You might not think of the UK as much of a coffee exporter, but in the former imperial colony of Hong Kong there is a little café in Wanchai that has more than the usual amount of Brit flavour. St Francis Street – aka {sfs} – is a neighbourhood hangout and lifestyle gallery, named after its location, that hopes to replicate some of the London coffee scene’s spirit, as well as introducing some tasty blends from the capital. Founders Lo Wing and Mark Chan have brought their experience of café culture back home to Hong Kong. Chan has clocked up 15 years of European living, and used his time here as the key philosophical and aesthetic ingredients in the venue; he also designed {sfs} with his architecture firm Atelier of Urban Architecture.
The compact café was reduced in size further by the addition of a porch recessed into the main shopfloor, but far from having a negative impact, the change has encouraged more interaction with passers-by. Oriented strand board has been used to make all the furniture, and display surfaces which currently hold the products of UK brand Ally Capellino. On the drinks front, speciality coffee roaster Nude Espresso and “third wave” coffee movement pioneer Climpson & Sons are supplying {sfs} with the best beans London has to offer.
