Timeless Hangouts: 8 Colonial-Era Restaurants and Bars in Hong Kong

As the clock struck midnight on June 30, 1997, Hong Kong was about to embark on a historic new chapter.

On that night, thousands of Chinese soldiers arrived in Hong Kong as the British lowered their flag. The momentous event? Just a day later, the United Kingdom handed back the territory to China after over 150 years of British rule, an event now known as 'The Handover.'

Some Hong Kong residents took to the streets in protest, others fled in fear, while many celebrated the dawn of a new era.

One of the night’s most memorable celebrations took place at Carnegie's, a legendary late-night venue in Hong Kong. The spot, known for its wild parties, sadly shut its doors this June after 23 years of unforgettable nights.

Colonial-era restaurants and bars are becoming increasingly rare, but travelers can still experience a taste of British Hong Kong at these seven iconic spots:

The Peninsula Lobby

Step into The Peninsula hotel's grand lobby any day of the week, and you'll find crowds gathered, eagerly waiting for their turn to indulge in the world-famous Afternoon Tea.

A longstanding tradition at The Peninsula, this iconic colonial hotel, which opened in 1928 under British rule, is Hong Kong's oldest luxury hotel.

"Life seemed slower back then," reflects Florian Trento, Executive Chef at the Peninsula Hong Kong, in an interview with Dinogo. "There were no mobile phones, and people spent time engaging with each other. Meals were at the heart of social life, offering plenty of time to converse."

Trento has been a part of The Peninsula since 1987, and he recalls working late into the rainy night of the handover, as the hotel prepared special menus to accompany the July 1 fireworks celebration.

"That night carried a sense of uncertainty, but overall, the city had a somber tone," he reflects. "Of course, things have changed – we’re all 20 years older! Life has always been good. It’s noisier now, and with social media, people connect less, but life in Hong Kong remains great."

The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong; +852 2920 2888

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The Globe

For newcomers to Hong Kong, The Globe is likely best known for its impressive craft beer selection. For long-time patrons, however, the bar brings back memories of its heyday as Central's go-to neighborhood pub.

This iconic British pub opened its doors in 1995 on Hollywood Road, conveniently located beside the famous Mid-Levels Escalator. In its prime, it hosted the likes of Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, Australian tennis star Pat Cash, and former English rugby player Jason Leonard.

After almost 15 years in its original location, the landlord doubled the rent, prompting The Globe to relocate just off Hollywood Road in 2009.

"We did our best to bring as much of the old Globe with us as we could – the painted Globe map still adorns the wall, and the classic round tables and tall bar stools are still in place," explains Toby Cooper, The Globe's director.

Cooper even salvaged the old floorboards, repurposing them into tables for the booths. Today, The Globe feels like a true British gastropub, with picnic tables, numerous taps, and a lounge for games. The best time to visit? Happy hour, which runs all day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Globe, G/F, Garley Building, 45-53 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2543 1941

Jimmy’s Kitchen

For those craving classic dishes like Baked Alaska, hearty British bangers and mash, or the flambéed tableside Steak Diane, Jimmy’s Kitchen is a must-visit Hong Kong institution.

Originally opened in 1928 in the Wan Chai district, Jimmy's Kitchen moved to Tsim Sha Tsui in 1969 (now closed) before finding a new home on Wyndham Street in 1975, where it continues to serve loyal customers.

Today, the heritage restaurant still exudes nostalgic charm, with wood-paneled walls, velvet furnishings, and rich red carpets. The menu remains faithful to its original favorites, including international dishes and steaks cooked over a high-heat broiler, creating a perfectly crispy exterior.

Jimmy’s Kitchen, G/F, South China Building, 1-3 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2526 5293

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The Verandah

Located on the Southside of Hong Kong Island, about a 30-minute drive from Central, The Verandah restaurant offers an upscale dining experience inside the historic Repulse Bay estate.

In its prime, the building operated as a famous hotel from 1920 to 1982, hosting notable guests like Ernest Hemingway and Marlon Brando. Though it was demolished in 1982, it was soon rebuilt to reflect its former splendor.

Now a luxurious residential complex, The Repulse exudes 1920s charm with its black-and-white tiled floors, grand staircases, and antique wooden accents. Guests can still indulge in afternoon tea or savor refined European cuisine at The Verandah, all while enjoying panoramic views of the South China Sea, a colonial ambiance, and live piano music.

Interested in the building’s fascinating history? Mini exhibits showcasing its past can be found scattered throughout the lobby and dining areas.

The Verandah, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Rd, Hong Kong; +852 2292 2888

The Peak Lookout

Perched atop Hong Kong’s iconic peak, The Peak Lookout has stood strong since 1947, originally known as the Peak Café. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II historic building, it was once a resting spot for sedan chair carriers.

In the past, the only way to reach the mountain’s top residences was to be carried up in a sedan chair, with this building serving as a place of rest for the carriers. Over the years, the restaurant has gained fame for its diverse menu, including top-notch oysters, barbecue, Indian dishes, and Hainan chicken.

Renamed The Peak Lookout in 2001 after a renovation and change of ownership, the restaurant’s courtyard seating offers a picturesque garden atmosphere with stunning views of Hong Kong’s southern coastline. Inside, the charming arched doorways, stone walls, and vintage black-and-white photos create a cozy, rustic vibe while telling the story of the past.

The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong; +852 2849 1000

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La Taverna

La Taverna, Hong Kong’s very first Italian restaurant, opened its doors in 1969 and remains a beloved institution.

Founded by two brothers from Milan, it became a social hub for Hong Kong’s small Italian community, who missed authentic homemade pasta and quality olive oil from back home.

Though La Taverna once had several locations, the Tsim Sha Tsui branch is the only survivor. Its charming facade, reminiscent of Milan’s cobblestone streets, and its cozy, rustic interior with wooden beams, vintage copper pots, and antique furniture, transport diners straight to Italy. This beloved spot has been serving delicious Italian fare since 1973.

The menu offers a tempting selection of indulgent Italian classics, such as the rich Milanese osso buco with creamy risotto or a wood-fired pizza.

La Taverna, 36-38 Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2376 1945

Captain’s Bar

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, one of the city's iconic hotels, is also home to a classic, timeless bar.

For 50 years, The Captain's Bar has been a popular after-work destination for Hong Kong’s elite.

While the bar has been updated over time, it still retains its classic gentleman's club charm, with leather seating, red accents, and wooden details. One of its highlights is the signature Captain’s Bar Beer, brewed by local Young Master Brewery and served in chilled silver tankards for a touch of nostalgia.

The Captain’s Bar is also renowned for its delicious Indian dishes, particularly the chicken tikka, and offers live jazz performances on weekends.

Captain’s Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2825 4006

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The FCC

Nestled in a historic 19th-century building in Central Hong Kong, The Foreign Correspondents’ Club has been a favored haunt for journalists since its establishment in 1949.

The club has relocated a few times over the years, eventually settling in a charming brick-and-stucco building that was once an ‘ice house’ – a place where dairy products were stored before the advent of refrigerators.

Stepping into the main bar, particularly on a busy Friday night, feels like traveling back in time. The walls are adorned with iconic magazine covers and poignant war images, honoring the work of its courageous members. While access is limited to members or their guests, the adjacent Fringe Club offers a taste of the same historical atmosphere.

Since opening in 1983, this art-gallery-meets-café hosts a variety of exhibitions and theater performances year-round. For a more relaxed evening, check out the rooftop bar.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central; +852 2521 1511

Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2521 7251