Specialty coffee roaster adds all-day cafe dining at new Star Street branch
October 28th, 2016
Founded in 2013 by two Hong Kong entrepreneurs as a specialist coffee roaster, Elephant Grounds has grown to include coffee shops at 4 locations across Hong Kong. As an independent coffee roaster and cafe group, Elephant Grounds source their single origin coffee beans from small farm producers across a diversity of global locations including Sumatra, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, and Brazil. Initially focused solely as specialty coffee shops, the May opening of their latest outlet in the hip Star Street neighbourhood of Wanchai, introduced an all-day dining concept to the Elephant Grounds coffee experience. A prime corner location adjacent to the Three Pacific Place office tower attracts a diverse clientele with its offerings of early morning takeaway coffee – breakfast – lunch – and after work drinks and dining.
Design Taking advantage of the street level corner location, large metal framed windows across both sides of the facade open the interior space out to the pavement- with timber window benches providing both interior and external seating options. Both the facade and interior feature extensive timber planking that exudes a rustic-chic aesthetic – together with a warm and comfortable environment for casual dining.
Coffee First and foremost a specialty coffee roaster, Elephant Grounds serve their Signature Blend as espresso, while single original beans are brewed through customized drip stations, pour over, and AeroPress techniques. Friendly baristas advise on bean selections making the specialty coffee experience accessible to a broad clientele. Popular specialty coffees include Smoked Milk Affogato; French Vanilla; and Salted Caramel.
All-day dining At the new Star Street cafe, all-day dining has been introduced offering simple but well-executed bistro fare – uplifted with Asian culinary influences and attractive presentation. House-baked breads and pastries are available all day, with separate menus served for breakfast, weekend brunch and all-day a la carte. Highlight dishes from the a la carte menu include the Tuna Poke; Avocado Toast; Miso Black Cod and Torched Salmon Donburi. Popular desserts include ice cream sandwiches made from uniquely flavoured (including Earl Grey Cookies, Japanese Taro, Salted Caramel) house-made ice cream.
A concise list of craft bottled beers, Sapporo and Suntory draft beers, and Japanese whisky – plus wines and champagne and signature cocktails, soft drinks and gourmet teas provide refreshing accompaniments to the bistro cuisine.
Elephant Grounds Star Street is open on weekdays from 8am, serving breakfast until 11am, bakery all day, and the a la carte menu from 11:30am. A selection of sharing dishes are available after 4pm, and weekend brunches – served from 9am – are always popular.
Elephant Grounds design
Elephant Grounds all-day dining
(images courtesy Elephant Grounds)
