Style bites

can be an overwhelming experience, especially during the sales. When the adrenalin rush that comes with getting a sought-after piece of fashion fades away, a shopper can feel exhausted. A good way to recharge the batteries is by eating something as soon as possible. Some shops have made it easy - you don't even need to leave the store.

The IFC Mall in Central features some excellent restaurants, but agnès b's flagship store La Loggia on Level 3 offers a one-shop experience. The French brand displays its collections for men and women, alongside a florist, chocolatier and fine-dining restaurant, Le Pain Grillé.

"Agnès is a fashion designer who loves a lot of different things such as food, flowers and chocolate. We're really trying to share that kind of spirit, and the French lifestyle, with our customers in Hong Kong," says Peter Leong, assistant general manager of agnès b. in Hong Kong.

"If you look at the interior of the restaurant, it's very traditional French, but with a chic aspect to it. We try to make it as welcoming as possible. We hired Andre Fu, who designed the Upper House [hotel in Admiralty], to help design the shop. He has added some Moroccan elements to his design because Morocco is one of the places that Agnès loves to visit."

Le Pain Grillé serves modern French food, with popular treats that include bouillabaisse and French bouchot mussels in white wine. Outside the restaurant is a cosy area resembling a French courtyard, complete with benches and small tables. This is great for a quick drink to go with a cake or a tart.

The Le Pain Grillé in Kowloon Tong's Festival Walk has lower prices, and a menu that features more pasta and shared dishes. The ambience suits the style of the Sport b. store it sits inside.