NERVE centre
Central is one of the nerve centres of global finance, where leading banks and multinationals are headquartered in iconic skyscrapers and modern, sleek grade-A offices.
Lined with glittering shopping malls, Michelin-starred restaurants and stylish clubs and bars, it is also the place to check the pulse of the latest trends.
A magnet for expatriates looking for a home away from home, the bustling hub of Hong Kong offers serviced apartments varying in style, size and price, ranging from cosy places presented by boutique providers to five-star, luxury living at its finest.
Marilyn Fu, director of sales and marketing of Onyx Hospitality Group (north Asia), which runs Shama serviced apartments, says demand for serviced apartments in Central is strong. 'The decrease in the number of expatriates working in financial institutions has been balanced by an increase [in the number of staff looking for accommodation from] the luxury, legal and accounting sectors,' she says.
Central is ideal for shopping. Pottinger Street, or Stone Slab Street, offers bargains, from jade rings to iPhone cases. Stalls along Li Yuen Street East and West sell clothes and handbags, while wet market vendors on Graham Street hawk meat, fresh fruits and vegetables. Minutes away by MTR is Admiralty, the ultimate luxury fashion destination, featuring Harvey Nichols at Pacific Place and Lab Concept by Lane Crawford at Queensway Plaza.
Shoppers wishing to relax can have a cuppa at Le Petite Cafe, or enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Cova Ristorante and Caffe.
PERFECT BLEND
Asia Society Hong Kong Centre
The Asia Society Hong Kong Centre (ASHKC), at The Hong Kong Jockey Club's former explosives magazine compound, combines new construction with former military buildings, blending heritage conservation with a modern aesthetic.
Promoting discussion of pan-Asian subjects
Located at 9 Justice Drive, the centre comprises a reception hall, theatre and gallery, allowing it to extend its educational programmes to the wider community. Part of the United States-based Asia Society, ASHKC is a charity group that seeks to promote the discussion of pan-Asian subjects. AMMO, which stands for Asia, Modern, Museum and Original, is an impressive restaurant in the Asia Society building. By day, the dining experience at the glass-encased restaurant is reminiscent of dining in the cafe of a chic art museum, while by night the bronze and copper throughout the restaurant is cinematically beautiful.
Art galleries at Pedder Building
With the opening of the Pearl Lam Gallery last month, Pedder Building has reinforced its reputation as a host of leading commercial art galleries, including New York-based Gagosian Gallery and Ben Brown Fine Arts from London. Housing a discerning collection of artworks, the historic building is a must for art enthusiasts.
