Experience Hong Kong's local artisan culture at PMQ

With so many homegrown and small, locally-based brands, PMQ is the perfect place to experience Hong Kong’s local artisan culture. The site itself was first established as The Central School in 1889, providing Western education to the public at the upper primary and secondary levels. More than half a century later, it was transformed into the Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, then finally in 2014, the complex was revitalised into what we know now as PMQ — a creative hub filled with design studios and workshops, showcasing a wide array of products, including fashion and accessories, gifts, homeware, small furniture, and other lifestyle goods.

Aside from marvelling at the restored historical building, travellers can browse through a plethora of shops to get a taste of what Hong Kong artisans are inspired by. There are also plenty of opportunities to pick up unique, handcrafted gifts for friends and family — what better way to tap into the minds of Hong Kong locals than to explore the local arts community?

Goods of Desire G.O.D. (Central)

As the ultimate gift shop, Goods of Desire is an award-winning brand that sells locally-designed, modern takes on traditional Chinese attire and Hong Kong-themed merchandise. Here you’ll find updated versions of cheongsams, cool Hong Kong graphic t-shirts, retro letterbox magnets, handbags and street signs. G.O.D. has become synonymous with Hong Kong design and represents fun, sophistication and true Hong Kong creativity.

Loom Loop

Designer couple Polly Ho and Andy Wong fell in love with traditional handmade Canton silks during a trip to Guangzhou. As a team, they create sophisticated, sustainable garments and accessories like purses and handbags that pay homage to Chinese heritage at Loom Loop.

Absolute Vintage

Absolute Vintage is a chic eyewear shop that launched in 2010 to elevate eyewear as an essential accessory to contemporary lifestyles. Focusing on iconic glasses and frames, Absolute Vintage challenges the notion of burdensome glasses by producing personalised and quality designer frames inspired by vintage aesthetics. You’ll find round frames, cat-eye frames, square frames, and more, available in bold colours, tortoiseshell, and gradients. Even if you don’t wear glasses yourself, the products here are a delight to browse.

FLOW+ Living Unit

Hoping to evoke a sensitive approach to dining culture in the city, FLOW+ Living Unit meticulously handcrafts ceramic tableware inspired by family meals and seasonal produce. Shop for limited-edition ceramic plates to bring home, and make them a centrepiece of your dining table — and your next dinner party!

Sau Lee

Contemporary clothing label Sau Lee, started by Hong Kong native Cheryl Leung, offers romantic, feminine dresses for special occasions. Combining unique East-meets-West design aesthetics, it’s a great boutique to grab a stunning, figure-hugging dress for your next celebration while supporting local fashion designers.

Sohofama

Raising awareness for healthier living, Sohofama serves up a selection of wholesome food that is free of MSG and made with locally-grown, organic produce. The menu includes a careful balance of both traditional and fusion Chinese favourites, like Yeung Chow fried rice with organic Spanish chorizo, xiao long bao with truffle filling, and hearty organic herbal soups. A great choice for big family meals.

Taste Kitchen

Taste Kitchen is a partnership between PMQ and local entrepreneur Twins Kitchen. The pop-up concept is an incubator that nurtures promising, young and creative food talents in Hong Kong, featuring a different chef and dining concept every month – the perfect excuse to drop by every time you’re in town.  Having use of such restaurant space, together with business guidance, is a unique opportunity, and past concepts like Wingman, Baked Bistro, and Roots Eatery have all gone on to flourish in the local dining scene after rave reviews during their time at Taste Kitchen.

For your mini Picassos in the making, 513 Paint Shop offers workshops where they can paint their own fabric canvases, Dyelicious gives your little ones the opportunity to learn all about tie-dyeing, while budding chefs can sign up for an international cooking class at ABC Cooking Studio. Read all about the history behind your favourite dish at Taste Library, Hong Kong’s first and only food-themed library, try your hand at designing your own bling at Loupe’s jewellery design workshops and industry seminars, or make your own organic lip balm with Bathe to Basics. For those who still have work on their mind, why not craft a leather card case at a POMCH workshop?

Throughout the year, PMQ has a jam-packed schedule filled with exhibitions by local and international designers and artists. Exhibitions such as Mademoiselle Prive Hong Kong and KAWS ALONG THE WAY have previously transformed the venue into massive interactive events. Huge annual music events like Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival and ALTN8, theme markets and green lifestyle fairs, as well as gin and whisky tasting festivals have all been held at PMQ. For an educational insight into the history behind the building, join PMQ’s guided heritage tours, and be sure to check out the PMQ calendar to find out what else is on during your visit!