Tucked above a row of shophouses along Ban Hock Road, Back Street Venue is carving out a space for intimate gatherings, creative collaboration and meaningful community connections in the heart of Kuching.
Cosy New Hub for Kuching’s Lifestyle, Arts Scene
In a city where new event spaces are constantly emerging, it takes more than stylish interiors to stand out. For Marian Chin, founder of Back Street Venue, the difference lies in creating an atmosphere where people feel connected, inspired and comfortable enough to share ideas, stories and creativity.
“What makes it unique is not just the venue itself, but the atmosphere and experiences it creates,” said Marian during the official launch of Back Street Venue on May 9 and 10, 2026.
Located on the first floor above her business, Lifespanstree, along Ban Hock Road beside Telang Usan Hotel, the venue is hard to miss. Its striking tangerine-coloured corner unit brightens the row of shophouses and immediately catches the attention of passers-by.
Yet stepping inside reveals a completely different mood from the bustle outside. Unlike large convention halls or formal function rooms, Back Street Venue offers a warm and intimate setting designed for smaller gatherings and meaningful interactions. Its first-floor location gives the venue a tucked-away charm, allowing guests to feel removed from the bustle of the city while still being centrally located.
The venue is ideal for creative workshops, lifestyle events, private celebrations, small performances and community-based activities. Marian envisioned a space where conversations flow naturally and where people can gather not only for events, but also for shared experiences that encourage collaboration and connection.
The cosy scale of the venue proved especially fitting during the launch weekend. Visitors arriving at the event were immediately drawn into ongoing creative workshops, artisan showcases and culinary sessions. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged guests to mingle freely, moving from one activity to another while discovering local products and meeting the people behind them.
One particularly popular snack during the event was the crunchy tempeh crisps prepared by Nazrin Abdullah, a marketing manager with a passion for cooking. Made from fermented soybeans, the addictive snack quickly became a favourite among participants, many of whom happily munched on the crispy treats between sessions. One of those enjoying the snack was artist and poet Angelina Bong, who even brought several packets home.
Another highlight was SHE Hub, an initiative by Indah House Kuching dedicated to empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds through mentorship, skills training and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The programme introduced several inspiring women entrepreneurs and their products, adding depth and meaning to the event beyond lifestyle and entertainment.
Among the entrepreneurs was Istikamah with Cikma Coklat, who brought handcrafted chocolates from Kabong. Gertrude from Mosiak Co showcased farm-to-table roselle-based products, while Maswati introduced Qurattu Kelupis, a delicacy wrapped in leaves from her hometown, which quickly became a favourite among visitors.
Traditional flavours also played an important role during the event. Suzana’s Kak Sue’s Kuih Talam featured assorted kuih talam inspired by treasured family recipes, while Netti introduced Majun Sakka Cinta, a herbal remedy specially prepared for women.
The intimate setting allowed visitors to interact directly with the entrepreneurs, listen to their personal stories and appreciate the passion behind each handcrafted product. Unlike larger commercial fairs, where interactions are often brief, Back Street Venue encouraged a more personal and meaningful experience between creators and guests.
Coffee lovers also found something special through KuraKura Coffee, represented by Liza Ahngau, who shared the inspiring story behind the brand.
“It all started in 2009 when we opened a homestay at my parents’ jungle farm,” she explained. “Being coffee lovers, we decided to plant a few coffee trees for our own use and to share with our guests. For many years, we roasted our beans in a wok and served fresh coffee to visitors. It became quite popular, so we planted more trees and eventually bought a small home roaster.”
The event also featured beautifully scented candles by Brembui Borneo Candle from the Dayung Semadang Women Community. With fragrances such as lemongrass, ylang-ylang and lavender, the handcrafted candles added another sensory element to the cosy venue.
The two-day launch event was organised by Lifespantree together with the Sarawak Women for Women Society and the Delphic Association of Arts and Culture of Malaysia. Media support also came from Sarawak Tribune Lifestyle, Team Kuching King and Sarawak Daily.
Themed “Moms Just Wanna Have Fun”, the celebration focused on appreciating women who are strong, creative and resilient. Programmes throughout the weekend included fashion fundraising activities, inspiring talks, artisan showcases, food experiences, singing, dancing and live music performances.
More than simply introducing a new venue, the launch reflected a growing interest in community-centred spaces where people can gather in smaller settings while enjoying richer and more meaningful interactions. Back Street Venue may be modest in size, but its welcoming atmosphere and creative energy suggest it could become a vibrant new hub for Kuching’s lifestyle and arts community.
