But while the plentiful snacks and fast internet can make for an ideal work environment, rows of workers glued to their laptops can sometimes make cafés feel more like open-plan offices than centres of community.

As a reaction to this trend, Annie Kostiner opened Kibbitznest with her husband Lewis “to raise awareness about the imbalance between the use of electronic technology and face-to-face communication.”

Kostiner says customers are relieved to encounter a space that gives them a break from incessant screen use. They tell her, “‘I am so happy you opened this place.’”