Hong Kong’s vibrant coffee scene is set to converge at The Mills over two consecutive weekends in December with the inaugural Urban Brew Summit. This comprehensive festival, organized in partnership with local market curator Biugorbiumui, promises a large-scale celebration of all things coffee, complemented by music, art, and lifestyle experiences. Running from December 5-7 and again from December 12-14, the event aims to bring together industry professionals, enthusiasts, and casual consumers for a sophisticated yet fun exploration of global brew trends and local innovation.
Diverse Roasters and Culinary Delights Headline Event
The summit will feature a robust marketplace showcasing over 40 local and international vendors specializing in coffee, desserts, and lifestyle products. Featured international participants include Ghost Coffee and Plot Roasting from Tainan, alongside Japan’s Kyoto Express Coffee, offering attendees the opportunity to sample and purchase specialized beans and equipment from across Asia.
Adding to the experience, several in-house tenants at The Mills will introduce unique, limited-edition creations specifically for the festival. Highlights include Fleur’s black sesame Vienna coffee, Koko Coffee Roasters’ distinctive dirty tiramisu, and The Uniek’s light and airy cloud cappuccino. This culinary integration ensures a deep, localized flavor profile alongside global offerings.
Exclusive Workshops Offer Hands-On Coffee Mastery
For those seeking to refine their barista skills or simply appreciate the craft, the Urban Brew Summit has scheduled several engaging, hands-on workshops. A major draw is the Irish coffee tasting workshop led by Ricky Chan, the reigning Hong Kong Coffee in Good Spirit champion. This session provides participants with expert instruction on mastering the classic spiked coffee beverage.
Beyond professional tastings, attendees can sign up for practical skills sessions, such as My Little Coffee’s popular latte art workshops, offering step-by-step guidance on creating intricate foam designs. Koko Coffee Roasters will also provide exclusive roastery tours, demystifying the complex process of bean selection and roasting for those interested in the supply chain.
To maximize the festival experience, a limited-edition coffee passport is available for purchase at HK$160. This pass includes an eco-friendly tasting cup for reusable sampling, three vouchers valid for 50-80ml portions of coffee or dessert samples, and a complimentary latte art experience (valid only during the first weekend, Dec 5-7), or an alternative voucher for use at selected exclusive retailers.
Coffee Meets Fitness with Community Runs
Fusing the energy of coffee with fitness, The Mills has collaborated with the local group 777runclub to host two unique “coffee runs” during the festival weekends. On December 6, participants are invited to bring their pets for a specialized pet-friendly running event. On December 13, the run transforms into a scavenger hunt style challenge across The Mills complex. Both runs conclude with a celebratory Sunset Coffee Rave, featuring DJs spinning classic Cantopop tracks to keep the festive mood going post-exercise.
The Urban Brew Summit serves as a definitive marker for Hong Kong’s growing appreciation for specialty coffee, moving beyond mere consumption to embrace the artistry, craftsmanship, and community surrounding the beverage. The event offers a comprehensive platform for discovery, learning, and celebration, cementing The Mills’ role as a key cultural hub in the city. Further details and tickets, including the coffee passport, are available on The Mills’ official website.