SCANNOW 城市編輯室-心度探索（Deep Dive）- 九龍城寨

店主的話

九龍城寨的創辦人 Donald，會用三個形容詞來形容他們的店舖與品牌精神：「懷舊」、「反叛」和「細緻」。

首先是「懷舊」。九龍城寨非常重視舊香港的氣味，無論是裝潢、播放的音樂，乃至餐飲菜單的設計，都希望帶出一種過去的情懷，讓顧客彷彿能穿越時空，重溫舊日香港的氛圍。

再來是「反叛」。這個詞聽起來或許有些誇張，但 Donald 解釋，他們不單單是想跟隨主流玩法，開設一間「漂亮、適合打卡的酒吧」，而是更深層地想講述一個地方的精神，傳達一種獨特的態度。

最後是「細緻」。這是因為九龍城寨的團隊成員都非常「偏執」，他們對細節的追求近乎完美，即使是一盞燈的擺放、一杯酒的呈現，甚至是一張菜單的設計，都會反覆討論、仔細推敲，在這種「偏執」中追求極致的完美。

因此，對 Donald 而言，九龍城寨不只是一間酒吧，更是一個讓顧客可以暫時逃離現實、尋得片刻寧靜的獨特空間。

品牌故事

本地創作：根植香港精神的故事

談及「本地創作」在這個城市的位置，九龍城寨的店主 Donald 認為，大家常誤以為只要是在香港製作的便是本地創作。然而，他強調，本地創作並非僅指地點，更重要的是它是否承載著香港的故事、態度或精神。無論在何處，只要具備屬於這個地方的特質，都可稱為「本地創作」。

Donald 坦言，在香港從事創作並不容易。市場規模小，資源稀缺，創作者常需與時間和成本搏鬥。但正因如此，那些仍願意堅持下去的人，都是真心熱愛這片土地。九龍城寨這個地方，便希望透過裝飾、氣氛、飲食等每一個細節，講述屬於香港的故事。他深信，生於斯、長於斯，做屬於自己地方的創作，才是最自然不過的事。

電影空間：靈感枯竭時的「再活一次」

Donald 承認，做創作做到某個階段，確實會感到疲憊，開始麻木，甚至分不清自己是在為作品好，還是僅為完成任務。當意識到這種麻木感，他便知道靈感已然枯竭，熱情也已熄滅。

通常在這些時候，他會選擇去看電影。電影是一個非常特別的空間，透過布景、鏡頭、對白、光線與節奏感等獨特元素，創造出一個能夠「走入去」的世界。Donald 會非常自然地投入到另一個世界中，就像經歷了另一段人生。在電影裡，他會觀察不同人物的生活方式、說話方式和選擇，這種「再活一次」的感覺，能打開他看世界的角度，重新感受到：「啊，原來還可以這樣講故事。」「原來這種情緒，我未曾這樣表達過。」靈感，往往就在這樣的沉浸與體悟中悄然出現。

連結與共鳴：在城寨找回人情味

九龍城寨最希望大家當下能透過他們的品牌感受到的，便是「人情味」。

Donald 解釋，選擇以「九龍城寨」為主題，是因為舊時城寨雖然地方混亂、密集、龍蛇混雜，但卻在這樣的環境中孕育出一種獨特的鄰里感和互相照應的文化。那裡沒有太多的距離感，反而多了實實在在的溫度，就像以前的屋邨，鄰居煮什麼都知道，走廊見面會打招呼。然而，如今的城市越來越快、效率越來越高，連和人說句「早安」都似乎變得尷尬，人情味彷彿越來越淡薄。

因此，九龍城寨希望透過這個地方，重新找回這種人與人之間的連結感。在這裡，不需要說很多話，也不一定要非常熟絡，但你會知道，你不是一個人獨自飲酒，這裡有人和你一樣感受到這個城市的脈動。這份共鳴與連結，正是九龍城寨最想帶給顧客的東西。

地址：尖沙咀漆咸道南115號達成商業大廈2樓

營業時間：星期一至星期四及日： 17:00 - 02:00/星期五六及公眾假期：17:00 - 04:00

A Message from the founder

Donald, the founder of KLSC, uses three adjectives to describe their establishment and brand spirit: "nostalgic," "rebellious," and "meticulous."

The first is "nostalgic." KLSC focuses very much on the atmosphere of old Hong Kong.From the decor and the music played to the design of the food and drink menu, they aim to evoke a sense of the past, allowing customers to seemingly travel through time and relive the atmosphere of old Hong Kong.

Next is "rebellious." This word might sound exaggerated, but Donald explains that they don't simply want to follow mainstream trends and open a "pretty, Instagrammable bar." Instead, they delve deeper, aiming to tell the story of a place's spirit and convey a unique attitude.

Finally, "meticulous." This is because the team members at KLSC are extremely "obsessive." Their pursuit of detail is almost perfect; even the placement of a lamp, the presentation of a drink, or the design of a menu will be repeatedly discussed and carefully scrutinized. In this "obsession," they strive for ultimate perfection.

Therefore, for Donald, KLSC is more than just a bar; it's a unique space where customers can temporarily escape reality and find a moment of peace.

Brand Story

Local Creation: Stories Rooted in the Spirit of Hong Kong

Regarding the position of "local creation" in this city, Donald, the owner of KLSC, believes that people often mistakenly assume that anything made in Hong Kong is local creation. However, he emphasizes that local creation is not merely about location; more importantly, it's about whether it carries the story, attitude, or spirit of Hong Kong. Regardless of where it is created, as long as it possesses characteristics unique to that place, it can be called "local creation."

Donald admits that creating in Hong Kong is not easy. The market size is small, resources are scarce, and creators often have to battle against time and cost. But precisely because of this, those who are still willing to persevere are truly passionate about this land. Kowloon Walled City, through every detail of its decor, atmosphere, food, and drinks, aims to tell the story of Hong Kong. He firmly believes that being born and raised here, creating something that belongs to one's own place, is the most natural thing to do.

The Space of Film: "Living Again" When Inspiration Dries Up

Donald admits that at a certain stage of creative work, one does feel tired, starts to become numb, and even can't distinguish whether what they are doing is for the good of the work or merely to complete a task. When he realizes this numbness, he knows that inspiration has dried up and passion has extinguished.

Typically, at these times, he chooses to watch movies. Film is a very special space that, through unique elements such as sets, cinematography, dialogue, lighting, and rhythm, creates a world one can "enter." Donald naturally immerses himself in another world, as if living another life. In the movie, he observes how different characters live, speak, and make choices. This feeling of "living again" opens up his perspective on the world, allowing him to re-experience: "Ah, so stories can be told this way." "So this emotion, I haven't expressed it like this before." Inspiration often emerges quietly through such immersion and realization.

Connection and Resonance: Rediscovering Human Touch in KLSC

What KLSC most hopes everyone can feel through their brand in the present moment is "human touch."

Donald explains that the choice to use "Kowloon Walled City" as the theme is because, in the old days, despite the Walled City being chaotic, densely populated, and a mix of all sorts of people, it was precisely in such an environment that a unique sense of neighborhood and a culture of mutual care flourished. There wasn't much sense of distance; instead, there was a tangible warmth, just like in old public housing estates where you knew what your neighbors were cooking and greeted each other in the corridors. However, today's city is becoming faster and more efficient, to the point where even saying "good morning" to someone seems awkward, and human touch feels increasingly diluted.

Therefore, KLSC hopes to use this place to rediscover this sense of connection between people. Here, you don't need to say much, nor do you need to be particularly familiar, but you will know that you are not drinking alone; there are others here who feel the pulse of this city just like you. This resonance and connection are precisely what Kowloon Walled City most wants to bring to its customers.

Address: 2/F, Tak Sing Alliance Building, 115 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui 

Business Hour: Mon–Thur&Sun： 17:00–02:00/Fri, Sat & before PH： 17:00–04:00