Cafe culture in Beirut – in pictures

  • Patrons in a Beirut cafe where, these days, the most important things are good lighting and stable Wi-Fi. The cafes serve as substitute workplaces for people grappling with electricity shortages and internet cuts stemming from Lebanon's unrelenting economic crisis. All photos: AFP
    Patrons in a Beirut cafe where, these days, the most important things are good lighting and stable Wi-Fi. The cafes serve as substitute workplaces for people grappling with electricity shortages and internet cuts stemming from Lebanon's unrelenting economic crisis. All photos: AFP
  • Laptops are increasingly evident in Beirut's cafes as people seek reliable power and internet services.
    Laptops are increasingly evident in Beirut's cafes as people seek reliable power and internet services.
  • Networking at a cafe in Beirut.
    Networking at a cafe in Beirut.
  • The atmosphere in cafes is often hushed and almost studious, with many people using the venues to work online or read a book, as this barista is doing.
    The atmosphere in cafes is often hushed and almost studious, with many people using the venues to work online or read a book, as this barista is doing.
  • Meals and laptops or tablets are regular bar-top neighbours in Beirut.
    Meals and laptops or tablets are regular bar-top neighbours in Beirut.
  • Lebanese cafe-laptop culture is growing fast.
    Lebanese cafe-laptop culture is growing fast.
  • Whether surfing the net or working, residents of Beirut are increasingly turning to places that can provide steady power and internet access ... and good coffee, of course.
    Whether surfing the net or working, residents of Beirut are increasingly turning to places that can provide steady power and internet access ... and good coffee, of course.
  • The hubbub of Beirut cafe life has been replaced with a library-like atmosphere, with laptops and tablets a ubiquitous feature.
    The hubbub of Beirut cafe life has been replaced with a library-like atmosphere, with laptops and tablets a ubiquitous feature.
  • In Lebanon's current economic climate, it seems cafes are recommended based on their Wi-Fi connectivity rather than their menus.
    In Lebanon's current economic climate, it seems cafes are recommended based on their Wi-Fi connectivity rather than their menus.