New operator spending $12m on transforming Cafe into Lookout

The building formerly known as the Peak Cafe will reopen under a new name, the Peak Lookout Hong Kong, in September.

Controversy has surrounded the handover of the government-owned site from former tenant, Freedragon, to Epicurean Management. The Peak Cafe name, used for more than 50 years, had to change because Freedragon had registered it.

Epicurean's operations manager, Grant Baird, said the Chinese word for 'lookout' included in the restaurant's logo meant 'house in the mountains'. Renovation started last week, aiming to create the feel of a 1920s house, said Mr Baird, adding that the opening had been delayed until September.

In June, Freedragon hired security to stop access to the site 'in the interest of public safety' - a day after Epicurean photographed demolition work that went beyond what it had expected. Freedragon removed improvements it had made, including flooring, an office, kitchens and a fireplace.

Mr Baird said he was happy to finally get access last week, although the size of the task was daunting. The firm had discovered a leak in the roof caused by plants, he said. The ivy on the front would have to be removed in the interests of conserving the building.

Start-up costs are estimated at $12 million, including work on the building, furniture from Spain, kitchen equipment and external lighting. In the long term, the operator hopes to build a viewing platform looking out over the South China Sea, but this will require government approval.