Get us in your inbox

Search
The Mixing Bowl
Photograph: Courtesy The Mixing Bowl

Ignite your creative spark in Central

Boost creativity with these artistic and cultural experiences

Time Out Hong Kong in partnership with Chinachem Group
Advertising

Everyday we march through the fast-paced streets of Central, and in doing so we sometimes miss out on the beautiful things in front of us. Central District has been the epicentre of trade and finance since the British colonial era, but it also serves as a lively hub of art and cultural preservation, boasting an exceptional range of creative activities and spaces. 

Whether it is trying your hand at latte art, metalsmithing, or visiting historical landmarks, taking your time and making efforts in connection with creativity builds a different kind of capital; the kind that is good for the mind and the soul. 

Joining the heritage sites of Tai Kwun and PMQ this year was the reopening of 80-year old Central Market. With the concept of ‘Playground for All', the revitalisation project by Chinachem Group reimagines Central Market by bringing together local brands and leisure spaces, offering respite for city dwellers to slow down, explore, learn, connect, and create. 

RECOMMENDED: For more exciting experiences, explore the playful side of bustling Central

  • Things to do
  • Central

Take a trip down memory lane with one of the monthly guided tours at Central Market. Starting from Central Market, you will explore the cultural hotspots and hidden gems from Hollywood Road, to H18 CONET, to Tai Ping Shan Street. They also host photography tours where you can uncover the stories of Central's steep streets and small alleyways, led by a professional guide and photographer. For those looking to get their hands dirty, Central Market hosts always-on workshops including DIY crafting and horticulture. In partnership with Rooftop Republic, Central Market is bringing back Grow Your Future, where participants will be introduced to microgreens, how to grow them, the different types, and how to pair them with different types of food. Stay tuned for all workshop details by following the Central Market event calendar. While shopping, be sure to keep an eye out for the historical footprints of the iconic space such as the large wall clock in Legacy Hall, and the signs of the former Municipal Council hidden on the walls.

  • Art
  • Central

After a large-scale renovation by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), this 2600sq m property provides communal space for artistic creation, entertainment, art exhibitions, learning, and recreational activities. Relax in the open leisure areas, and view exhibits and even graffiti art from the Art CONET. Keep up-to-date with the latest events and activity calendar to take part in cultural activities, music performances, and workshops presented in Community CONET and Idea CONET spaces. 

  • Shopping
  • Jewellery
  • Sheung Wan

Located in design hub PMQ, Obellery is a joint venture by two local jewellery designers Hugo Yeung and Belinda Chang. This contemporary jewellery design studio combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Shop a unique selection of wearable art and handcrafted jewellery designed and handcrafted by independent artists. Obellery’s team of experts lead regular traditional metalworking workshops that will take you from raw material to a beautiful wedding band, silver ring, bangle, or other special memento. Classes are open to all levels. 

  • Restaurants
  • Soho

An ode to Australian cafe culture, NINETYs serves up specialty coffee along with hearty plates which change between day and night. Build your own "Brunch Board" ($268) at the Soho branch by selecting from a menu of proteins, vegetables and sides that are based on a thoughtful selection of seasonal ingredients, and in the evening, dig into your customised "Dinner Board". Complete your meal with free-flow wine ($150), or a selection of craft beer ($58). This location also offers coffee workshops like the art of cupping, brewing, and latte art ($480 per person), which can be reserved from Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Wine bars
  • Soho

This bar and restaurant founded by world-famous wine critic James Suckling is a hub for oenophiles and wine enthusiasts. Discover over 400 wines by the glass with an emphasis on Italian wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto regions, as well as Bordeaux wines and Port. Join the Great Wines of the World tasting and a various selection of masterclasses, each with a focused theme.

  • Art
  • Central

The saying ‘slow is smooth and smooth is fast’ is especially true for ceramic art, where a moment of inattention can lead to grave mistakes. Founded by award-winning ceramic artist Enders Wong, Touch Ceramics is dedicated to promoting Hong Kong’s ceramic artists. In addition to hosting pottery exhibitions by local and international creators, Touch Ceramics invites potters of all levels to join their workshops. The fee entitles the participant to four sessions where they can choose from Kintsugi (the Japanese art of repair), porcelain painting, or they can choose to channel their inner Demi Moore in the pottery class (of course we had to make a Ghost reference).

  • Restaurants
  • Sheung Wan
  • price 2 of 4

Yum cha is the traditional Cantonese experience of tea and dim sum. Cemented in the daily lives of Hong Kong people, teahouses have been more than just a place to eat, but a place for socialising and conversation. The traditional teahouse is slowly being replaced by more modern interpretations like Yum Cha. A contemporary Chinese restaurant that approaches dim sum with a twist, Yum Cha is known for its cartoon-like buns spilling over – ‘vomiting’– with custard. Get a group together, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the unique experience of making your own quirky dim sum in Yum Cha’s private dim sum workshop. After class, participants will sit down to an afternoon tea set that includes a selection of dim sum, including the ones made in class! To book, call 3708 8081 or email roy.fan@yumchahk.com.

  • Things to do
  • Classes and workshops
  • Sheung Wan

Learn easy home recipes to bake bread and cakes at The Mixing Bowl. During the two to three-hour class, participants will learn how to measure, mix, knead, shape, roll and cut bread and pastries, which will culminate into their very own finished creation that they can proudly take home. They even serve homemade snacks, coffee and tea during the class to ensure you don’t sneak licks from the bowl. The Mixing Bowl announces new classes monthly – ready, set, bake!

  • Art
  • Central

The beauty of taking pen to paper is a lost art in the digital age. Kalo Make Art is a studio founded by local calligrapher Kalo Chu, who specialises in stylised ​​Western dip pen calligraphy. Located in the heart of Central, the studio promotes writing culture and focuses on dip pens, brush pens, soft brushes, and watercolor calligraphy. Classes are suitable for all levels, and calligraphy tools, starter kits, greeting cards, and notepads are available for purchase at the studio. Kalo Make Art also provides writing services and private group workshops, click this link for upcoming class schedules.  

  • Art
  • Central

Cultural hub Tai Kwun hosts free daily guided tours for guests who want to learn about the rich heritage of this famous landmark. The 45-minute educational tour allows visitors to explore the historical spots within the premises. Separate guided tours can be booked for feature thematic exhibitions, where guests can dive deeper into the artists on showcase and the story behind their work. Tai Kwun offers the best heritage and arts experiences year round. This December, Tai Kwun is back with their acclaimed Circus Plays – just in time for the festive season! Visitors will be able to catch a whole programme of exhilarating circus performances, including Flotados, an outdoor circus performance featuring a gravity-defying grand piano suspended eight metres in the air, and the returning Ting-koo-ki Mad Skills Battle – featuring ​​circus performers from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising