13 New Things You Shouldn't Miss on Your Next Hong Kong Trip
Hong Kong is always happening and the city never stays the same for long. While its great to settle for tried-and-test favorites, why not dive into this dynamic city and sample something new?
Watch This Space
Newly opened establishments worth your attention
Tai Kwun
Those tired of the typical tourist spots in Hong Kong would be pleased to know about this new cultural playground. The newly opened Tai Kwun is a converted police station compound that now serves as a center for heritage and the arts. First-timers can discover the history of the compound through designated heritage storytelling activities, while visitors can also enjoy the contemporary art exhibits integral to the area. Tai Kwun will soon host art workshops and be a venue for performing arts.
10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong,
Little Tipsy
This modern European diner is the smaller alternative to chef Kong
9/F Wong Tze building, 71 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong,
The Secret Restaurant by Gough’s On Gough
Timothy Oulton and his culinary creations basked in the spotlight when Gough’s On Gough opened last year, so he's now lying low and enjoying
15 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, goughsongoughs.com
Popinjays
Nestled on the rooftop of The Murray is Popinjays, which comes with a great view of bird-filled Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and Garden Road. Through Popinjays' kitchen doors will exit modern European-inspired fare conceptualized by food scene veteran chef Didier Quennouelle. As guests do some birdwatching, they may also enjoy avian-themed cocktails from Popinjays’ extensive bar menu. Beverages like Blue Macau or the Peacock Royale all come with design hints of their namesake birds. At the center of it all is The Aviary, a private dining room that seats 14 guests.
On Fridays and Saturdays, groups of four or more can look forward to the Birds of Feather offering, which features a selection of shared dishes plus free-flowing cocktails.
25/F, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, niccolohotels.com
Now Showing
Upcoming events, concerts, exhibits, and exclusive screenings
Movie Movie Festival: Life Is Art
In this year’s edition of the Movie
For more information, visit moviemovie.com.hk
“Thresholds of Perception” by Catherine Christer Hennix
Swedish visual artist Catherine Christer Hennix makes her Asian debut with a surreal exhibition at The Empty Gallery. Also a composer and a poet, Hennix treads beyond her music and explores her other artistic side. The venue will showcase her work on waveforms, neon-lit symbols, as well as stainless steel sculptures.
Until September 8, Empty Gallery, 18th and 19th floor, Grand Marine Center, 3 Yue Fung Street, Tin
Harbour City X SNARKITECTURE
New York-based design studio has installed its first exhibition in the city and has chosen to do it at the high-foot traffic area on Harbour City. Entitled “Bounce,” the interactive installation gives visitors the chance to play in a stark white playground with—you guessed it—giant bouncy balls. These free sessions run for 20 minutes each.
Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City
Clockenflap
For 10 years now, Clockenflap has brought some the biggest names in music to perform on Hong Kong ground, and this year’s first round lineup already promises Khalid onstage. The next wave of performers over the three-day concert will soon be announced.
Clockenflap, November 9 to 11, clockenflap.com
Best Kept Secrets
Under-the-radar spots
Room 309
Within The Pottinger, the supposedly discreet 22-seater Room 309 is begging to be found. To enter, guests have to pick up a keycard at the make-shift “Reception.” Once in, guests will notice that
The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, room309.hk
Sai Kung Volcanic Rocks
Longing for something new, but one that doesn’t require the swiping of a credit card in Hong Kong? Away from the business districts and crowded shopping streets is the small but scenic village of Sai Kung. Just 30 minutes away from Central, the Hong Kong Global Geopark features the beautiful Sai Kung Peninsula, a picturesque set of volcanic rocks. Guided tours and buses have made it easier for visitors to come and witness the spot, which has become known for hiking, swimming, and wildlife-watching.
What’s Trending
Establishments receiving noteworthy
The Murray
Once a place of business and politics, The Murray is the hottest new five-star hotel to grace the Central skyline. Designed by Forster + Partners, the former government
The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, niccolohotel.com
Amber Coffee Brewery
To set itself apart from the pack, Amber has award-winning barista Dawn Chan steering the wheel (or in this case, grinding the coffee). Chan, twice a champion at the Hong Kong Barista Championship and fourth at the 2015 World Barista Championship, uses coffee beans sourced from Colombia and Brazil. The quaint, yet modern coffee shop turns into a wine bar at night.
140-142 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
Yan Toh Heen
You can’t leave Hong Kong without some Cantonese food, and where better to get your fix than at the newly renovated Yan Toh Heen. Awarded two Michelin stars, the Chinese restaurant has recently been relocated to a new spot at the Harbourview-based Intercontinental Hotel. Just as the interiors have undergone a makeover, regulars will notice a change in the menu, too, as executive chef Lau Yiu Fai, who has been with the hotel for over 30 years, introduces new Cantonese dishes.
Lower Level, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
