Hong Kong
WITH ELLA BRIDGLAND
Hong Kong is a dynamic and inspiring city for interior designers, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty. The skyline is a dazzling mix of cutting-edge architecture and historic charm, set against the backdrop of verdant mountains and the iconic Victoria Harbour. The compact cityscape encourages innovative use of space, while the subtropical climate and proximity to lush islands invite designs that embrace indoor-outdoor living. Here are my go-to spots to show off the best of Hong Kong when friends from abroad come to visit.
NOvember 2024
Words: designeers and ELLA BRIDGLAND
THE EARLY MORNING SPOT:
Little Cove Espresso
For a wholesome breakfast, I’d recommend Little Cove Espresso in Kennedy Town. Sure, the view isn’t much, but its intentionally blank and spacious interior allows for a clear-headed start to your day. The coffee is decent, as is practically everything on the menu. On Sundays, you will often find us there as a family devouring lashings of smoked salmon piled on top of sourdough.
A PLACE TO FIND ART:
The Shophouse
The Shophouse, which explores the boundaries between art and design, is a great example and has just opened a new space around the corner called Other Things. This renovated old Hakka-style building is a great place to discover a curated mix of books, objects, and art in a raw, unexpected setting.
ART GALLERY:
Kiang Malingue Gallery
Kiang Malingue’s gallery on Sik On Street is particularly alluring, both for the programming, the explorative materiality, and the 1960s tenement architecture. Originally a typical walk-up, the unassuming, domestic-scaled building was redesigned by local firm Beau Architects and is an excellent example of adaptive reuse. Within a tight footprint, the typical gallery experience is deconstructed and instead, a series of connected volumes creates unexpected viewpoints and vistas. It feels more akin to the elevated experience of the Benesse Art Site in Naoshima than a discrete neighborhood gallery in the back streets of Wan Chai.
FOR CLASSIC COCKTAILS:
Captain's Bar
For a classic evening out, let’s start with a no-nonsense martini at the iconic Captain's Bar. Exuding timeless charm, the impeccable service and vibe are the reasons why it remains one of Hong Kong's finest.
FINE DINING EATERY:
The China Club
The late David Tang’s The China Club is another beloved institution and is a must for any visitor in town. Drink and dine amongst an impressive collection of art and antiquities from 1930s Shanghai and instantly be transported back to a bygone era.
DESIGN HOTEL:
Tai O Heritage
I wouldn't exactly call it a "design hotel"; but Tai O Heritage Hotel is beautiful and has certainly got the bones for it. Housed in a former 1902 police station (complete with cannons and searchlights), it's perched on a headland with fantastic views of Tai O Fishing Village. The whole experience needs some refining, but it’s worth the trip to get a whiff of the famous dried salty fish or spot a pink dolphin around the Soko Islands.
BEST VIEW OF THE CITY:
The Peak
It's basic and it’s sweaty, but you won’t regret it. To properly understand the unique typology of the city, hike up to the Peak and look over the glory of Hong Kong’s dense urban meets wild jungle landscape. Once you hit the top, avoid the crowds and continue along the Lugard Road circuit for remarkable panoramic views. Many people don’t realize that Hong Kong is composed of 263 islands and is 75% green. At street level, the scene is chaotic and vibrant, but to truly understand the fabric of this vertical city, you must rise above it.
AN INDULGENT LUNCH:
Chi Lin Vegetarian
Adjacent to the Chi Lin Nunnery, Chi Lin Vegetarian is set inside the beautiful and serene Nan Lain Garden and is a destination very much worth traveling to. The perfectly planned landscape is defined by a series of Tang Dynasty-style timber pavilions, bizarre boulder formations, and peppered generously with an impressive selection of meticulously manicured bonsais. The restaurant itself is disguised behind cascading waters, creating a dramatic yet zen backdrop to the delicious, vegetarian Chinese cuisine.
HERITAGE VISIT:
Haw Par Mansion
It’s the lesser-known Haw Par Mansion in Tai Hang. Once the home of Aw Boon Haw, "The King of Tiger Balm," this place is a brilliant blend of Chinese Renaissance style with Western influences. Built in 1935, it’s one of the few heritage properties that still retains its original charm. Sitting within a lush tropical garden, the light-bathed mansion of grand, Palladian proportions is entered through a stained glass ‘moon gate’ - a traditional Chinese architectural feature that creates an unforgettable entrance. Inside, you'll find Italian stained glass, gold-gilded carvings, and murals with Indian and Burmese influences. Visiting isn't straightforward—you need to arrange a tour through the Antiquities and Monuments Office, a fantastic but often overlooked organization. It’s definitely worth the effort and never fails to inspire.
CULTURAL SHOPPING:
Man Wa Lane
Come on, it's Hong Kong—everything is made in China! And honestly, that's not a bad thing. The proximity to manufacturing on an unbeatable scale makes everything possible and as a Designer, that prospect is especially exciting. You must stroll through Man Wa Lane, however, widely known as “Chop Alley”. Known for the carving of ornate Chinese seals, the dexterous seal carvers began to take over the lane in the 1930s, and the trade continues to thrive there. The master craftsmen can create unique personal seals out of jade and marble with extreme skill and speed and make a perfect, pock-sized souvenir.
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