Rockers John Prymmer (Don’t Panic) and Keith Goodman (The Sleeves), who were part of a partnership that took over the venue in 2010, made a promise to fans that they’d be back. They kept it.

In April The Wanch will open in a new location on Jaffe Road a space formerly occupied by sports bar Uptown 90 and above another Wan Chai hotspot, Amazonia Bar.

“The new venue is more than 150 square metres, almost four times bigger than the old one,” says Goodman. “There’s loads of natural light, which is different from the old venue.”

Hong Kong institution The Wanch celebrates 30th years of live music

It also has tables with charging ports, an elevated stage and new Yamaha equipment. But it’s the addition of a full kitchen that’s the biggest change. “We don’t want to give too much away about what’s on the menu,” says Goodman. “We want a big reveal when we open.”

What he can share, however, is that British chef Neil Tomes was part of the pre-launch team, helping develop the menu and consulting on kitchen operations. “Foodies will be familiar with some of the places Neil’s worked at,” he says. Tomes has had stints at The Fat Duck, M at the Fringe, Beef & Liberty and Alfie’s by Kee.

A more comprehensive food and drinks menu, including its own exclusive beer, Live Session Ale, means The Wanch can open during the day (restaurants are banned from serving dine-in customers after 6pm until April 20, and live music is banned).

“As for drinks, we’re taking this opportunity to start with a blank sheet, to form new brand partnerships,” says Goodman. They will include guest beers on tap alongside old favourites, a new wine list and spirit brand partnerships.

“No, we haven’t gone all pretentious – I mean look at the two of us,” laughs Goodman. “We just want to cater to a more diverse crowd.”

Fans nostalgic for the old Wanch needn’t despair: capturing its spirit was paramount, say the co-owners.

“The new decor is a mix of old and new,” says Prymmer. “When we closed, we took all the paraphernalia and put it in storage – we even have the old tram benches.”

Old gig posters and framed pictures, like those of The Beatles and The Who, will also return. “And the old jukebox will be back,” adds Prymmer.

Goodman says by the time guests get to the first floor, there will be enough familiar decor “for diehard Wanch fans of the past to feel comfortable that we’ve preserved the heritage”.

Kudos should also go to the owners for opening at a time when many other businesses are closing. But the road has been a rocky one, says Prymmer, with the pandemic disrupting supply chains and construction schedules. The latest wave of Covid-19 has also taken a toll.

“A lot of the work crew have been sick so, like today, only a bit of work went on in the morning and then that was it for the day because they had to cover another site […] we’re battling through these things,” says Prymmer.

Goodman hopes the semi-lockdown has been a fertile incubation period for new musicians. “We’ve sat on the sidelines for 18 months, so the field’s been laid fallow for that time. Now it’s time to plant again, so hopefully new musical creativity will emerge.”

It aligns with The Wanch’s philosophy: in the past it provided local acts, such as hardcore rockers King Ly Chee, a much-needed place to play.

“We’ll offer a stage for all acts, not just cover bands doing Livin’ on a Prayer, every night,” says Prymmer of the Bon Jovi classic. “The Wanch has always been about live music supporting all types of music: indie bands, heavy metal, blues, cover bands, original music, solo acoustic artists … “There’s a tonne of talented musicians in this city but few places for them to play.”

The Wanch is also about keeping patrons happy.

“At the old Wanch, people would rock with friends, or alone, and feel part of something,” says Goodman. “Now we hope people will also come because of the great drink choice and food – and the great atmosphere.”