Independent cafes unite to give coffee lovers an alternative to chain-stores
Event to promote coffee culture draws crowd eager to support a new union of local brewers
The city's first union for both coffee shop owners and baristas showed off local brewing skills in Central yesterday, offering coffee lovers an alternative to the big brands so visible in Hong Kong.
Cups of handmade coffee - both drip-brewed and siphoned - were made fresh to order on the street. Even the rain failed to dampen the lively mood as aficionados queued up for their cups.
"I am actually not against chain-store coffee shops. They play a part in making coffee a part of daily life and local culture," said Felix Wong Kim-fei, owner of Cafe Corridor in Causeway Bay.
Considered a veteran in the local speciality coffee scene, Wong, 40, has been brewing coffee since 2001 and now roasts his own beans.
Chester Tam Fu-to, the owner of Pregio in Quarry Bay, said chain stores were not affecting his business.
"What we serve is very different," the 37-year-old said. "Taste is very subjective and customers should have the opportunity to compare and choose."