Hong Kong – Fine Dining then Party ‘til Dawn
Autumn 2009
Kowloon has the Tottenham Court Road of Hong Kong, endless rows of electrical discount stores, all seemingly offering rock bottom bargains on cameras, camcorders, MP3 players and anything else that takes AA batteries. However, beware, because often the models are lines that the major manufacturers never put on general release or are discontinued. Don’t assume prices are good either. I’ve seen cameras in Kowloon at almost twice the UK price.
The endless parade of seedy bars and clubs remain, but interestingly the shopping in Kowloon has begun to move up market in recent years. Whilst some of the major fashion labels move in, a number of the dodgy electronics stores are disappearing faster than a Taiwan warranty.
The quickest and cheapest way to cross the harbour to Hong Kong Island is via the Star Ferry, which takes a few minutes, costs a few cents and runs with shuttle frequency.
Should you decide to stay on the ‘island’, Hong Kong’s other world famous hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, reopened in late 2006 after a £140m refurbishment. The rooms and suites are impressive and have the edge over the Pen. The hotel’s two bars are overrun with local businessmen who are locked in an ongoing show of mine is bigger than yours – cigar, that is. I gave up trying to secure a table in the Captain’s Bar. At least the staff in the 25th floor M Bar recognised that we were hotel residents and managed to find a perch for two at the end of the bar.
Those of you who feel lonely without lots of company might wish to consider the 565 room Island Shangri-La. It’s as impersonal as a hotel can be but it does have a very good restaurant.
Take the elevator to the 56th floor and look down over the atrium at the world’s largest Chinese Silk painting, which drops 16 floors, before entering Petrus for lunch. Petrus has stunning views over Victoria Harbour and the clever structure of the restaurant ensures that all can enjoy an uninterrupted view. As is often the case, the lunch menu is good value and the dress requirements, more informal.
The best restaurant in Hong Kong is Caprice, at the top of the Four Season’s Hotel. Chef Vincent Thierry has secured the acclaim of Caprice being ‘One of the Ten Best French Restaurants in the World’. Having enjoyed his 9 course ‘Taste of Caprice’, I wouldn’t disagree. If you’re looking for something special, this is it.
There are two vast shopping malls in Hong Kong Central and, of course, all the major fashion houses have stores. Try visiting one of the Joyce stores for a wide selection of labels. It may, perhaps, not be the coolest name to put over a haut couture boutique, but the range and prices are good.
If you feel inclined to put on shorts, long socks and sandals you will be perfectly at ease with the throngs of tourists queuing for The Peak Tram. The view of Hong Kong from The Peak is worth seeing but don’t plan a grand day out unless you’re missing Burger King and fancy a few Chinese knick-knacks for the mantelpiece back home.
Hong Kong never sleeps so to party is easy. Head to Lan Kwai Fong in Central or Lockhart Road in Wanchai and your eyes won’t know which way to turn. End the night with breakfast and go to bed as the sun rises.
Hong Kong is not a fine wine, to be savoured over a leisurely weekend.
It is an endless slam of Tequila shots.
The endless parade of seedy bars and clubs remain, but interestingly the shopping in Kowloon has begun to move up market in recent years. Whilst some of the major fashion labels move in, a number of the dodgy electronics stores are disappearing faster than a Taiwan warranty.
The quickest and cheapest way to cross the harbour to Hong Kong Island is via the Star Ferry, which takes a few minutes, costs a few cents and runs with shuttle frequency.
Should you decide to stay on the ‘island’, Hong Kong’s other world famous hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, reopened in late 2006 after a £140m refurbishment. The rooms and suites are impressive and have the edge over the Pen. The hotel’s two bars are overrun with local businessmen who are locked in an ongoing show of mine is bigger than yours – cigar, that is. I gave up trying to secure a table in the Captain’s Bar. At least the staff in the 25th floor M Bar recognised that we were hotel residents and managed to find a perch for two at the end of the bar.
Those of you who feel lonely without lots of company might wish to consider the 565 room Island Shangri-La. It’s as impersonal as a hotel can be but it does have a very good restaurant.
Take the elevator to the 56th floor and look down over the atrium at the world’s largest Chinese Silk painting, which drops 16 floors, before entering Petrus for lunch. Petrus has stunning views over Victoria Harbour and the clever structure of the restaurant ensures that all can enjoy an uninterrupted view. As is often the case, the lunch menu is good value and the dress requirements, more informal.
The best restaurant in Hong Kong is Caprice, at the top of the Four Season’s Hotel. Chef Vincent Thierry has secured the acclaim of Caprice being ‘One of the Ten Best French Restaurants in the World’. Having enjoyed his 9 course ‘Taste of Caprice’, I wouldn’t disagree. If you’re looking for something special, this is it.
There are two vast shopping malls in Hong Kong Central and, of course, all the major fashion houses have stores. Try visiting one of the Joyce stores for a wide selection of labels. It may, perhaps, not be the coolest name to put over a haut couture boutique, but the range and prices are good.
If you feel inclined to put on shorts, long socks and sandals you will be perfectly at ease with the throngs of tourists queuing for The Peak Tram. The view of Hong Kong from The Peak is worth seeing but don’t plan a grand day out unless you’re missing Burger King and fancy a few Chinese knick-knacks for the mantelpiece back home.
Hong Kong never sleeps so to party is easy. Head to Lan Kwai Fong in Central or Lockhart Road in Wanchai and your eyes won’t know which way to turn. End the night with breakfast and go to bed as the sun rises.
Hong Kong is not a fine wine, to be savoured over a leisurely weekend.
It is an endless slam of Tequila shots.
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
