In Hong Kong’s Shek Tong Tsui, newly opened Plantation Tea Bar is a modern homage to the art of tea appreciation.Tucked away on a quiet alley in Hong Kong’s Shek Tong Tsui, Plantation Tea Bar is local entrepreneur Nana Chan’s latest project.Over a year after closing Teakha, the much-loved cafe she helmed for a decade, Chan has come back with a more sophisticated space celebrating tea culture and appreciation.

Designed by Chan herself, the space elicits a serene and intimate aura.On entering the longitudinal space, a dark quartz reception counter and rustic wooden shelves displaying large circular tea boxes welcome guests, setting the theme of the venue.Beyond, anchoring the centre of the space, a monolithic 12-seat tasting counter also in quartz is paired with elegant wooden chairs;here, guests can enjoy a monthly-changing tea tasting journey led by in-house tea masters.Behind the counter, in addition to the shelves, delicate curtains partly conceal a small kitchen area, bringing depth with a subtle sense of privacy.

At the end of the space, a tatami area arranged on a raised stone floor beneath large French windows overlooks a balcony and the surrounding leafy neighbourhood.A table made from recycled wooden doors and circular straw floor pillows layered on an antique rug form a cosy sitting nook.Here and there, minimal arrangements of plants overflow from glass and ceramic vases.

Gracefully suspended above the space, rattan pendant lights bring lightness and ease, balancing the earthy terrazzo flooring and teal walls.A large mirror simply laid against a wall reflects natural light and visually expands the space.Completing the experience, delicate ceramic and glass teaware taking cues from Song and Tang dynasty dining culture were handpicked to pair with each tea course, a testament to Chan’s meticulous vision.