Life's a beach, and then you dine

Anyone embarking on a tour of south Lantau's gastro pubs and restaurants has a choice: start at the China Beach Club in Silvermine Bay and work round to The Gallery in Tong Fuk. Or do it in reverse.

Gone are the days when the ferry to Mui Wo was the only option. Now the MTR goes from Central station to Tung Chung with connecting south Lantau buses. You can even take a taxi all or part of the way from Hong Kong Island.

Transport dictates where you start. Weekend walkers also hike over the hill from Discovery Bay to Silvermine Bay and collapse into the welcoming arms of Julie Nunn and Rachel Lambert at the China Beach Club. That's upstairs in the former Mui Wo Lifeguard Association's building overlooking the beach.

It's relaxed and friendly, and spectacular views accompany a menu featuring hungry hiker-sized helpings of Thai red curry (HK$99), plates of huge prawns and mayo (HK$155) and lamb chops (HK$149). There's also barbecue surf 'n' turf (HK$225) with jet-fresh Australian steak. Dishes come with Greek salad and a choice of garlic buttery mash or chips, with home-made apple crumble to follow.

Beers include German drafts, and red and white wines cost from HK$185 to HK$320 per bottle.

If hiking from DB doesn't appeal, fast ferries take 30 minutes from Central to Mui Wo and the China Beach Club is a leisurely 20-minute stroll along Silvermine Beach. Recent arrivals on the Mui Wo scene include the Kitchen and Casa Brasil. For the former, turn left after the ferry, past the China Bear pub and Tom's coffee shop, as locals call Caffe Paradiso.

You'll find bacon butties, all-day breakfasts and superior lattes, made with Trappist Monastery milk.