On The Hill Coffee Bar: A Cafe In Hong Kong Housed In A Former Prison With Cells To Dine In

On The Hill Coffee Bar in Hong Kong

It is no secret that Singaporeans love visiting cafes, all the more so if they have unique themes and vibes. But if you’re looking for a change of scenery from the usual glass house cafes or colour-themed cafes, check out On The Hill Coffee Bar, a prison-themed cafe, the next time you’re in Hong Kong.

The current exchange rate is HKD1=~S$0.17 as of 30th August 2024.

What you need to know before visiting On The Hill Coffee Bar

“Woah, the props and decorations here make it look like an actual prison,” might be your first thought upon seeing it. Well, that’s because the place was an actual prison, as part of the Former Central Police Station Compound. In 2018, it was converted into a heritage and arts centre, more popularly known as Tai Kwun in Central, Hong Kong.

The cafe is located in the E Hall block, and they’ve got 2 other outlets across Hong Kong, although those do not have the same Prison Break vibes.

It low-key feels like a museum too, with old pictures adding to the feel.
Image adapted from: @goodcoffehk, @art_assistant_moon via Instagram 

There are some text panels strewn around the place, each with tidbits of information or artefacts of the prison. It shows the long-running history of the place, from its evolution as the former Victoria Prison to a cafe today. It’s like a history textbook suddenly came to life here. Cool, huh?

Image credit: @onthehill_coffeebar via Instagram

The place is easily accessible from the city centre. Just ensure you have an Octopus card which gives you access to the public transport in Hong Kong. Take the CityBus service number 12 or 13 from “HSBC Main Building” along Queen’s Road Central, and alight after 3 stops at Tai Kwun Road. From there, it will take you just a minute to walk to the cafe.

If you’re coming from popular tourist spots like Victoria Harbour or Tsim Sha Tsui, it will take roughly 15 and 20 minutes by car, respectively, to reach the place. Those coming straight from the airport can take the MTR for 30 minutes from the Airport Train Station to Hong Kong Station, which is just a 10-minute walk to the location.

Eat & drink at the prison hallways & cells

This corridor was where the bunk beds used to be.
Image adapted from: @goodcoffeehk, @i.vy_t_2.0  via Instagram

As you enter the place, you will see a long communal corridor to your left with a bunch of benches and tables, making up 1 out of 2 seating areas in the cafe. The cold stainless steel stools, benches, and mini bar tables somewhat resemble a prison dining area, only a lot more “boujee” since it only takes in civilians now.

Image credit: @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Behind the staircase, you’ll spot the main eating area along the cell corridor. It consists of long, high tables with many stools overlooking the cells on both sides. Fun fact: the tables here are made out of reflective gradient green glass, which reflects light coming in from the outside, giving you a unique indoor yet outdoor dining feel.

The order and pick-up cells.
Image adapted from: @girl.blushy, @theexcitingsunnyrock via Instagram

As for the actual jail cells themselves, there are 3 different kinds of cells. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect:

• Order cells: This is where you will place your order for any food, drinks, alcohol, or even their coffee beans. You will find the menu, and also instructions telling you how to order via the QR code there.
• Pick up cells: Once your order is ready, you can go pick it up from the respective counter.
• Empty cells: These are the empty cells along the corridor, where you can go inside to “do the time”, or basically dine in.

Image credit: @elsa_els_el_e_foodie via Instagram

Now enough of the architecture, let’s talk about the grub here. Try the Cheesy Hot Beef Baguette (HKD68), with a complimentary cup of black coffee to boot. Wash that down with their Thai Dirty (HKD48) – espresso mixed with condensed milk, and a hint of chocolate. It will satisfy any sweet tooth out there, just like the Earl Grey Mochi Bagel (HKD40) or Midnight Madeleine (HKD36/2 pieces).

Take some “cell-fies” and send it to your blur sotong friend who’ll believe you got arrested overseas.
Image adapted from: @xxccarmennx, @kaceykcke via Instagram 

If your aim here is to get those pics for the Gram’, just enter any one of the empty prison cells. You’ll find that there are many different fun poses you can try, like the iconic hands grasping the bars pose. There are even a couple of mirrors laying around if you’d like to take a candid picture with your friends or family.

Image adapted from: @jeffllh via Instagram, On The Hill Coffee Bar

Those looking for a tipple can get their happy hour alcohol (from HKD40). Just make sure you drink responsibly so you won’t actually get incarcerated. Otherwise, you can combat the heat with a refreshing cup of orange juice (HKD40), or get a caffeine boost from any of their coffee (from HKD 35).

What other activities can I do at Tai Kwun?

Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Once done serving your gastronomic sentence, feel free to explore the rest of Tai Kwun. Spanning over 13,500sqm, there are plenty of art exhibits, performances, and activities to learn more about the heritage of the place. For one, the JC Cube, a performing arts centre, is literally right beside the cafe, if you want to catch a show afterwards.

You can stay in the know of the latest exciting happenings on the Tai Kwun website. It posts updates on all their latest events quite regularly, so it’s easier for you to input in your itinerary planner. A good place to start would be their Tai Kwun Guided Tour Programme, which is free and done in English too.

Image adapted from: Alice Ho via Google Maps, @loveramics via Instagram

There are also plenty of retail shops around for you to do some souvenir shopping. Bonart offers terrarium-making workshops to make your own mementos. On the other end, Loveramics has a variety of contemporary-designed ceramics to give your kitchen back home a facelift.

Go for an adventure at On The Hill Coffee Bar in Hong Kong

Image credit: @eatwithfeltz via Instagram 

So, now you know what to add to your list of things to do in Hong Kong. With prison cells to eat in, cool history, and good food, it will definitely make your IG travel stories have that much more bling. Plus, it’s right in the heart of a heritage centre, so you’re not short of activities to do afterwards.

If your head is always on the swivel for other cool overseas cafes, check out these cafes in JB that are closer to home. Should you be off to a place like Korea, you can go to these unique cafes in Seoul. But if you need something right here right now, take a look at these unique cafes in Singapore.

Cover image adapted from: @eatwithfeltz, @elsa_els_el_e_foodie, @xxccarmennx via Instagram