Starbucks

It only took one sip to quickly realize that the drip here in HK is superior to nearly all the branches I’ve come across in the states. Prices are actually a little higher, but not by much. Beyond the standard selection, Starbucks in HK have several tea latte options including a very good iced hojicha latte.
This particular IFC branch was with an expansive seating area including a long bench much like in a library with desk lights and outlets galore. Of note, a juice bar and branch of Lady M are literally right next to this place for the health-​conscious and those with a sweet tooth.

As many of you will know, I don’t go in for the chain coffee stores, and certainly wouldn’t look to review them without good reason. However, Starbucks in the IFC Mall has to get a mention.
It is the same Starbucks as the rest of the world, so there is no point in reporting on the food or coffee, but this one in particular benefits from its location.
On the second floor of the IFC Mall, it has a large «outside» (don’t forget you are in a mall) area with a long and wide bench table. This is a great place to sit and while away the day. The semi-​armchairs are comfortable and your squishy bits will be able to stand them for a good long stint of laptop time. You will also have a great view of both the world going by, and the expat tai-​tais interviewing maids. But best of all, you can access the IFC Mall wi-​fi there, which is blazing fast, but sometimes a bit patchy.
Words of warning. There are no power points there, so if you need to charge, you will have to go into the store part, which is noisy with chatter and background music. The bench table is solid underneath, as in you can’t get your knees under it. The place gets rammed in the morning, at lunchtime, and at around 6pm, so you may be a while getting your coffee. Word of warning, none of the baristas understand the difference between «tall» and «two», so use appropriate finger gestures.
Go for the comfy seats, stay for the wi-​fi (and coffees if you have inadvertently ordered two)…