Opened late last year, R&C Design Library is the kind of creative space that Hong Kong needs more of. Although difficult to define - the venue is part coffee shop, part design office, part library and part gallery - its mixture of elements somehow coalesces to form the perfect workspace.

The brainchild of local designers Rosita Wan and Corey Chow (the "R" and "C" in R&C), the 100-square-metre venue functions as what they call a "social office" - a working space also open to the general public. 

While R&C's concept is by no means novel, what is unique is the level of creative inspiration it evokes. Stacks of thought-provoking design, fashion and photography publications line the shelves, tiny creative knick-knacks fill the retail area and the occasional art installation often finds its way into the main seating zone.

The neoclassical decor adds to the aura with its creative raw and rustic vibe, as do the mess of furnishings, distinctive chairs, idiosyncratic designer ornaments and vintage desk lamps.

A creative playground of sorts, R&C is a choice locale for nurturing ideas but is also great for an informal meeting or a bit of writing. In a city where design has become a commercial multimillion-dollar industry, it's refreshing to come across a down-to-earth, grassroots venue.

Address Flat A, 1/F, Sun Ying Mansion, 43-49 King’s Road
Telephone 2570 8880