Step back in time when you step into Duddell Street Starbucks.
Duddell Street Starbucks in Central, Hong Kong is the World’s first-ever Starbucks store to incorporate a BING SUTT (冰室) corner - fusing together a nostalgic retro style with a contemporary coffeehouse design. Partnering Hong Kong lifestyle brand G.O.D., the corner of the Duddell Street Starbucks was transformed into a “BING SUTT” with decorations and traits to blend the Hong Kong style from the ‘50s through the ‘70s with today’s sensibilities.
When I first read about Duddell Street Starbucks online, I knew I had to check it out in person the next time I visit Hong Kong and true enough, I did during my trip to Hong Kong last November.
When you first enter Starbucks Duddell Street, you would probably think that it doesn't differ much from the usual Starbucks but just continue to walk further in and you will be greeted by the Bing Sutt corner.
The Story of Bing Sutt corner
Text from the picture above:
The bing sutt has long been remembered as a place where people can go to feel connected to each other and the community. Although it literally means "ice room", it was actually the coffeehouse of the old days, where people could take a break and enjoy coffee, tea, iced beverages or trendy Western treats such as soda pop and ice-cream. And like many of the best designs, the bing sutt was a fusion of styles and cultures, in this case Eastern traditions and Western modernization.
This location was chosen for revisiting the concept of the bing sutt because of its relationship with the arts community. It is a place to feel inspired, creative and connected to each other through the simple goodness of a favorite drink and the easygoing feel of a comfortable neighborhood spot. Indeed, the atmosphere of the bing sutt is just like the beverages served there - timeless, welcoming and uplifting.
We were there at about 3.30pm on a Friday and were surrounded by 2-3 group of locals as well as foreign expats having a business discussion. The fact that it wasn't too noisy makes it a perfect place to chill.
We were there for a good 1.5 hours just people looking and watching time pass by.
Retro furniture
I really like how much thought was put into designing the interior to recreate the look of a coffeehouse in the olden days, particularly the retro wall menu, retro wall posters, retro signage and retro furniture.
If you have an eye for detail, you probably spot the bird cages hanging from the ceiling. If you are familiar with Hong Kong dramas, elderly men love to gather in a park to feed and preen their feathered friends in exchange for sweet songs.
To set the nostalgia mood right, Starbucks Duddell Street has special local delights such as Rustic Bun with Thick-Cut Butter, Red Bean Clay Pot Pudding, Egg Tart and Coffee Paper Cake for sale which are not available in other Starbucks outlets.
Drinks-wise, it was the typical Starbucks fare so we settled for a Hot Caramel Latte, Rustic Bun with Thick-Cut Butter, also affectionally known as Polo Bun and a Red Bean Clay Pot Pudding.
Rustic Bun with Thick-Cut Butter 厚切牛油菠蘿包, HKD 13
Red Bean Clay Pot Pudding 紅豆砵仔糕, HKD 10
If you have some time to spare, I say Starbucks Duddell Street is a must-visit cafe in Hong Kong be it grabbing a cup of coffee and some Hong Kong snacks and chill, a photoshoot session or even to get some inspiration to overcome that writer's block which happens to me rather often when I work on several articles at a go.
Getting to Starbucks Duddell Street
Directions:
1) Head southeast on Des Voeux Road Central towards Pedder Street
2) Turn right into Ice House Street
3) Turn right into Queen's Road Central
4) Turn left into Duddell Street
Starbucks Duddell Street was probably one of the hardest place to find during our trip last year. As we had dim sum in Sheung Wan, we tried walking from Sheung Wan. Along the way, we asked two Caucasians, two locals and even a shop owner as well as the receptionist in an office building but no one seemed to know about Duddell Street, let alone know how to get there. Just as we were about to give up as we were really exhausted by the excessive amount of walking, I caught a glimpse of Duddell Street signboard!
Starbucks Duddell StreetShop M2, Mezzanine Floor, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, CentralTel: 25235685
Nearest MTR station: Central Station, Exit D1(approximately 6-10 minutes walk)
Opening hours: 07:00 - 21:00 (Mon to Fri) 08:00 - 22:00 (Sat) 09:00 - 20:00 (Sun)
Free Wi-Fi available
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