An independent bakery by day and cocktail bar come evening, ‘Nía’ showcases the wonderful ingredients of Colombia through pastries, tarts, cookies and cakes. Also a social enterprise, Nía’s mission is to create one of the worlds’ great bakeries to help vulnerable and poor communities in Colombia.
Guided by chef Talia Richard of Copenhagen’s Hart Bageri, Nía is dedicated to showcasing the incredible exotic fruits and produce of Colombia and, alongside those world-class baked products, also serves Cartagena‘s best coffee, smoothies and ice-cream. Located in the old town of Cartagena de Indias, the bakery cum cocktail bar is situated in a former public notary office, and it was Colombian design studio Crearq‘s brief to “discover the beauty of the unknown,” and transform it into the tropical-inspired space it is today.
Architect María Adelaida Herrera, along with Miguel León, uncovered layers of drywall, partitions, and shelves to reveal essential elements typical of Cartagena’s domestic architecture, such as the original double-height gabled roofs composed of layers of interwoven clay tiles, stone and handmade brick arches, as well as hydraulic tiles on floors and walls. Appealing to the senses, materiality and colour were key tools for interpreting the metaphor of the rigid and vibrant exterior of exotic fruits versus their fibrous and pale interior.
As a result, the fuchsias, magentas, and hues are reminiscent of tropical pomegranates, whilst the snail-shaped roundness of a top-down cut of a raspberry can be seen in the two crescent-shaped sofas of the main lounge. Customers are also treated to a large-scale tapestry created by Ángela Ramos, which exudes a unique organic quality. This is an eatery where the produce and aesthetics come together in exquisite detail.
Combining a good heart with great design, world-class food and a considered concept, Nía Bakery Cartagena should be at the top of anyone’s list when visiting this beautiful Colombia city.
@niabakerycartagena
@studiocrearq
Nía Bakery Cartagena Photography, Monica Barreneche.
