Tucked in a quiet corner in Lee Gardens is a shop that’s very unlike the surrounding high-rises. Its sign and walls in minimalist greys and whites plus outdoor seating are reminiscent of cafes in Harajuku, Japan. As the head barista at this NOC branch, Jayne oversees everything. But the favourite part of her job remains the quiet moments when she’s brewing coffee right in front of customers, and then, equally quietly, placing it in front of them before striking up a conversation.

 

Enjoy and Wind Down with Simpicity Design, Get Closer with Baristas

To the left of the entrance is a supersized coffee machine, but aside from that, the counter remains empty. It’s purposely designed for customers to not only wind down and enjoy their cuppas, but to get up close and personal to the baristas. 

Jayne says, “I am a shy person, so I felt a bit anxious in the beginning when customers would sit in such close proximity to me. Soon, I started to enjoy their company and their gaze at the coffee. To them, this is probably an added performance on top of a good cup of coffee.”

Communication between customer and barista is nothing new under the sun; but actually, each conversation may hold the key to perfecting that particular coffee experience. 

“Some usuals and I have become friends; we talk about coffee, of course, but also about life itself,” Jayne adds. These conversations bring a smile to her face. Customers particularly enjoy the outdoor seating. They come to seek respite over lunch hour or find peace and quiet against the glass windows near the corner bar after meetings. 

“Communication with customers isn’t bounded by words. Visitors sometimes observe my craft and receive my cup of coffee with a smile. Though without words, these exchanges are always ones to remember,” Jayne says. 

 

Team Latte Art Competition, Sharing Makes Each Other Grow

Though a barista for only two years, Jayne now heads this branch. Aside from dedicated hard work, she says her colleagues’ support played a huge role in her quick succession. 

“We’d host latte art competitions in the shop every so often to brush up our skills. We’d also share brewing techniques and coffee knowledge to help each other grow,” she adds. 

 

Break Through the Stereotype, Promote Coffee Culture with Various Special Beans

“Hong Kongers tend to think black coffee is always bitter. So to better educate them, a number of coffee shops have brought in different beans from around the world. NOC, for instance, makes single origin espressos from the Columbian bean, Bomba de Fruta Natural. It’s very sweet and brims with tropical fruits. The lattes it makes tastes like milkshakes.”

NOC is also featuring a seasonal drink, the Black Sesame Oat Latte – a perfect balance of sweetness and richness in a cup that teems with the fragrant seed. With the help of her team, Jayne hopes to introduce more flavours to her customers and promote coffee culture in Hong Kong. 

With every cup served, she’s one step closer to her dream.  

About NOC Coffee Co.

Address: Shop G23, G/F, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00* (Mon-Sun & PH)

*Opening hours and last orders' timing listed are for reference only. Information is subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the related restaurants directly with any inquiries.

Telephone: 3565 4654