It's summer time, and you don't want to be stuck at home. It would be far more fun to meet your friends at a cool cafe, where you can chill out. But where to go if you don't want to hit the usual chains?
Don't worry - help is at hand! We've found six different cafes that are all worth visiting. Whether you're a coffee addict or dessert devotee, one of these places is sure to make you happy.
1) A traveller's delight
The Alchemist Cafe Bistro
The name itself suggests magic. This travel-themed coffee shop offers a cosy haven in a factory area. On the walls are travel books, flags and lots of other things to inspire you to travel abroad. Seats are quite hard to find as it's popular.
Address: G/F-1/F, Sea Panorama Court, 561Fuk Wa Street, Cheung Sha Wan
Tel: 2741 9681
Do try: the mango yogurt and hot banana chocolate, and strawberry waffle with green tea ice cream
2) Little green city oasis
Cafe Eos Club
This is like a green oasis right in the city centre, opposite Times Square. It has a lovely feel - just like sitting in a little garden. Comfy and cute, it's perfect if you like old, colonial-style cafes.
Address: 1/F, Perfect Commercial Building, 28 Sharp Street West, Causeway Bay
Tel: 3791 2833
Do try: the baked potato with cheese, apple crumble, and floral tea
3) Purr-fect for cat lovers
Cat Store
It's one of the few coffee shops where you'll find cats lying on the sofa while you're having your drink. If you want to ruffle feline fur and satisfy your stomach's needs with cat-themed snacks, this is the place.
Address: Flat D-E, 3/F, Po Ming Building, Fu Ming Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2710 9953
Do try: the chocolate cat (chocolate with marshmallows) and cheese cat (ham rolls with shrimp and cheese)
4) Tiny spot for cosy chats
St Francis St
This tiny cafe and lifestyle gallery covers only 100 square feet. It's a cosy, warm place for chatting with special friends over a cup of coffee. It offers coffee-making classes and workshops, and also sells stylish coffee equipment, bags and leather goods. It's not a good choice for those who want to stretch out, but a nice place for a lazy afternoon.
Address: Shop B2, 9 St Francis Street, Wan Chai
Tel: 2527 7898
Do try: the croque monsieur (a ham and cheese grilled sandwich) and iced coffee
5) Garden feel with a buzz
The Petit Cafe
This place, with floor to ceiling windows and outdoor seating, has the feel of a flowery garden, and is creating a real buzz in busy Admiralty. It's a European-style deli-cafe that does Mediterranean salads and sandwiches. Its desserts and pastries make it a paradise for people with a sweet-tooth. But be warned: it's often crowded, so you might have a hard time finding a seat.
Address: Shop 407, 4/F, Pacific Place, 88Queensway, Admiralty
Tel: 2918 9293
Do try: the strawberry Danish pastry, chocolate croissant and a latte
6 Especially for coffee fans
Knockbox Coffee Company
Walking into the shop, you are immediately welcomed by the strong smell of coffee. If you are not a big coffee fan, and would prefer a place that serves good food, then this is not the choice for you. But if you're sick of all the multinational coffee chains and want to try a local place serving the tasty beverage, then this place is worth exploring.
Address: G/F, 21 Hak Po Street, Mong Kok
Tel: 2781 0363
Do try: a cup of hand-crafted speciality coffee