Blue Bottle Coffee finally Landed on Hong Kong in Pandemic Era

HK Blue Bottle Coffee finally Landed on HK in Pandemic Era

Posted in Blog, F&B News Hong Kong on April 28, 2020 by Lilian Leave a Comment

HK Blue Bottle Coffee delayed opening schedule due to Coronavirus outbreak, and finally opens the first store in Central of Hong Kong.

HK Blue Bottle Coffee confirmed a shop space in Central of Hong Kong late last year. However, its original opening schedule was disrupted after the outbreak of Coronavirus across the globe.

Finally, we are glad that this US high-end coffee chain is opening the first Hong Kong store tomorrow. Indeed, many coffee lovers are longing for this date to come!

Actually, we have a number of individual coffee brands Hong Kong, such as Cupping Room, Elephant Grounds, Ninety’s and Classified. These coffee shop brands in HK are not only serving coffee, but also all-day’s food.

Let’s see if Blue Bottle Coffee will create a new wave of coffee culture in Hong Kong.

HK Blue Bottle opening schedule was postponed due to Coronavirus outbreak

About Blue Bottle Coffee

In 2002, Mr. W James Freeman founded Blue Bottle Coffee in Oakland, California. At that time, his intention was to roast coffee in small batches to sell within 24 hours of roasting. Initially, it’s a coffee home-delivery service.

Soon after, Blue Bottle ceased coffee deliveries and opened a traditional coffee shop instead. Hence, Blue Bottle opened additional outlets in San Francisco and Bay Area. And then opened its first New York store in 2010.

Up to January 2020, this coffee chain operates 91 stores in various locations including California, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston and a number of cities in Japan.

Finally, Blue Bottle has landed on Hong Kong in 2020 – a Pandemic era. As we know, its first HK store opening was originally scheduled in January. Unfortunately, the date has to be postponed due to the Pandemic.

In recent days, the infected cases in Hong Kong have dropped to single-digit or even zero. Perhaps it’s the best time for the store opening.

Under Armour was there before Blue Bottle

About the First HK Shop Location

Where is the first shop location of Blue Bottle Coffee in Hong Kong? It’s on Lyndhurst Terrace (擺花街) in Central of Hong Kong. Just next to the Soho Escalator.

Apparently, Lyndhurst Terrace is a short street linking Hollywood Road and Wellington Street. As witnessed by Lacrucci, the street has drastically changed along the time. But its character and vibrance around still remains.

Back to mid-19th century, Lyndhurst Terrace was once the location of brothels. Many flower stalls were in Lyndhurst Terrace, due to the custom that customers bought flowers before visiting the brothels.

The Chinese street name of 擺花 means “flower arrangement”, which refers to the flower installs on the street.

Nowadays, there is only one floral shop on Lyndhurst Terrace. The street was once the haven of cosy fashion stores. But now more restaurants and cafes have already landed on Lyndhurst Terrace. Just to say a few – Lee Ho Mei, TokyoLima and Sing Kee.

Also, the famous egg tart shop, Tai Cheong Bakery, is on Lyndhurst Terrace, where is a popular spot for tourists too.

Lyndhurst Terrace in Central is a haven of HK restaurants and cafes

Does HK Blue Bottle Coffee have Food?

Like other stores of Blue Bottle Coffee, light refreshments are served apart from drinks. As the store in Hong Kong has 2 storeys, so the upstairs floor can provide a comfortable seating area overlooking the Soho Escalator.

However, we don’t expect that Blue Bottle Coffee will provide a wide range of food menus. Its focus is still the originality and high quality of coffee!