The Alchemist Cafe

Poised at a natural tension of eras. Designed by Minus Workshop, The Alchemist (a local bistro chain)’s newly-opened bistro is a contemporary and eclectic reimagining of the quintessential neighborhood social hub. Nestled near the busy passage exit that connects Telford Plaza to the industrial area of Kowloon Bay. Inspired by one of the brand’s persistence rituals (a postal service to future for their customers) which triggered Kevin to recall on a memory of his travel in New Zealand, wandered to a homely cafe that found in a post office relic where owners would store homemade preserved pickles and confronted by an old dumbwaiter which used to serve heavy sacks of mail. This old built new relic concept sprawling and set across a series of distinctive zones, The Alchemist embodies both the unexpected while bringing in the warmth and nostalgia of Hong Kong neighborhood. At once intimate and casual, eccentric, and whimsy filled, convivial and experimental, the deeply imaginative space from the famous novel of the same name “the Alchemist” is reminiscent of a great childhood that’s evolved over time, designed to create an experience of wonder and subtle awe.

Guests are greeted by an interesting arrival statement, where a transparent full-height window with a hand-printed signage laminated by an iconic floor lamp of Fortuny Moda from Pallucco starts this journey, allows a sense of curiosity and glimpse at the dining rooms that beckon behind, instilling intrigue at what’s to come. Through a motif screen partition, guests step into the voluminous dining hall with vaulted window statements and dramatical wavey chandelier — an immediate exemplification of the ever-present sophisticated exile that permeates The Alchemist. With an energetic and vibrant open kitchen at the deep back paired with the guidance of playful green bushes, an atmosphere of excitement and energy is immediately brood. Innovative and surprising, the entirety of the lively kitchen is on display — from the finishing touches on plates to the extra deep marble made serve table— evoking the abundant spirit of hospitality and the feel of being hosted in an elevated and welcoming homely bistro .

Moving into the library section, paired with the Gioielli wall sconces that envelop the bookshelf, which marks a checkpoint to the preserved book crossing culture from the brand, grandeur bookcase and plaid mirror ceiling is softened and lightened by the book rows. Intrigue details await discovery across, from commissioned wood stacks panel embedded in the vaulted column that appear as art piece from a distance, to the firefly inspired light fixture sequences, reminiscent of plots inside the novel.

A forest green hued corner space with a wrap-around mirror and moss picturescape leads to the energetic bar corner, bringing in the quality of a lush conservatory. Here, the atmospheric extra dimmed, the elongated semi hexagonal bar is an artful focal point, while at the same time, the fluting on the bar’s exterior is a nod to the owner’s eagerness to create a “morning coffee/evening wine” kind of belief. A renewing departure from the expected restaurant layout, a separated bar space creates two distinct yet unified spaces for guests to explore and experience.

The Alchemist is a world unto itself, awaiting discovery. The entirety of the furniture and lighting is custom designed by Minus Workshop, further establishing it as a space truly without parallel. Kevin’s interiors often reference deeper inspiration from art, travel, and imagination, and The Alchemist proves no exception. At the heart of the project is a duality of an immersive, old build new-inspired experimentation, contrasted with the fantasy and conviviality of a novel. Unexpectedly playful and thoroughly redefining, Kevin’s take on the timeless sophistication of this Hong Kong bistro inspires guests to experience at once the joy of discovery and the effortless comfort of chitchat hub.

Design: Minus Workshop
Photography: Steven Ko Interior Photography