Radix & Anima occupies a former gatehouse, the Pförtnerhäuschen, on the Lindgens Areal in Cologne-Mülheim, a hidden industrial site surrounded by studios and a quiet courtyard. The name pairs radix, root, with anima, soul, a philosophy set by the previous owners that the café intends to keep. It was founded in 2023 by Jenni and Mario and is now run by Michelle Maessen, a long-time guest who took it over with ten years in hospitality and a career as a photographer behind her.
Everything on the menu is plant-based. The coffee is always made with Oatly oat milk, the cakes and snacks are homemade, and a small, changing selection of products is sold from the shelves. There are more seats in the courtyard and a second room, SoSein, with a fireplace, which can be booked for celebrations, weddings, workshops and courses.
Events run through the year: mini markets, music slams, cuppings, a run club and Kultur im SoSein evenings, and the café takes part in the Mülheimer Nacht.
Photograph: Radix & Anima