course, many visitors drink coffee or tea with other sweets in this establishment. Desserts are served exclusively exclusive, prepared by pastry chef Zaller.
Menu of the cafe “Singer” (St. Petersburg)
Of course, if you wish in this institution, as in any other similar, you can not only drink coffee, but also have breakfast or dinner. The menu in the cafe is quite varied. If desired, visitors can order both first courses and second courses or snacks. A choice of European and Russian cuisines. Judging by the reviews, cafe cooks prepare delicious soups and omelettes. Also in the institution you can order, for example, dumplings, cabbage rolls, pancakes with different fillings. Of course, various salads and sandwiches are also offered in cafes.
Complex breakfasts
Usually visitors order one or two dishes in this cafe and a cup of coffee. But if you wish, you can take in this institution and a comprehensive breakfast, lunch or dinner. Many cafe customers do just that. For example, the comprehensive “Breakfast at the Kazan Cathedral” earned very good reviews from visitors. From 12 to 16 hours, the cafe serves lunch, the total cost of which is about 600 rubles. Dishes visitors who ordered such a service can choose at will.
Traditions of the institution
The administration does not provide any special rules for cafe visitors. The only thing - in the institution, of course, you can not smoke. If you wish, you can even go to a cafe with a small pet (for example, with a dog). Paying for meals ordered at the restaurant is allowed both in cash and with cards of almost any type. If desired, visitors have the opportunity to use Wi-Fi. The atmosphere in Singer itself, judging by the reviews, is very calm, comfortable and conducive to relaxation.
There is a cafe in the Book House. And therefore, his administration, of course, simply could not pay attention to reading enthusiasts. At the entrance to the institution, a small reading room is specially equipped for visitors. Here you can sit with a book or some magazine for some time.
The menu in the cafe “Singer” (St. Petersburg ) is laid directly on the tables. These "little books" look in their leather binding, according to the majority of visitors, very solid. The average cost of a check in this institution, as many of its former customers note, is about 1200 rubles.
Cafe Singer in St. Petersburg: reviews
The opinion of this institution was very good among its visitors. Most customers consider the cafe menu to be quite diverse. The food, according to many guests and residents of St. Petersburg, is served here is not restaurant, but still tasty. In any case, visitors have the opportunity to order always fresh and hot.
Customers especially praise local pastries. The buns and bread offered at the cafe smell delicious, according to many of its visitors, simply delicious. Yes, and they differ in taste very good. Also, many visitors are advised to order pancakes in this cafe. Servings of this Russian national dish are very large.
Visitors have reviews about the Zinger cafe in St. Petersburg on Nevsky Prospect, therefore, mostly only positive. The only drawback of this institution is that customers consider rather high prices for dishes. Most guests and residents of the Northern capital believe that this cafe is well suited mainly for single visits only. Constantly having breakfast or lunch here will, of course, be unprofitable.
What you should know about
Many guests and residents of St. Petersburg also consider the fact that it is rather difficult to get here an indirect drawback of this institution. "On the fly" to enter the hall, most likely, simply will not work. Most often, the Singer cafe in St. Petersburg, as they say, is packed to capacity. This place is really very popular among tourists and residents of the city. Usually people who have breakfast in the queue have to stand for about 15 minutes.
Recommendations from experienced travelers
Most visitors and residents of the Northern capital recommend visiting the Singer cafe at least once. Experienced tourists recommend coming here at breakfast time - early. There are not many people in the cafe at this time, you can even take a table right at the panoramic window. Many guests and residents are advised to have dinner elsewhere. Prices in the evening in the cafe are really very high.
How to get to the institution
Located cafe "Singer" near the metro station "Nevsky Prospekt". At this station, those who wish to visit the Book House should go out towards the canal. The avenue itself does not need to be crossed. To get to the place, you should cross the Griboedov Canal through the bridge. Next you need to move straight for about 100 meters. In addition, you can get to the place very quickly from the Gostiny Dvor metro station.
You can also get to the cafe and by minibus or bus. In this case, exit should be at the Kazan Square or Kazan Cathedral stops.