A Sneak Peek into Hong Kong's Bar "BOUND by Hillywood" with the Lomo'Instant Square

Bar and Coffee Shop BOUND by Hillywood, which is located in Prince Edward in Hong Kong, makes a fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, and expressed with psychedelic neon colors. The old shop was formerly the Hillywood Bar at Hillwood Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, where it was the gathering point of many local artists but later closed due to leasing issues. However, the founder Charlie and her friend insisted on providing guests with a relaxed chat space so they decided to re-site. What brings to the new shop are new faces and cultural shocks.

Read more about the concept behind BOUND by Hillywood by Charlie and friends, and enjoy the shots of work taken with the latest Lomo'Instant Square!

Hello Charlie! Can you introduce yourself and let our readers know more about you?

I am the Co-founder of Cafe Hillywood and the BOUND by Hillywood. I stay in the BOUND more often recently and have more chance to meet every one of you.

What are the reasons that you open BOUND by Hillywood?

The reason we opened BOUND is to continue the concept of the old bar we had. Years ago, we opened a bar, Hillywood at Hillwood Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, and later we opened a restaurant named Cafe Hillywood. Because of hiking rent, we closed down the Hillywood. We always wanted to have a bar that guests come purely for a drink instead of food. Finally, we found the present site and opened BOUND.

How would you describe BOUND by Hillywood? What is the difference between BOUND and the Cafe Hillywood?

I think the atmosphere of having a drink and having a meal is totally different. In BOUND, you can freely find a seat and take your own drinks. However, for Cafe Hillywood, you are served by staff, which is more decent.

What are the differences between the past location and the recent one? What attracted you to open BOUND here?

The rent in the past location is more expensive and relatively small. The place was far-off and rarely encountered new customers. Comparatively, the present site has a larger space and the rent is relatively cheap. There are also more opportunities to meet new customers than before because of the high flow of pedestrian nearby.

Knowing that it is very troublesome and time-consuming to open a bar in Hong Kong, so what makes you stick to it?

We always enjoy what we do, but money is an important issue to make us move on. Opening a bar is very troublesome, but once you start, you have to continue. To a certain extent, rent is a reason that we continue to move on.

What is the greatest satisfaction that BOUND brings to you?

It is from the guests. The transformation from customers to friends is very magical and also gives me the greatest satisfaction.

Do you like instant photography?

I like instant photography because you can see the results instantly. I can have the photo physically in hand, which is much better than seeing the pictures on the screen.

What do you think about the square format? What is the difference comparing to the previous format?

I think the square format is different than the common rectangular format.

If you were given a Lomo'Instant Square, what are you going to shoot?

I will put it in BOUND and take pictures with friends and guests, to record their happy moments in BOUND.

Any plans for the future?

It may happen in next year, but probably not in Hong Kong. Stay tuned everyone!

Discover BOUND by Hillywood by following them on Facebook and Instagram !

2017-09-20 #people #instant #kickstarter #instantphotography #lomoinstantsquare