Hong Kong’s Starbucks opened its second concept store – a Movie Themed Starbucks in the vibrant Mongkok district (Sai Yee Street) in March 2012. After the huge success of the Hong Kong style “Bing Sutt” Café in Central, Hong Kong’s Starbucks teamed up with the designer and local lifestyle brand GoD (Goods of Desire), the artist Stanley Wong Ping-pui (aka Anothermountainman) as well as the Hong Kong Film Archive to create another Starbucks concept store with an unique atmosphere. Compared with the other Hong Kong’s Character Themed Restaurants, it’s a very special place to take a short break and enjoy the illusion of time traveling.

Why A Movie Themed Café in Mongkok ?

Similar to Starbucks first “Bing Sutt” concept store in Hong Kong, this Movie Themed Starbucks focuses on Hong Kong’s local culture, arts and people. Since Hong Kong is known as the Hollywood of the East, movies have been playing (and still are) a crucial part of Hong Kong’s everyday life. You must have heard of famous actors such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li or even cartoon character McDull, which are closely tied with Hong Kong.

Mongkok represents the real local life style of Hong Kong. The cultural characteristics of Mongkok have been used and featured in many national and international blockbuster movies and reflect a certain part of Hong Kong’s culture. If Starbucks planed to create a themed café focusing around old Hong Kong and its fame of being the Hollywood of the East, there’s no better option than Mongkok.

More to Know :
Whatelse can you see and do in Mongkok ?

Movie Themed Starbucks – More Than Just Starbucks

This Movie Themed Starbucks is located on the 1st and 2nd floors. A narrow staircase from ground floor leads you up to it’s 1st-floor entrance.

Entrance of Movie Themed Starbucks

Entrance of Movie Themed Starbucks

While climbing up the stairs, you will notice many calligraphy graffiti’s painted in black and white. These graffiti’s reminded me quite a bit of Tsang Tsou Choi (曾灶財) who is better known as the “King of Kowloon”. He passed away in 2007 and his ink writings are protected by government as part of Hong Kong’s memory and treasure.

Graffiti on Stairs of Movie Themed Starbucks

Graffiti on Stairs in the entrance of Movie Themed Starbucks

For all of you who are interested in Hong Kong’s culture, there are still some of Tsang Tsou Choi’s art works left throughout Hong Kong. The most convenient and accessible one is a pillar close to Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminal. I’m not quite sure if Starbucks used him as an inspiration but it definitely adds local atmosphere, culture and history to this Starbucks concept store.

Tsang Tsou Choi's Graffiti in TST

Tsang Tsou Choi’s Graffiti in TST

Once you reach the entrance of this Movie Themed Starbucks on the first floor, you will spot a wall completely made of mahjong tiles with Chinese characters meaning “Good Movie at Upstairs”. It is standing right next to the gate.

Mahjong Tiles of Movie Themed Starbucks

Mahjong Tiles Written with “Good Movie at Upstairs”

When you see the counter and cashier and feel this place is not much different with a standard Starbucks, don’t jump to the conclusion so quickly. Look down on the floor. It has beautiful retro style tiles popular during 1960s of Hong Kong.

Starbucks Counter and Cashier of Movie Themed Starbucks

Starbucks Counter and Cashier

Then turn left or visit upstairs. You will be surprised how spacious this coffee store is. Currently, it is one of the biggest Starbucks in Hong Kong featuring over 6,000 square feet to chill-out, enjoy a latte-macchiato or the interior settings with a vintage touch and design.

The whole store features vintage elements. Coffee lovers can enjoy one of their favorite Starbucks drinks in comfy movie chairs or chat with friends at a special designed coffee table made of film reels.

Movie Theater Style Chairs of Movie Themed Starbucks

Movie Theater Style Chairs

Movie Theater Style Chairs of Movie Themed Starbucks

Movie Theater Style Chairs

A Corner of of Movie Themed Starbucks

A Corner of Starbucks

One side of the walls is built with bronze material and recreated the condensed residential buildings in Hong Kong’s past. If you have a chance to visit Kowloon Walled City Park, there is a model of the disappeared Kowloon Walled City similar to this wall in movie themed Starbucks.

A Corner of of Movie Themed Starbucks

Wall with Condensed Residential Building

The walls are covered and decorated by old movie posters, Bing Sutt style menu, road signs, movie lists of mini theatre, contemporary art, red-satin movie style curtains, flyers and photos showcasing Hong Kong’s everyday life.

Walls in Movie Themed Starbucks

Walls in Starbucks

Walls in Movie Themed Starbucks

Walls in Starbucks

Walls in Movie Themed Starbucks

Walls in Starbucks

Walls in Movie Themed Starbucks

Walls in Starbucks

Walls in Movie Themed Starbucks

Walls in Starbucks

Walls in Movie Themed Starbucks

Walls in Starbucks

On the second floor, there is an old weighing machine which some of you may remember from your childhood.

A Corner of Movie Themed Starbucks

A Corner of Starbucks with Weighing Machine

Highlighting the visual arts in this special designed Starbucks restaurant, you won’t be surprised to find a mini theatre as an essential element for the Sai Yee Street Starbucks. Starbucks partnered with the Hong Kong Film Archive for the first time. Hence, there are plans to show local movies as well as movie seminars, talks and movie exhibitions to facilitate cultural exchange.

A Corner of Movie Themed Starbucks

Notice of Recent Film Related Events in Hong Kong

A Corner of Movie Themed Starbucks

Films Introduction

Food and Drink Options of Movie Themed Starbucks

For the options of food and drinks, this Starbucks is very similar with others. Coffee and light menu (bread, cake, salad, etc.) are offered. Starbucks limited souvenirs are also available here. So are you ready to enjoy some movie action, lights, camera combined with a nice poured cup of coffee?

box-info2 Secrets for You

  • “Needless to say that this Starbucks Concept Store in Mongkok immediately became popular not only due to its unique movie and vintage theme, but also due to its long operating hours. Especially, after school hours this Starbucks is packed with young people studying, chatting and enjoying a cup of coffee in a unique atmosphere.”

  • “If you enjoy this vintage style Starbucks, do check out the Bing Sutt Style Themed Starbucks in Central.”

  • “If you plan to visit some street markets in Mongkok such as Ladies Market, Sneakers Street or do some shopping in Langham Place, why not drop by this special Starbucks which is only minutes aways from those itineraries.”

  • “For those movie lovers, you may also consider to take a look for the latest attractions “Starry Gallery” and “Garden of Stars” which are focusing on introducing Hong Kong’s movie history and culture.”

box-info2 General Info and Details

 1/F & 2/F, Wai Kee House, 91 Sai Yee Street, Mongkok
  8:00am – 12:00am (Sun-Thu) / 8:00am – 1:00am (Fri & Sat)
 +(852) 2789 9082
 HK$ 35 – HK$ 80 /person
 http://www.starbucks.com.hk/

How to get to the Vintage Movie Themed Starbucks ?

  By Subway: The most convenient way is to take the MTR to Mongkok station and exit from Exit D2; Or take the east railway to Mongkok East station and exit from Exit B.

Themed Restaurants in Hong Kong

Share This Story to :