By Arthur Tam
Lately, we’re seeing more creative activities cropping up around Taikoo Place, led by the property's community engagement programmes under the umbrella of PROJECT AFTER 6. On top of that, there are also loads of fun activities in the Eastern District that you can enjoy after work to alleviate the stresses associated with the daily grind. Here are our top picks.
Ming Cha
Coffee or Tea? If you love the calming effect of a hot cup of tea, Ming Cha is a definite must try. The charming shop is lined with displays of delicate teaware and a range of artisanal Chinese teas that will enliven your senses. Arrange for a Tea Tasting Workshop ($380pp) and learn about the origin, brewing process and taste of different tea blends. Tack on a bit more money and you can also experience the Tea Pairing Workshops that comes in three food categories: ham ($480pp, Chinese and Spanish varieties), cakes ($480pp) and chocolate ($400pp). Ming Cha offers workshops to small groups of intimate friends and colleagues, but can also accommodate large corporate events. Simply visit their website to find out more and book. 12/F, Flat D, Wah Ha Factory Building, 8 Shipyard Lane, tel: 2520 2116; Email: customer@mingcha.com.hk
Ravishing Coffee Solutions
If you're not into tea, but you're a connoisseur of coffee, Ravishing Coffee Solutions has you covered. Choose from four different types of coffee workshops ($280pp, 1.5-2.5 hours depending on size) that teach techniques related to a french press, Aeropress, pour-over and siphon. After you’re done with class, savour your brew made with Dimattina beans from Melbourne. If you want to practise at home but don’t have some of the equipment, Ravishing is ready to sell you what you need. Also, Ravishing Coffee Solutions is also no stranger to Taikoo Place. They often host team building events for companies. Unit 405A, Eastern Centre, 1065 King's Road, Quarry Bay, tel: 3705 9651; ravishingcoffee.com
Printer and Co.
The objective of Printer and Co. is to use calligraphy to combat stress and the desensitisation brought on by the use of technology. To owner and instructor Kaye Shu, practising different strokes and brushes is a path towards pursuing a holistic sense of well-being – similar to the philosophy behind Chinese calligraphy. Practise copperplate calligraphy, modern calligraphy, brush lettering or watercolour lettering. All you have to do is book a class online. And if you’re looking for cool stationary, Printer and Co. sells their own handcrafted notecards, journals, gift-tag and paper for arts and crafts. Unit 4, 12/F, 18 King Wah Road, North Point; printerandco.com
Sasuke Fitness
You may have already mastered the skills with those weights and treadmill and everyday gym. If you’re a fan of the Spartan Race or Ninja Warrior, Sasuke Fitness (named after the popular Japanese TV show) has its own custom-made obstacle course that will keep you engaged with its variety of strength and endurance challenges. It's definitely an upgrade from the regular curls with free weights. At Sasuke Fitness, you will feel your whole body and core engaged when you're going through the courses that require you to leap, grapple, cling and swing. The dynamic programme will give you that beach perfect body in no time. Unit 1505, Eastern Centre, 1065 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, tel: 3691 8321; facebook.com/sasukefitness
Tung Yao Ceramics
Tung Yao Ceramics is a platform that’s trying to revitalise the art of ceramics through workshops and educational trips to Jingdezhen, the ceramic heartland of the Jiangxi Province. Tung Yao’s main studio is in Sheung Wan, but recently they’ve opened a new outpost in eslite Spectrum in Taikoo Shing, offering a range of beginner to advanced classes in English and Cantonese. Learn how to mould, throw and glaze at their one-off classes or purchase a package to delve deeper into ceramics. Go with a group of friends and co-workers, or bring a date to re-enact the iconic potter’s wheel scene from Ghost. All you have to do is call and make a booking. Check their website for a full list of prices and classes available. Shop G007, eslite spectrum G/F, Cityplaza, tel: 3419 1132, tungyaoceramics.com
Hot Rock Yoga
Take yoga to the next level at Leewai Beauty. Here you can take a relaxing hot rock yoga session ($200) in a room with a heated floor made out of mineral rocks, natural rocks, rock salt. The heat generated helps you to sweat more, release more toxins and burn fat. During the class, the instructor will also use a gong and a tuning fork to bathe you in sounds as a way to awaken your spirituality. Take this moment as a time for relaxation and reflection. To book a class, just WhatsApp 9169 7671. 1201, 12/F, Westland Centre, Westland Rd; facebook.com/ChrisLeewaiBeauty
Looking for more fun activities? Check out our story here on the best outdoor activities in the Eastern District.