DINING

Need a break?

Nicole Slater relaxes into the new year with these CBD cafes

Known for its anxiety reducing and sleep inducing benefits, CBD has quickly become a trend in the city since it was legalised early last year. With cafes, restaurants and even beauty products containing the cannabidiol popping up across the city. Whether you’re dabbling into the world of CBD or fully versed on its health benefits, here’s where to get a fix of the good stuff.

Bejuiced

Inspired by the methodology and health benefits of a pressed juice diet, BE-JUICED believes in natural body detoxification and restoration. Since June, the juice bar has been serving up a range of organic CBD-infused cold-pressed juices, smoothies and even acai bowls. Customise your order by adding in 10 or 20mg of the compound supplied by Life CBD.

bejuiced-hk.com

Elephant Grounds

The popular coffee shop chain is giving customers the option to add Life CBD to their brews at four of its selected locations, including its new flagship store in Sheung Wan with a full range of CBD offerings. Unlike many CBD oils, Life CBD is formulated to be water-soluble, so you don’t have to worry about sipping on greasy droplets in your drink. elephantgrounds.com

Elephant Grounds

Elixir

Trendy neighbourhood café Elixir hopped on the CBD trend early last year. With a mission to cure modern ailments through coffee therapy, the shop gives customers the option to stir in CBD oil supplied by Cubed CBD at no additional cost. Elixir also offers cold brew coffee bags with 300mg CBD drops, for a refreshing boost.

Found

As Hong Kong’s first CBD dedicated café, Found offers customers CBD-infused beverages, food and products including chocolate bars, powers and oils. The cafe recently collaborated with Lane Crawford on a pop-up store so look out for them around town again this year. found.hk based cafe Matchali, offers a range of matcha based hot and cold beverages along with speciality coffees including the pink and blue latte. Matchali also has a range of CBDinfused matcha drinks in the form of Reset Bioscience cannabidiol. matchali.com

Winstons Coffee

Founded by three men from England, Winstons Coffee ticks all the boxes, killer coffee, a friendly environment and people who care. After months of researching and formulating the perfect recipe, Winstons Coffee launched its own CBD cold brew last year and has since branched out to lattes and hot coffees. winstonscoffee.com

Dining news

The House of Aperitivo

As it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Italian restaurant 208 Duecento Otto has unveiled a new and improved menu, featuring fresh Italian ingredients and signature drinks including a Duecentotto Spritz and the Negroni-

Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel pops up in IFC Mall

Following its huge success internationally, Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel opened a pop-up store in IFC. You can purchase one of its signature viennoiserie, croissants and secret new creations to be released weekly. If that isn’t enough for you, the first 10 customers each day will receive free goodies. dangwenli.com like Balsiamo. Upstairs, the revamped menu includes homemade pastas, miniature meatballs made from Australian Wagyu beef and raw Italian red prawns paired with a lusciously creamy burrata cheese imported from Andria.

208.com.hk Baked opens second shop on Elgin Street

After the success of Baked this year, executive chef Zahir Mohamed has opened a second restaurant on Elgin Street. Called Acme, the new offering will serve up Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast and lunch. With an open plan kitchen and bar, the restaurant uses coal to cook authentic Arabic cuisine. acmeplease.com

Pazta opens in Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun welcomed a new Italian restaurant Pazta, last month. The restaurant offers over ten pastas and main courses, ranging from the regions of Tuscany, Bologna, Rome and more. With the iconic Italian piazzas in mind, Pazta wanted to create an open environment for guests to meet, drink and unwind after a busy day.

taikwun.hk Bread to beer

Four students from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have been brewing something special amid the pandemic, Breer. In Hong Kong, 3,600 tonnes of food is wasted every day, Noticing the huge amount of surplus bread around local bakeries, the team partnered up with local beer-maker BlackKite Brewery to transform leftover bread into craft lagers and pale ales. Along with the brews, the students have also created the Breer App. At its current stage, the app connects collection points and dispatch to make logistics more transparent. In the future, it will be used to manage bakeries, breweries and distribution partners. breer.org

Classified Rises through the pandemic

Popular Hong Kong-based restaurant group Classified has opened a new bakery, Rise by Classified. Wanting to provide customers with a more casual option, the artisanal bakery offers lighter choices for a quick but delicious breakfast or a sugar rush in the afternoon.

risebyclassified.com

Salons and the city

Nicole Slater cuts to the chase on where to get a new look this year

Along with an empty calendar and resolutions you have no intention of accomplishing, a new hairstyle is an essential part of the New Year package. From giving it the chop to a slightly less dramatic colour change, you’ll be in safe hands at these professional and friendly hair salons.

W52

A stylish and sophisticated salon located above the hustle and bustle of Wyndham Street, W52 offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with top of the range equipment and products. With a large team of professional stylists you’re guaranteed the best cut in town.

w52hair-nails.com

Essensuals by TONI&GUY

Trained in both cut and colour treatments from the internationally recognised TONI&GUY education system, Essensuals is the perfect place for a relaxed and fuss-free treatment. The salon also offers express services including cutting and dry styling for those extra busy days. essensuals.hk

Photo: Shhh

Glow Spa and Salon

Located above the busy streets of Central, Glow Spa and Salon is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. Catering to both men and women, the salon offers a variety of treatments and carefully listens to each client’s requirements to produce the perfect style. glowspa.hk

Paul Gerrard

Paul Gerrard and his international team are a firm favourite for their high-quality hair treatments, including semi and permanent colouring, straightening and conditioning. For men, Paul Gerrard also owns Selvedge Barbers, located directly across the road, the barber offers highquality cuts and wet shaves accompanied by a great selection of single malt whiskeys and Japanese beers. paulgerrard.com

Blonde Boudoir

It’s no secret that quality highlights are hard to find in Asia, Blonde Boudoir has built up a reputation for delivering high-quality, professional and precise colours and cuts. Originally from Singapore the salon expanded to Hong Kong and is now headed up by creative director Felix Beck, a master stylist and colourist with 20 years experience. blondeboudoir.sg

Love Hair

Making a conscious effort to minimise its carbon footprint, the Love Hair team place an emphasis on long-term care for your hair as well as the

environment. With natural, eco-friendly products and along with eco-friendly decor including to help you feel your zen from the moment you step inside. lovehairhk.com

Shhh

If you’re looking for a special VIP treatment, this exclusive by-appointment-only salon will set the standard for your styling needs. The talented team have worked with commercial productions, celebrities and members of royal families to build an impressive portfolio. The salon promises personable services, carefully curated products and signature treatments that will restore and maintain stronger, healthier hair. shhh94.com