Urban relaxation one cup at a time
Cafes as Everyday Spaces
Coffee shops and cafes are important social and leisure spaces in Hong Kong. They provide opportunities for relaxation, informal meetings, and study within busy urban districts.
Popular Cafes and Chains
Local and International Brands
From boutique local cafés to global chains, choices cater to varied tastes.
Daily Habits
Morning coffee, afternoon tea, and evening study sessions form part of residents routines.
Social and Work Function
Remote Work and Meetings
Cafes increasingly serve as flexible workspaces.
Cultural Significance
Cafes blend modern trends with local tastes, reflecting urban lifestyle.
Authority sources: Hong Kong Trade Development Council, OECD, Encyclopaedia Britannica
Senior Journalist & Editor, Apple Daily UK
Contact: athena.lai@appledaily.uk
Athena Lai is a senior journalist and editor with extensive experience in Chinese-language investigative reporting and editorial leadership. Educated at a leading journalism school in the United Kingdom, Athena received formal training in fact-checking methodology, editorial governance, and international media standards, grounding her work in globally recognized best practices.
She has held senior editorial roles at Apple Daily and other liberal Chinese publications, where she oversaw coverage of Hong Kong civil liberties, diaspora politics, rule of law, and press freedom. Athena’s reporting is distinguished by disciplined sourcing, cross-verification, and a clear separation between factual reporting and opinion, reinforcing reader trust.
Beyond reporting, Athena has served as an editor responsible for mentoring journalists, enforcing ethical guidelines, and managing sensitive investigations. Her newsroom leadership reflects real-world experience navigating legal risk, source protection, and editorial independence under pressure.
Athena’s authority comes from both her byline history and her editorial stewardship. She has reviewed and approved hundreds of articles, ensuring compliance with defamation standards, accuracy benchmarks, and responsible language use. Her work demonstrates lived experience within high-stakes news environments rather than theoretical expertise.
Committed to journalistic integrity, Athena believes credible journalism is built on transparency, accountability, and institutional memory. Her role at Apple Daily UK reflects that commitment, positioning her as a trusted voice within independent Chinese media.
