A British Affair

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just passed and the London Olympics right around the corner, this summer’s all about the English. And now, you can get in on the celebrations with our homegrown British restaurants, pubs and tea venues. No, it’s not all fish and chips or bangers and mash—but you can have those too, if that’s your cup of tea.

British Spread

Gastropubs, hole-in-the-walls—there’s a resto for whatever tickles your fancy.

Harrington’s

Harrington’s is the city’s latest gastropub (and wine bar), owned by Castelo Concepts, who’re also behind Oolaa and Jaspa’s. The menu here, as you might have guessed, is glammed up pub grub. Steak sandwiches are actually made of steak, and bangers and mash are upscale takes with a slab of bacon on the side. Shepherd’s pie and Angus burgers round off the menu—and it’s entirely up to you whether you want a simple pint or a fancy glass of wine with your meal.
1 Ho Lee Commercial Building, 17 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2522-1823.

The Phoenix

Right by the Mid-Levels escalators over Caine Road is The Phoenix, a British-influenced gastropub that serves only what’s fresh and in season via an ever-changing blackboard menu. Whether it’s fish and chips, hearty burgers or the quintessential Shepherd’s pie, most of the mains cost a reasonable $100 to $200, which means you can wash it all down with several rounds of their own locally brewed draft beer. 
G/F, 29 Shelley St., Central, 2546-2110.

Yorkshire Pudding

The authentic British

pub grub served at this SoHo gastropub definitely hits the spot; for just $98 you can get a three-course lunch including coffee and a Yorkshire pudding. Remember to save room for dessert as they serve all of the traditional favorites, from warm bread and butter pudding to sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. Bonus: the Olympics will be shown here!
6 Staunton St., Central, 2536-9968.

The Chippy

This hole-in-the-wall is

the only English fish and chip shop in Hong Kong, and true to its name, the best thing on the menu is the signature dish. The fish comes crispy and flaky on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Traditional fat chips are also served on the side. Full English breakfasts are up for grabs too, as well as a more unorthodox deep-fried Mars bar with ice cream. Prices are a bit steep at this eatery, but the fish alone is well worth it.
The Chippy, 51 Wellington St., Central, 2523-1618.

Limehouse

This British restaurant

serves upscale reinventions of traditional pub food and conveniently doubles as the perfect date destination, located as it is in a Wan Chai shophouse up a quiet fleet of stairs. The lunch deal is great value for money, with two courses plus tea or coffee at just $88 per head. Serves all of the English favorites, including bangers and mash as well as fish and chips.
35 Ship St., Wan Chai, 2528-5818.

The Chinnery

The Chinnery is a

bastion of the best of Britishness, with its cozy armchairs, free newspapers, 100-plus single malts and beer served in silver tankards. The menu features steak and stout pie, bangers and mash and chocolate crumble. Also be sure to try the Mandarin burger that comes chockablock with bacon and cheddar cheese, as well as triple-fried French fries.
1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd. Central, 2825-4003.

Brick Lane

Named after the trendy area in London, this small corner venue offers all of the traditional English dishes as well as an all-day breakfast. The eggs benedict is served with black truffle on top, and the breakfast comes with the works.
G/F, 2 Blenheim Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2736-8893.

Bespoke

This quirky little restaurant has simple and homey décor, and serves conventional British tea with little cakes and sandwiches as well as a delicious chocolate truffle cake. Head here for a quiet, relaxed cup of coffee or tea.
G/F, Manhattan Place, 23 Wang Tai Rd., Kowloon Bay, 2670-6830.

Related Article
A Weekend in London

Boozy Bars

Fancy a cheeky drink? These all-English pubs have some of the best brews Hong Kong has to offer.

The Globe

This ever-popular

venue with a massive bar area, a lounge and cozy wooden booths serves a huge selection of high-quality imported beer (with the Belgian and British selections being highlights)—not to mention an impressive list of wines, too. This bar only chooses the best brands, so don’t be afraid to try something new. The Globe also invents seasonal cocktails that change every few months. Head here for a tasty beverage or for the traditional British pub food and a Sunday night roast. Bonus: the bar will be broadcasting the Olympics.
Garley Building, 45-53 Graham St., Central, 2543-1941.

The Pawn

This high-end restaurant

slash bar with its beautiful décor, high ceilings and open-air balcony—all housed in a 19th century heritage building—is known for its eclectic British charm and creative cocktails. There’s also a wide variety of wines to choose from, if you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated evening.
62 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2866-3444.

Trafalgar

This English pub boasts a wide array of British home brews amidst a typically English décor with high barstools and tables inside, and deck chairs on the terrace. Patrons can enjoy a football match the proper way care of the impressive 120-inch projectors. The range of home brews is vast, with a beer for every occasion. Sample from the pub grub menu while enjoying some British rock in the background.
5/F, The Broadway, 54-62 Lockhart Rd., Wan Chai, 2110-1535.

Tea Please

Head to one of these afternoon tea hotspots for some dainty sandwiches
and scrumptious scones.
 

The Peninsula Lobby

The Peninsula afternoon

tea is the most iconic and well-known of all afternoon tea places in Hong Kong, and really needs no introduction. Enjoy traditional crumbly scones with clotted cream and jam while listening to a string quartet in the main lobby of this beautiful hotel. The teas on offer range from classic Indian blends to Chinese favorites. Tea is served every day from 2 to 7pm. No reservations!
Lobby, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2920-2888.

Clipper Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental

The Clipper Lounge takes

a different spin on afternoon tea, serving chicken tarragon pies and parmesan éclairs. The cozy lounge offers its own blend of oolong tea as well as horseradish, truffle and egg mayonnaise sandwiches. Tea is served here from 3 to 6pm everyday.
M/F, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Rd, Central, 2825-4007.

The Parlour at the Hullett House

The Parlour offers

traditional English afternoon tea in a beautiful and spacious setting. The menu offers strictly traditional cucumber, bone ham, smoked salmon and egg salad sandwiches on white bread as well as scones, pastries and fruit tarts. Tea is served from 2:30 to 6pm on weekdays and from 2 to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
G/F, Hullett House, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0101.