One of Second Life’s longest running and most popular casual gathering spots has re-opened following a major overhaul of the sim. The Burrow Coffee Co. is open once again and welcoming people back in.
“We began in 2009 in Second Life. Our original name was The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse. A handful of years later we re-branded to what we are today, Burrow Coffee Company,” said Harlow Heslop, the owner and founder of this famed “java joint.”
The name, according to Harlow, is something she randomly came up with. “I was seeking a name that felt cozy and comfortable. And I thought of how little woodland creatures often reside in burrows and it felt fitting for the space.”
Harlow pointed out that cafes and coffeehouses in RL serve as gathering places for members of the community and are a place to make connections.
“I felt SL could use something like that. I also really love coffee and I'm a bit of an addict in RL,” she added with a smile.
“We offer a community of like-minded people, a safe space for anyone to spend time at. We have DJ events, live musicians on occasion, game nights, poetry nights, and more” said Harlow. “And honestly, it's a nice spot to AFK when you need to without being harassed by people,” she added with a laugh.
Harlow pointed out that over the years there have been many changes to the look and layout of the coffeehouse.
“We've been through many different buildings and designs over the years, but our community and concept has stayed very similar,” she said. She describes that community and concept as cozy, happy, interactive with a touch of realism.
This current re-model was designed to incorporate some of the numerous changes that have been happening in SL.
“I wanted to upgrade to something PBR since that is a new feature in Second Life,” said Harlow. “I like to try and keep up with technology and offer the community new things.”
Harlow created the all mesh building and décor herself. She pointed out that she had begun working on the new building a couple of months before the official re-model. She is quite adept at creating such things as she also owns and operates the store Spruce.
“I run a shop called Spruce and make original mesh creations, so I figure why not build my own cafe?” Harlow said she actually began working on the building a couple of months before the official start of the re-model.
The building and the sim as a whole offers many comfortable places for people to relax, meet others, chat, and enjoy a comfortable time. There is plenty of seating both inside and out to accommodate either a group or for people to hold intimate conversations.
The sim also features a stage and dance floor along with a place for those who enjoy table games to play a few.
Regular events are held at the coffee shop and include music, DJs, discussions, and even gaming events. “We have a google calendar you can access via are our socials in the foyer,” said Harlow.
“We actually will have an event once monthly on the first Sunday of each month starting in May that is an inventory sorting hangout,” she added.
When you land at The Burrow Coffee Co. you are requested to use the shared environment which is changed up on a regular basis. The same holds true for the coffee shop’s music which varies from the occasional DJ to an eclectic stream.
“The cafe is very much a group effort. I have an amazing management team filled with wonderful people who really make this place special,” said Harlow, citing that the ever changing windlights are done by Harvey Blackwood and the superb landscaping was done by Aria Christen.
The Burrow Coffee Co. re-opened the first week in April and is currently an Editor’s Pick in the Destination Guide.
“We've been on there so many times over the years. Sometimes we submit to be on it and other times we've been chosen as an Editor's Pick where Linden Lab picks us,” added Harlow.
But that’s to be expected of one of the longest running and most popular gather places in SL.
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