The windows have been papered over at the space formerly occupied by the Bickford Flexitarian (and before that Linuxcaffe) since mid-summer, but there's new life brewing at Harbord and Grace. The next iteration of the space at 326 Harbord St. will be a retro-style malt shop, featuring old school sodas, floats, ice cream, baked goods, and lots of confectionary items.

Bean & Baker Malt Shop is inspired by the drugstore soda fountains of yore, a concept that one suspects will work quite nicely given the store's proximity to Bickford Park. Based on the renovation photos posted by owners Brennan & Liezel Anderson, it appears that design of the interior leans on restraint rather than unabashed nostalgia for the 1950s, but once the candy shelves are up, you can bet that the place will feel like something of a throwback.

Watch for Bean & Baker's soda fountain to start flowing sometime this spring.