A legislator has stepped in to help prevent the closure of Tai Cheong Bakery - whose renowned egg tarts are a favourite of former governor Chris Patten - because of a hefty rent increase.
Liberal Party member and legislator Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, who represents the catering sector, said he would try his best to help the 51-year-old bakery in Central, which has been described as part of Hong Kong's heritage, in its desperate last-ditch fight for a smaller increase in rent.
The South China Morning Post yesterday reported that owners of the popular Lyndhurst Terrace bakery decided to close after its new landlord raised the rent from $38,000 per month to $80,000.
Bakery proprietor Au Yeung Tin-yun said he was the victim of the economic recovery and talks to reduce the rent increase had been futile.
Residents have flocked to the bakery for more than 50 years, and Lord Patten, who is reportedly among its biggest fans, has kept in contact with Mr Au Yeung and enjoys an egg tart treat every time he returns to the city.
Mr Cheung warned that raising rent on such a large scale was similar to 'killing a hen to get its eggs' and urged the landlord to reconsider the decision.
