In the past, focusing on sustainable processes or fair materials could come at the expense of design. The restaurant “John Anthony” in Hong Kong proves that it is indeed possible to be a part of this trend while still creating a high quality establishment and without impacting design.

Designed by Linehouse, Dim Sum Cantonese restaurant is totally inspired by the historical character of John Anthony, the first Chinese person to become a British citizen in 1805. He is the father of Chinatown, and to pay tribute to him, Briar Hickling, co-founder of Linehouse, designed a British tea room that was transformed into a Chinese canteen.

And the result is a real success! Many metaphors decorate the walls of the restaurant to reflect the mixture of the two cultures in a blink of an eye. For example, the main refectory is a reinterpretation of the Docklands’ warehouses (where John Anthony worked at the time). The bar displays tubes of gin infused with mixtures of plants found along the spice route. Clay tiles placed along the walls come from abandoned houses in rural China.

On the ceilings of the bathrooms, there are recycled plastic tubes. The same goes for the paper used throughout the restaurant, from the menu to invitation cards and toilet paper—everything is recycled.

Each element embraces an ecological or ethical initiative, all created with craftsmanship. Wicker elements are hand-woven, indigo fabrics suspended from the ceiling are hand-dyed, rattan furniture is made locally and the paints on the walls are created from non-toxic ecological components.

As for food and beverages, the same concept is in place, that of reducing the ecological footprint as much as possible and favoring local producers. The wine list only offers bottles from environmentally-friendly vineyards, fair trade tea and coffee, as well as a kitchen that uses a food composting system to reduce waste and water use.

Whether in terms of the products offered or the space itself, John Anthony is perfectly aware of the challenges that drive our modern society, and has taken ownership of them to offer a result as pleasant as it is delicious.

If Linehouse is betting on a trend so far, this trend will indeed be an essential alternative in the long run, when it will no longer be an alternative but THE sustainable solution for establishments in the future.