A Contemporary Tea Bar Celebrating Traditional Tea Culture
In Hong Kong’s Shek Tong Tsui, newly opened Plantation Tea Bar is a modern homage to the art of tea appreciation
Tucked away on a quiet alley in Hong Kong’s Shek Tong Tsui, Plantation Tea Bar is local entrepreneur Nana Chan’s latest project. Over a year after closing Teakha, the much-loved cafe she helmed for a decade, Chan has come back with a more sophisticated space celebrating tea culture and appreciation.
Designed by Chan herself, the space elicits a serene and intimate aura. ‘I was very much inspired by the design of Japanese teahouses by Shinichiro Ogata, whose contemporary designs are anchored in production techniques inherited from traditional crafts,’ she explains. ‘I also drew inspiration from traditional Chinese designs in tea culture to create a space that feels timely and most importantly, welcoming.’
On entering the longitudinal space, a dark quartz reception counter and rustic wooden shelves displaying large circular tea boxes welcome guests, setting the theme of the venue. Beyond, anchoring the centre of the space, a monolithic 12-seat tasting counter also in quartz is paired with elegant wooden chairs; here, guests can enjoy a monthly-changing tea tasting journey led by in-house tea masters. Behind the counter, in addition to the shelves, delicate curtains partly conceal a small kitchen area, bringing depth with a subtle sense of privacy.
At the end of the space, a tatami area arranged on a raised stone floor beneath large French windows overlooks a balcony and the surrounding leafy neighbourhood. A table made from recycled wooden doors and circular straw floor pillows layered on an antique rug form a cosy sitting nook. Here and there, minimal arrangements of plants overflow from glass and ceramic vases. ‘I wanted the space to feel cosy and welcoming for people to slow down and feel relaxed, which is why elements like the antique rug and plants were important,’ says Chan. ‘My designs have always been a mixture of different styles and elements, reflecting my personal background and journey. For Plantation Tea Bar, I wanted to bring that element of raw Asian elegance, but didn’t want the space to feel too zen or bare’.
Gracefully suspended above the space, rattan pendant lights bring lightness and ease, balancing the earthy terrazzo flooring and teal walls. A large mirror simply laid against a wall reflects natural light and visually expands the space. Completing the experience, delicate ceramic and glass teaware taking cues from Song and Tang dynasty dining culture were handpicked to pair with each tea course, a testament to Chan’s meticulous vision.
Text by Nina Milhaud
Images courtesy of Plantation Tea Bar
