Duddell Street Starbucks

'Tis the season to get back on the afternoon tea train.  My friend told me that there was a themed 1970s Hong Kong Starbucks in Central.  I thought that Mong Kok was the only place where there was an old Hong Kong themed Starbucks!  So, I was totally up for checking this place out.

This Starbucks is located on Duddell Street in Central.  It seems more of a tourist draw than a local draw, but it was more spacious than a lot of the Starubucks Coffees up here in the New Territories.

The unique thing about the Duddle Street Starbucks was the special menu featuring some of Hong Kong's famous local afternoon tea treats.  Egg tart anyone!

The inside of this Starbucks is totally old Hong Kong.

The cafe is split into two sections, the old section (pictured below) and the normal section (which is right next to the bar).

Everything from the tiling on the floor to the beads that drape over the doorway to the restroom are quite retro.

There is even a menu posted on the walls next to some 1970s wall art.

The cups, though, are the same…for this time of year.

We got a seat in one of the booths, which was really a great place to spread out.

Beyond the window panes of the "old section" of the cafe were some 1970s paraphernalia, which looks like you are looking out onto a 1970's Hong Kong street.

I would have never known this place existed.  I've been around Duddell Street a lot, but never thought that inside lurked a Starbucks so unique that it would make me want to trudge out here to get a cup of Joe when I am in the area.

I shall definitely be seeing you again!

Afternoon Tea @ Starbucks

One of my favorite places to go for afternoon tea is Starbucks.  Not only because I'm from Seattle, but mostly because they are pretty snazzy to hang out in.  One of the most fun to visit is the Starbucks down in Mong Kok (1st and 2nd Floors of Wai Kee House, 91 Sai Yee Street).

When it first opened up, I remember having my pick of seats, but now it's pretty busy at all times of the day.  This is one of those themed Starbuck Cafes, which is very Hong Kong-centric.  You'll see what I mean as you take a walk around with me and my camera...

Things I love about this Starbucks:

1.  This is relatively one of the faster serviced ones.  It's not stealth fast, but I can see the hustle when they do have a lot of customers lining up.  It is Mong Kok after all!  And believe me, I've been to hundreds of cafes around Hong Kong that have the service of a snail.  But, still, not as fast as back in Seattle!  

2.  I love all the artwork around this place.  I especially appreciate the giant chalkboard that periodically changes throughout the year.

3.  This probably won't surprise anyone, but I absolutely love the tiling on the floor.  It reminds me of the old Hong Kong canteens that are still dotted around the city.  It adds to that Old Hong Kong vibe of this cafe.

4.  This places feels like the happening place to be.  There are always people at the Sai Yee Street Starbucks.  And whenever I visit, I always do the Hong Kong thing and ask a lone stranger, "Hi, is this seat taken?"  I love how it's so normal to sit at a table with a stranger for half an hour or so.  I've been living in this City for so long that I can't even remember if we did this back in Seattle.  I think, perhaps, not.  I mean, because personal space is so limited in Hong Kong...hmmm...enlighten me if I am wrong!

5.  If there are no seats on the 1st or 2nd floor, there is always the outdoor sitting area.  But, I think this is mostly the smoking area.  On a good day, it's a great place to just sit out and people watch down onto the street.

6.  Like a lot of the Starbucks' around Hong Kong, this one has the full bakery of the most delicious pastries, cakes, and breads.

7.  The best part of visiting this cafe is the huge mahjong piece of artwork that greets you at the front door.